What to Pay Attention to When Raising Dogs in Apartments

       An apartment is a type of collective residence, and many dog lovers give up keeping dogs because of factors such as high population density or small activity areas. In fact, apartments and dog keeping do not necessarily conflict. As long as you choose the right dog and train it properly, there is no problem keeping a dog in an apartment.

       The first consideration when keeping a dog in an apartment is the dog’s size. The area of apartments in China is generally small, so for dog lovers living in apartments, small to medium-sized dogs are the best choice. There are two reasons why large dogs are not suitable for apartments: one, large dogs require a lot of space to move, which apartments cannot provide; two, dogs living for a long time in small spaces may develop depression and other psychological issues. For the sake of both you and your dog’s life, it’s best to choose a small to medium-sized dog. Of course, if your apartment is large enough, you can freely pick any dog you like to bring home.

       After selecting a suitable dog and bringing it home, you need to start teaching the dog to adapt to apartment life. For example, train it not to bark excessively; if its barking disturbs your neighbors’ daily lives, they might complain about you, and eventually you may have to say goodbye to your dog. If you live on a high floor, you should also pay attention to the time you walk your dog—avoid rush hours with a lot of foot traffic. Many people, especially children, are afraid of dogs, and when you share an elevator, it could cause minor or major inconvenience for others. Some owners tie their dogs near the door when at home, but this approach has more downsides than benefits. Some dogs, even if they don’t bite, will bark when they see people passing by; others may relieve themselves by the door when left outside. This way of keeping dogs not only adds trouble to yourself but also becomes a burden to others. Therefore, another major point to note when keeping a dog in an apartment is how to live harmoniously with your neighbors, since they might ultimately decide whether you and your dog can continue living together long-term.