How to Keep a Dog Happy in an Apartment

Dogs can make wonderful companions, but if you’re renting or leasing a place, you may be wondering how to keep a dog happy in an apartment. Apartment life can sometimes be hard for dogs, especially when they are left alone all day long or aren’t able to play outside and get plenty of exercise.

Living in a studio apartment with a dog can be especially difficult, so much so that some otherwise dog-friendly apartment complexes have pet restrictions intended to ensure that the size and breed of a dog and the size of the apartment they will occupy are a good match.

While it may seem like a challenge, especially if you’re busy and find the time commitment needed to play regularly with your dog difficult to meet, it is definitely possible to keep a dog happy in an apartment with a little bit of planning and effort. If dog owners take the right steps to ensure their health and happiness, the quality of life for apartment dogs can measure up to that of dogs living in a house.

Can dogs be happy in apartments? You bet they can! Read on for our best tips on how to keep a dog happy in an apartment:

1. Make sure your dog gets enough exercise:

It’s important for all dogs to get regular exercise, and this is especially true for those living in an apartment. Without a yard to play in, it’s important to make sure your dog gets plenty of walks and playtime. This will not only keep your dog physically fit, but it will also help prevent behavioral problems that can arise from boredom and lack of stimulation.

Here are some tips for making sure your dog gets enough exercise while living in an apartment:

1. Take your dog for regular walks: One of the easiest and most effective ways to exercise your dog is to take them for regular walks. Aim for daily walks if possible, and try to vary the route to keep things interesting for your dog. The best times for walks with your dog are typically in the morning, and in the evening after returning home from work.
2. Play fetch or other interactive games: Playing games like fetch or hide and seek can be a great way to get your dog moving and provide them with some mental stimulation and proper exercise.
3. Go to the dog park: If you have access to a dog park, this can be a great place for your dog to get some vigorous exercise and socialization with other dogs. Just make sure to follow the rules of the park and keep an eye on your dog at all times.
4. Hire a dog walker or pet sitter: If you’re unable to provide your dog with enough exercise due to work or other commitments, you might consider hiring a dog walker or pet sitter to come and take your dog for walks or playtime while you’re away.
5. Consider doggy daycare: If you’re unable to provide your dog with enough exercise on a regular basis, doggy daycare can be a great option. Many doggy daycares offer structured playtime and activities that can help your dog stay active and entertained. That said, we recognize that not everyone has a budget for doggie daycare, so this option may not be available to you yet.

2. Provide plenty of mental stimulation

Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise when it comes to keeping your dog happy and healthy while living in a smaller space like an apartment. Without enough mental stimulation, apartment dogs can easily become bored and restless, which can lead to behavioral problems like chewing on and destroying things. If your dogs acts out by destroying things like carpet, it can make it very challenging to get your pet deposit back when you eventually move out.

Here are some ways you can provide your dog with plenty of mental stimulation while living in an apartment:

1. Use interactive toys and puzzles: There are many interactive toys and puzzles available that can provide your dog with mental stimulation. These can include toys that dispense treats, puzzles that require your dog to solve a problem in order to access a reward, and even simple games like hide and seek.
2. Engage in training sessions: Training sessions can be a great way to stimulate your dog’s mind and keep them engaged. You can work on basic obedience commands, or try more advanced tricks and behaviors. Proper training for your dog is never a bad thing, and if you can keep your pup happy and stimulated while teaching them how to behave, that’s a big win for you and your dog!
3. Play games: In addition to interactive toys and puzzles, there are many simple games you can play with your dog that can provide mental stimulation. These can include fetch, hide and seek, or even simply playing catch with a ball or frisbee. Obviously this can be a challenge if you live in a compact space, so hopefully your apartment complex has a yard or access to parks nearby.
4. Give your dog new experiences: Dogs are naturally curious animals, and they enjoy experiencing new sights, sounds, and smells. Taking your dog to new places or introducing them to new people and animals can help stimulate their minds and keep them entertained.
5. Provide plenty of socialization: Socialization is important for all dogs, and it can provide a great source of mental stimulation. Make sure to take your dog for regular walks and visits to the dog park, or invite friends over to visit with their dogs.

3. Create a comfortable living space

A comfortable living space is important for all dogs, and it’s especially important if you live in a small apartment and your dog doesn’t have access to a yard. Apartment life can be hard for dogs if they lack the space and comfort they need, and not enough space or a comfortable place to rest can cause otherwise well-behaved dogs to act out.

Here are some tips for creating a comfortable living space for your dog in an apartment:

1. Provide a cozy dog bed or crate: Make sure your dog has a comfortable place to rest and relax. A cozy bed or crate that is large enough for your dog to stretch out in is essential. If you haven’t already completed crate training your dog, providing them with a comfortable place to rest is a good reason to start.
2. Keep your dog’s living space clean: Regularly cleaning and maintaining your dog’s living space will help ensure that it stays clean and comfortable. This includes washing their bed or crate and keeping their toys and other belongings organized. Both your canine companion and your stress levels will appreciate a clean, uncluttered space!
3. Choose the right furniture: If you have furniture in your apartment that your dog will be using, it’s important to choose pieces that are comfortable and durable. Consider using pet-friendly covers or throws to protect your furniture and keep it clean.
4. Keep your dog’s living space quiet and peaceful: While it’s important for your dog to have a comfortable place to rest and relax, it’s also important to make sure the space is quiet and peaceful. This will help your dog feel calm and secure, and can help prevent any noise-related issues with your neighbors. 
5. Consider providing your dog with toys and blankets: In addition to a comfortable bed or crate, you might also consider providing your dog with a few toys or blankets to keep them entertained when you’re not around. This can help prevent boredom and keep your dog happy and engaged.

4. Make sure your dog gets enough socialization

Socialization is an important aspect of a dog’s well-being, and it’s especially important for those living in an apartment where they may have limited opportunities to interact with other people and animals. The bond between humans and animals is a powerful one, and your dog needs plenty of face time with you!

Here are some tips for making sure your dog gets enough socialization in an apartment setting:

1. Take your dog on walks in the neighborhood : One of the easiest ways to provide your dog with socialization is to take them for regular walks around your neighborhood. This will allow them to interact with a variety of people and dogs. If your dog requires frequent trips outside to use the bathroom, consider turning some of those trips into longer walks.
2. Visit the dog park: If you have access to a dog park, this can be a great place for your dog to get some socialization and exercise. Just make sure to follow the rules of the park and keep an eye on your dog at all times.
3. Invite friends (and their dogs!) over to visit: Inviting friends over to visit with their dogs can be a great way to provide your dog with socialization. This can also be a good opportunity to socialize your dog with different types of people and dogs. 
4. Look into doggy daycare: If you’re unable to provide your dog with enough socialization on a regular basis, doggy daycare can be a good option. Many doggy daycares offer structured playtime and activities that can help your dog socialize with other dogs and people.
5. Provide plenty of human interaction: Even if your dog has limited opportunities to interact with other animals, it’s important to make sure they get plenty of human interaction. Spend time playing with your dog, training them, or just hanging out together. Even just some extra cuddles when dogs are bored can go a long way toward to keeping those pups happy!

5. Keep your dog entertained when you’re not home

If you work long hours or are frequently away, you’re probably wondering how you can keep your dog happy when home alone. You absolutely can, but it’s important to make sure your dog has something to do when you’re not around. Keeping an apartment dog busy with while you’re away can help stave off boredom and the behavioral problems that can arise from a lack of interaction with their favorite human. This can be especially challenging if your dog experiences separation anxiety which causes them to act out or barks loudly enough to disturb your neighbors.

Here are some ways you can keep your dog entertained while you’re not home:

1. Use interactive toys: There are many interactive toys available that can provide your dog with entertainment when you’re not around. These can include toys that dispense treats, puzzles that require your dog to solve a problem in order to access a reward, and even simple games like hide and seek.
2. Leave the TV or radio on: Some dogs find the sound of the TV or radio soothing, and it can provide them with a sense of company while you’re away. Just make sure to keep the volume at a reasonable level so as not to disturb your neighbors.
3. Hire a dog walker or pet sitter: If you’re unable to provide your dog with enough exercise or entertainment during the day, if you have the budget for it you might consider hiring a dog walker or pet sitter to come and take your dog for walks or playtime while you’re away.
4. Consider doggy daycare: If you’re unable to provide your dog with enough exercise or entertainment on a regular basis, doggy daycare can be a good option if it fits into your budget. Many doggy daycares have structured games and activities that can help your dog stay active and entertained.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your dog is happy and well-adjusted to apartment living. With a little bit of planning, effort, and innovative thinking it’s possible to provide your furry friend with all the love, attention, and stimulation they need to thrive while living in an apartment.