Living with a Dog in a Condo: Tips for Success
For many pet-owners, the prospect of condominium living can be a major source of stress. This can be especially true when you factor in the extra responsibility of caring for a four-legged friend. But despite the challenges that come with living in a condo with your pup, there are ways to make it a successful venture. Here are our top tips to make condo living with a pup a breeze.
Preparing Your Condo
The key to successful condo living with a pet is preparation. The right preparations before your pup moves in will save you headaches and heartaches in the long run. Here’s what you should do:
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Have a clear understanding of the rules. Make sure you know and understand your condominium’s rules regarding pets before you commit. Are there size limitations on the type of dog you can own? Are there restrictions on where your pet can walk, play, and poop? Is there a pet deposit required?
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Prepare your home for a pet. Before your pet sets their paws in your home, make sure that your condominium is pet ready. Put down mats and washable rugs in areas of your home where accidents are likely to happen. Store items that are hazardous or off-limits in secure spaces that your pup can’t access. Move any valuable items to higher locations that your pup can’t reach.
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Unplug chargers and cords. Make sure all of your cords and chargers are unplugged and inaccessible to your pup. Dogs are known to chew on cords and chargers, often with dangerous and even fatal consequences.
Maintaining Respectful Relationships
Most condo buildings share many common spaces and living in a condominium requires respect and consideration of your neighbours. When it comes to your pup, these tips will help ensure you maintain respectful relationships with your neighbours.
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Clean up after your pet. Make sure that you clean up any pet mess you find inside and outside your condo building as soon as you can. Leave nothing for other people to step on and help ensure pet owners in your building have a good reputation.
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Keep your pup quiet. Condo buildings are shared living spaces and most people do not like to be woken up by a barking dog. Make sure to practice consistent behaviour modification with your pup and offer rewards for good behaviour. If necessary, speak to a trainer or consider using a bark collar to make sure your pup does not disrupt other people’s peace.
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Monitor your pup when outside. Many condo buildings share outdoor space, such as patios and courtyards. If your pup is outside, make sure to supervise them at all times. Make sure they are not disturbing other people or animals and clean up any mess they make.
Caring for Your Pup
Living in a condominium comes with its own unique set of challenges, such as lack of private outdoor space or limits on the type of pup you can own. These tips can help you make sure that your pup is still happy and healthy in their condo home.
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Make sure they get enough exercise. Lack of outdoor space in a condominium can be a challenge for pet owners. If your pup doesn’t get enough exercise, they may become restless and bark or chew on furniture. Working with a pet trainer can help you develop a plan for exercising your pup indoors, whether that’s playing catch in the hallway, teaching them tricks, or buying them puzzle toys.
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Take your pup for walks outside the complex. Even if your condo does have a park or an outdoor area, it’s still important to take your pup for walks outside the complex to ensure they get enough exercise and fresh air. Make sure you know the leash rules of your condo and take your pup out on a regular basis.
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Consider a pet sitter or doggy daycare. If you work long hours or you’re away for days at a time, consider getting a pet sitter or taking your pup to a nearby doggy daycare. This will ensure that your pup gets the attention and love they need when you’re not around.
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Address any potential issues early. If your pup is exhibiting destructive behaviours or if you are having trouble keeping your pup quiet, take action and address the issue immediately. Speak to a pet trainer or behaviour specialist to gain a better understanding of your pup and to find suitable solutions.
Despite the challenges that come with living in a condo with a pup, many pet owners find success in condo living. The key is preparation and understanding. Make sure to have a clear understanding of the rules and any restrictions that may apply to pet owners in your condo. Prepare your home for a pet and be mindful of your neighbours. And finally, take steps to make sure your pup is happy, healthy, and well-exercised in their condo home. With the right steps, you can make living in a condo with a pup a success.
