Difference between revisions of "Keep a Dog or Cat Successfully While Living in an Apartment"
(importing article from wikihow) |
m (Update ref tag) |
||
| Line 7: | Line 7: | ||
#*Adopt a dog that is not high energy, like an English Bulldog. For a list of high energy or low energy dogs, look at: http://www.canismajor.com/dog/apart.html. | #*Adopt a dog that is not high energy, like an English Bulldog. For a list of high energy or low energy dogs, look at: http://www.canismajor.com/dog/apart.html. | ||
#*Adopt a smaller dog that takes up less space, like a Chihuahua or a Shi Zhu. | #*Adopt a smaller dog that takes up less space, like a Chihuahua or a Shi Zhu. | ||
| − | #*Adopt a cat who has already lived in an apartment or a cat that you know will be better off not roaming.<ref>http://www.petguide.com/blog/dog/top-10-best-dog-breeds-for-apartments/3</ref> | + | #*Adopt a cat who has already lived in an apartment or a cat that you know will be better off not roaming.<ref name="rf1">http://www.petguide.com/blog/dog/top-10-best-dog-breeds-for-apartments/3</ref> |
#Consider the extra costs some apartment communities charge pet owners. Many apartment communities will charge pet owners a number of fees depending on the size, breed, and type of their pet. Some of these charges can be very high, so consider them before moving in or getting a new pet. | #Consider the extra costs some apartment communities charge pet owners. Many apartment communities will charge pet owners a number of fees depending on the size, breed, and type of their pet. Some of these charges can be very high, so consider them before moving in or getting a new pet. | ||
#*Pet rent. This could vary from $5-$10 a month to much higher. | #*Pet rent. This could vary from $5-$10 a month to much higher. | ||
| Line 17: | Line 17: | ||
#*You’ll have to walk your dog before and after work, rather than just letting them out into your fenced yard. | #*You’ll have to walk your dog before and after work, rather than just letting them out into your fenced yard. | ||
#*Your future apartment community might not have a lot of green space. Many dogs are picky about where they pee and poop. If your apartment community does not have much green space, chances are it’ll be saturated with the pee and poop of other dogs, and your dog might have a tough time finding a spot. | #*Your future apartment community might not have a lot of green space. Many dogs are picky about where they pee and poop. If your apartment community does not have much green space, chances are it’ll be saturated with the pee and poop of other dogs, and your dog might have a tough time finding a spot. | ||
| − | #*Look for apartment communities that have one or more dog parks.<ref>http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/tips-to-keep-your-pets-happy-without-a-yard-167518</ref> | + | #*Look for apartment communities that have one or more dog parks.<ref name="rf2">http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/tips-to-keep-your-pets-happy-without-a-yard-167518</ref> |
#Think about how small things like walking your dog might become huge chores. When you live in a house, if you want to walk your dog, you can simply go out the front door. For many people, apartment living is much more of a challenge. Consider the following: | #Think about how small things like walking your dog might become huge chores. When you live in a house, if you want to walk your dog, you can simply go out the front door. For many people, apartment living is much more of a challenge. Consider the following: | ||
#*If you live on a second or third floor, dog walks might turn into a huge pain. | #*If you live on a second or third floor, dog walks might turn into a huge pain. | ||
#*If you live on a higher level, bringing your sick or injured pet to the car will become very difficult. | #*If you live on a higher level, bringing your sick or injured pet to the car will become very difficult. | ||
| − | #*Bringing dog poop bags, pee pads, or litter to the garbage could also become a large chore.<ref | + | #*Bringing dog poop bags, pee pads, or litter to the garbage could also become a large chore.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#Have your pet neutered or spayed. Neutering and spaying will take care of several problems associated with pet ownership. This is highly recommended for apartment living, and for pet owners in general. | #Have your pet neutered or spayed. Neutering and spaying will take care of several problems associated with pet ownership. This is highly recommended for apartment living, and for pet owners in general. | ||
#*For the owners of male cats, your cat might be less prone to spraying after being neutered. | #*For the owners of male cats, your cat might be less prone to spraying after being neutered. | ||
| Line 30: | Line 30: | ||
#*Your dog might bark when you’re not home, disturbing your neighbors. | #*Your dog might bark when you’re not home, disturbing your neighbors. | ||
#*You and your dog might cause a lot of noise if you play inside. While throwing a ball in your living room in a single family home might seem like no problem at all, the associated noise in an apartment building will certainly disturb your neighbors. | #*You and your dog might cause a lot of noise if you play inside. While throwing a ball in your living room in a single family home might seem like no problem at all, the associated noise in an apartment building will certainly disturb your neighbors. | ||
| − | #*Any other noise that might be related to your pet that could potentially disturb your neighbors.<ref>https://www.petsbest.com/blog/top-7-tips-for-apartment-living-with-dogs/</ref> | + | #*Any other noise that might be related to your pet that could potentially disturb your neighbors.<ref name="rf3">https://www.petsbest.com/blog/top-7-tips-for-apartment-living-with-dogs/</ref> |
#Clear your pet with the landlord before you move in or bring home a new pet. Most apartment communities require that you inform them of the type and breed of pet before you move in. If you don’t clear it with your landlord, you could face fines, fees, or even eviction. Consider the following when looking to acquire a new pet or picking an apartment community: | #Clear your pet with the landlord before you move in or bring home a new pet. Most apartment communities require that you inform them of the type and breed of pet before you move in. If you don’t clear it with your landlord, you could face fines, fees, or even eviction. Consider the following when looking to acquire a new pet or picking an apartment community: | ||
#*Whether the community allows dogs or cats. | #*Whether the community allows dogs or cats. | ||
| Line 39: | Line 39: | ||
#*Make sure to be signed up with a local vet who has your complete file on hand | #*Make sure to be signed up with a local vet who has your complete file on hand | ||
#*Make sure to have vaccination documentation on hand, as most apartment communities require these before they will approve your pet. | #*Make sure to have vaccination documentation on hand, as most apartment communities require these before they will approve your pet. | ||
| − | #*Make sure to have references from vets, neighbors, or former landlords who will vouch that your pet is well-kept and well-behaved.<ref>http://www.canismajor.com/dog/apart.html</ref> | + | #*Make sure to have references from vets, neighbors, or former landlords who will vouch that your pet is well-kept and well-behaved.<ref name="rf4">http://www.canismajor.com/dog/apart.html</ref> |
#Clean up after your dog. If you have a dog, you should purchase baggies and be prepared to pick up your dog’s waste every time it poops. There are a number of reasons for this: | #Clean up after your dog. If you have a dog, you should purchase baggies and be prepared to pick up your dog’s waste every time it poops. There are a number of reasons for this: | ||
#*Respect your neighbors. You want to keep your apartment community looking and smelling nice. | #*Respect your neighbors. You want to keep your apartment community looking and smelling nice. | ||
| Line 52: | Line 52: | ||
#*Consider enrolling your dog in obedient school. | #*Consider enrolling your dog in obedient school. | ||
#*Train your dog to not lunge, growl, or bark at people on the street. | #*Train your dog to not lunge, growl, or bark at people on the street. | ||
| − | #*Although you shouldn’t let your cat roam in the first place, if your cat tends to escape frequently, make sure he or she is not aggressive. This will help minimize potentially costly or harmful cat fights.<ref | + | #*Although you shouldn’t let your cat roam in the first place, if your cat tends to escape frequently, make sure he or she is not aggressive. This will help minimize potentially costly or harmful cat fights.<ref name="rf3" /> |
===Tending to the Needs of Your Pet=== | ===Tending to the Needs of Your Pet=== | ||
#Establish regular outdoor break-times for your dog to go to the bathroom. One of the biggest challenges of apartment living with dogs is the limited ability to go to the bathroom. As a result, you need to be diligent about scheduling times for your dog to go to the bathroom. Consider the following: | #Establish regular outdoor break-times for your dog to go to the bathroom. One of the biggest challenges of apartment living with dogs is the limited ability to go to the bathroom. As a result, you need to be diligent about scheduling times for your dog to go to the bathroom. Consider the following: | ||
#*Your dog should be allowed to have potty time at a minimum of 3 times a day. | #*Your dog should be allowed to have potty time at a minimum of 3 times a day. | ||
#*Consider having someone visit your home while you are at work to take your dog to the potty around lunchtime. | #*Consider having someone visit your home while you are at work to take your dog to the potty around lunchtime. | ||
| − | #*It is mean and unhealthy to make your dog hold his/her pee and poop for long periods of time.<ref>https://www.petfinder.com/blog/2014/08/tips-for-owning-a-big-dog-in-a-small-apartment/</ref> | + | #*It is mean and unhealthy to make your dog hold his/her pee and poop for long periods of time.<ref name="rf5">https://www.petfinder.com/blog/2014/08/tips-for-owning-a-big-dog-in-a-small-apartment/</ref> |
#Create a pet nest area and/or animal haven. Section off an area of your apartment for your pet's toys, food and water bowls, and beds. Since they’ll be confined to a small area, you should do your best to create an environment that is comfortable and stimulating for them. | #Create a pet nest area and/or animal haven. Section off an area of your apartment for your pet's toys, food and water bowls, and beds. Since they’ll be confined to a small area, you should do your best to create an environment that is comfortable and stimulating for them. | ||
#Schedule regular times for your pet to exercise and release pent-up energy. All pets, even low energy ones, need exercise. While you might be able to exercise your cat inside by playing with them, your dog will likely need to spend a substantial time outside several times a week. Consider doing the following: | #Schedule regular times for your pet to exercise and release pent-up energy. All pets, even low energy ones, need exercise. While you might be able to exercise your cat inside by playing with them, your dog will likely need to spend a substantial time outside several times a week. Consider doing the following: | ||
#*Plan long walks for your dog at least three times a week. Devote 30 minutes to an hour walking around the community or the surrounding area. | #*Plan long walks for your dog at least three times a week. Devote 30 minutes to an hour walking around the community or the surrounding area. | ||
#*Locate a dog park near you. This way, you’ll be able to let your dog off leash and he/she will be able to run around and play with other dogs. Be careful, though, and supervise your pet. You don’t want a dog fight to break out. | #*Locate a dog park near you. This way, you’ll be able to let your dog off leash and he/she will be able to run around and play with other dogs. Be careful, though, and supervise your pet. You don’t want a dog fight to break out. | ||
| − | #*Hire a dog walker or find a relative or a friend to walk your dog if you don’t have enough time. Many communities have dog walking services that will, for a relatively low fee, come to your house and walk your dog.<ref | + | #*Hire a dog walker or find a relative or a friend to walk your dog if you don’t have enough time. Many communities have dog walking services that will, for a relatively low fee, come to your house and walk your dog.<ref name="rf5" /> |
#Keep clean litter all the time. Some first-time cat owners discover to their dismay that Garfield leaves little "presents" for them, if their litter is not kept clean. If you don't clean your litter box, you'll feel like your living in a litter box. Consider: | #Keep clean litter all the time. Some first-time cat owners discover to their dismay that Garfield leaves little "presents" for them, if their litter is not kept clean. If you don't clean your litter box, you'll feel like your living in a litter box. Consider: | ||
#*Making sure you have the right sized litter box for your cat's breed. | #*Making sure you have the right sized litter box for your cat's breed. | ||
| Line 70: | Line 70: | ||
#*Keep your dog in the room with you with the other doors shut until he is 100% potty trained. | #*Keep your dog in the room with you with the other doors shut until he is 100% potty trained. | ||
#*Provide pee pads for puppies or older dogs who have a hard time holding their pee. | #*Provide pee pads for puppies or older dogs who have a hard time holding their pee. | ||
| − | #*Don’t yell at your pet if he/she makes a mess. Positive reinforcement is the best route to housetraining.<ref>http://pets.thenest.com/raise-puppy-apartment-4912.html</ref> | + | #*Don’t yell at your pet if he/she makes a mess. Positive reinforcement is the best route to housetraining.<ref name="rf6">http://pets.thenest.com/raise-puppy-apartment-4912.html</ref> |
#Brush your dog or cat often - outside. This loosens dead hair that's about to be shed, removes dander, and keeps your dog or cat's coat healthy and looking fine. This will also help keep your home cleaner and smelling better. | #Brush your dog or cat often - outside. This loosens dead hair that's about to be shed, removes dander, and keeps your dog or cat's coat healthy and looking fine. This will also help keep your home cleaner and smelling better. | ||
#Provide your pet with plenty of toys. Providing your pet with toys is an important part of keeping a happy pet in any environment. This will not only benefit your pet directly, but it will benefit you. Toys will help keep your pet entertained during times you might not be able to devote much attention to your dog or cat. | #Provide your pet with plenty of toys. Providing your pet with toys is an important part of keeping a happy pet in any environment. This will not only benefit your pet directly, but it will benefit you. Toys will help keep your pet entertained during times you might not be able to devote much attention to your dog or cat. | ||
| Line 87: | Line 87: | ||
*Reward your dog for good behavior (going potty in the correct place, being friendly with children, other dogs and strangers, etc.) and he will be in the frame of mind that these actions are associated with good feelings, and be more likely to act accordingly. | *Reward your dog for good behavior (going potty in the correct place, being friendly with children, other dogs and strangers, etc.) and he will be in the frame of mind that these actions are associated with good feelings, and be more likely to act accordingly. | ||
*Dogs respond best to positive reinforcement (praise for a good deed or action). Cats are more independent but for the most part do not respond to either positive or negative reinforcement. That being said, both animals will not connect your punishment with a potty accident that occurred 4 hours earlier. Hitting your pet will only make your pet fear you or become more aggressive to defend himself. | *Dogs respond best to positive reinforcement (praise for a good deed or action). Cats are more independent but for the most part do not respond to either positive or negative reinforcement. That being said, both animals will not connect your punishment with a potty accident that occurred 4 hours earlier. Hitting your pet will only make your pet fear you or become more aggressive to defend himself. | ||
| − | *Don’t choose your new apartment home over your pet. Hundreds and perhaps even thousands of pets are abandoned every month in the United States. Before you commit to a new apartment, make sure that they allow pets, and that you can afford the pet rent or pet fee.<ref>http://www.aspca.org/animal-homelessness/shelter-intake-and-surrender/pet-statistics</ref> | + | *Don’t choose your new apartment home over your pet. Hundreds and perhaps even thousands of pets are abandoned every month in the United States. Before you commit to a new apartment, make sure that they allow pets, and that you can afford the pet rent or pet fee.<ref name="rf7">http://www.aspca.org/animal-homelessness/shelter-intake-and-surrender/pet-statistics</ref> |
==Related Articles== | ==Related Articles== | ||
