Living in an apartment is quite possible for a dog. What really matters is being able to make time for him and take him out regularly so he can burn off his energy and be calm inside.
Neither your lessor nor the syndic of the co-ownership can prohibit you from owning dogs in the apartment (with the exception of first category dogs which are prohibited). On the other hand, keeping an animal must not interfere with the enjoyment and cleanliness of the premises. If your animal causes damage in your apartment or in the common areas or annoys your neighbours, you will be financially and criminally responsible.
The damage caused by your apartment dog depends on your civil liability, included in the multi-risk home insurance that you take out for your accommodation.
You are moving into an apartment with dogs
Whether you are leaving a house for an apartment or an apartment for another apartment, your dog will need time to adapt. It will be necessary to take care to preserve its habits as much as possible. Make sure you can give him the same attention, the same time out, especially if he was used to running in a garden and reserve space for him with his basket.
Which dog to choose for an apartment?
There is no ideal dog in an apartment, but some have more facilities to adapt. Each dog has its own personality and needs: strong attachment to the master, great need for activity, anxiety of loneliness…
Here are some questions to help you choose the best apartment dog:
Are you present enough at home? Do you have a lot of free time to devote to walks?
Does your dog express himself by barking? Make sure you don’t disturb your neighbors with nuisance barking.
No garden = small dog for an apartment? It’s not just the size that matters! Large dogs like Danes are rather lazy while smaller dogs like Dachshunds and Jack Russels, who are hunting dogs, will have energy to spare.
Are there more suitable dogs? Choose an “apartment dog”. Apartment dogs are distinguished from others because they need less regular exercise and can easily refrain from defecating. Direct your choice towards a small calm dog for apartment such as for example a Bichon, a Cavalier King Charles, a Poodle or a Pug. if you prefer larger breeds, the Shar-Pei or Leonberger are also good lap dogs.
Does your building have an elevator? Short-legged dogs such as the Basset Hound will find it harder to descend stairs, and may even walk on their drooping ears and injure themselves. Similarly, the joints of large breed puppies (even for apartment dogs) must be spared the first year. Are you ready to carry your lap dog if necessary?
Life in an apartment with a dog is no more restrictive than in a house. It’s all about education.
A dog crate seems like a cruel joke when your pup is used to the comforts of their home. But if you want to train them to go potty outside and not in your house, it’s not going to be easy. So before we show you how to make your dog crate as comfortable as possible, we’ll first discuss why you should use a crate.
Apartment dog or house dog: how to find the right accommodation for the right dog?
Whether in a house or an apartment, for your dog to be happy under your roof, you must:
That your rhythms of life are compatible: if you are rather sporty, choose a dog ready to follow you during your jogging. If you’re a couch potato, prefer a calm little apartment dog to snore at your feet. If you have children, avoid small dogs who are often less playful.
Whether you live near areas reserved for dogs: are access to parks and forests near your home allowed for dogs? This is the best place for your pet to stretch its legs and meet fellow creatures.
That you are available for him: play, caress, education… It is not the view from the window that counts for your dog but the possibility of spending all his time by your side!