Living in a condo doesn’t mean you can’t have a dog; you just need to choose a breed that thrives in a smaller space in order to find the ideal dogs for condo living!
Let's check out some options if you're considering dogs for small apartments and condo living!
Did you know that August is National Dog Month? We think it's the perfect time to celebrate our furry best friends! This might upset 50% of the global population but... DOGS ARE THE BEST!! (sorry, not sorry, cat owners),
It's no wonder that many residents are trying to find ways to keep their favourite pooches alongside them, even in tiny condo apartments!
Five Ideal Dogs for Small Apartments and Condo Living
Condos are known to be getting smaller and smaller, but that doesn't mean that people are ready to give up their loyal canine companions! How can you balance condo living with dog ownership in a way that is fun for you and your pooch, but also mindful of the small space and high-density issues that apartments come with?
Here are five ideal dogs for small apartments and condo living that you may want to consider:
French Bulldog: Friendly and low-energy, French Bulldogs are great companions who don’t require a lot of exercise. Find out more about whether French Bulldogs are apartment-friendly >
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: These affectionate dogs are known for their adaptability and enjoy lounging around as much as they love a good walk. They look as royal as their name indicates. Find out more about whether the Cavalier is apartment-friendly >
Pug: Pugs are playful yet content with indoor living, making them perfect for condos. So, are pugs good apartment dogs? Find out more >
Shih Tzu: Shih Tzus are small, affectionate, and relatively quiet, making them excellent condo companions. Find out if a Shih Tzu is a good fit for your apartment >
Big dog option: Golden Retrievers. Yes, we know… they are pretty big for condo living, but hear us out. Goldens usually have a friendly temperament and can adapt to condo living quite well, in addition to adapting to your lifestyle, too! How can you help a big Goldie do well in a small condo? Find out here >
Tips for Condo Dog Owners with Small Apartments
Finding the right fit by choosing an appropriate breed or dog with the right temperament is just the first step towards effectively marrying condo living with dog ownership.
Ultimately, you and your dog are joining a condo community that has to be respectful of everyone's needs and preferences, so your responsibilities don't stop once you've brought Fluffy home.
Dog owners in small apartments should consider how they plan to train, socialize, and exercise their dogs in a way that keeps Fluffy happy and healthy, and the overall condo community pet-friendly! What's better than a win for everyone (except maybe some extra treats!)?
Training your dog to live harmoniously in a condo community:
There's a reason this tip is # 1... it's important to teach good behavior to avoid noise and damage, which can be costly in condo living and even lead to getting your pooch banished! Make sure your dog doesn't bark at every noise, specially when you are not at home and can't calm them down, so your neighbours don't complain that your dog is a nuisance (they have the right to enjoy their apartment unit too, after all!)
Socializing your dog to thrive in a small apartment and neighbourly setting:
Help your dog interact well with neighbors and other pets (as long as you get the appropriate go-ahead first!). Of course, if you haven't built trust yet with your dog and aren't sure of how they'll respond, you should also feel comfortable to prevent people and their pets from approaching and socializing with your dog until you do. A polite "(s)he's still in training, please don't approach yet!" is a great way to politely stop people from approaching your pooch.
If you're ready to socialize your dog within your condo community, great! The sooner you do this the better, but always be mindful that there may be neighbours who do not enjoy being around your dog, or whose dogs may be reactive. Always ask first, and always respect the answer.
Exercise your dog as much as possible!
Ensure your dog gets regular walks and playtime so they can expand that energy and enjoy the area, too, not just stay stuck in a small apartment! Not only does this keep them physically active, but it's also mentally engaging and helps socialize them with other environments, people, and pets!
Considerations for Condo Communities Allowing Dogs (or Not!)
Before deciding on the best dog for small apartments, be sure that your corporation's rules allows that pooch to take part in condo living by checking in with property management and the board. There are several factors that can impact whether a condo community allows pets, and it can be quite a hot topic for debate amongst residents, board members, and condo managers.
More information for condo boards and managers considering pet-friendly condo communities:
Are you a condo manager or director tasked with considering whether dogs should be allowed in your condo corporation, or what rules may need to be passed? Check out this great guide from Lash Condo Law on Pets in Condos >
Tackling irresponsible pet ownership and pet waste in condos:
Did you know that the top reason that condo communities are anti-dogs are due to irresponsible pet owners who don't pick up dog waste... which is a big no-no! Keeping a pet requires that you're a responsible pet parent, and allowing dogs to be kept in condos means that boards and property management have to encourage and enforce that responsibility on behalf of the greater good of the community.
Happy National Dog Month to Pet Parents and Fur Babies Everywhere!
Celebrate National Dog Month by finding the perfect dog for small apartments and the best condo living experience for everyone involved! With this handy guide, we're sure that your introduction of Fluffy to your neighbours will be fun, happy, and respectful of the overall condo community!
-Stratastic Inc.
P.S. Don't forget to register with us to stay on top of the latest and greatest - it's free!
Comments