How to prepare your apartment before bringing home your first dog

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Dogs are wonderful pets, and bring many families a lot of joy. If you live in an apartment and want to add a furry friend to your home, don’t worry! It’s totally possible to find a dog that’s suited to apartment living. No matter what type of dog you choose though, you’ll need to sufficiently prepare your apartment so it’s safe and secure for your pup.

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When you make the choice to adopt a dog, you’re signing up for a long-term responsibility. That responsibility starts before you even bring your Fido home. Doggy-proofing your apartment is step number one. You need to make sure your environment is safe for your new canine companion.

Think of it like baby proofing your home. You want to make the house safe for the child to explore. Your new dog is going to want to explore his environment too, and it’s up to you to make sure that he can do it safely.

How to Prepare Your Apartment Before Bringing Home Your First Dog

Decide on a Dog

The first thing, of course, is deciding what kind of dog you’ll get. In order to narrow it down, first look at the breeds allowed in your apartment building. Most complexes have restrictions based on dog breeds and weight when full-grown.

A lot of times, you’ll see “aggressive” breeds banned – including pit bulls, chow chows, German shepherds, and rottweilers. Most apartments also restrict weight to 50 pounds or under. Make sure you check with your landlord BEFORE you adopt a dog to ensure your new addition will be welcome at your building.

The other thing to consider is how suited a dog will be to apartment life. Your dog will be living in a smaller space, pretty much always indoors, and won’t have access to a free running yard. High-energy dogs like poodles, huskies, greyhounds, and collies will feel cooped up in an apartment and can wreak havoc on your home and lifestyle. Instead of these breeds, consider a small, versatile breed like the chihuahua, dachshund or bichon frise.

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