Apartment life with your dog:The dos and don’ts to complex life.

Nowadays everyone and their mother and their grandmother has a dog.  There are more apartment buildings than ever before (don’t quote me on that but it feels that way).  With the influx of apartment buildings there are more residents with dogs who may or may not have proper etiquette for the other folks and their dogs.

The Good, The Bad, and The oblivious

Living in an apartment means sharing spaces with other folks who may see the world completely different than you do. Most people can be socially respectful living in apartment building with other strangers.  However, good social behavior from a dog can be a hit or miss with it unfortunately being a miss most of the times.  These misses can make living in an apartment difficult and potentially create very unsafe situations.

Would you do what your dog does?

Being in an apartment complex requires being around many different individuals.  These other individual may or may not like dogs.  Some of this individuals may be children and some of the dogs may not have been exposed to many children. Yet, many folks just let their dog do what their dog wants to do without thinking about others needs and what is going to be best for their own dog.

Courtesy tips for Apartment Life

1. Watch your leash length

   If your dog has 6 feet of leash, your dog has 6 feet of options to decide what to do.  Keep your leash short when in tight spaces or passing people.

2. Be aware of who’s around and what your dog see

   Watch who in the elevator with your or coming down the hall and prepare your self for what your dog’s actions may be.  People can act strange, kids can seem weird, sounds cause fear, and your dog may react differently to all of these different contexts.  Be prepared and act accordingly.

3. Train for the moment

   Training your dog to follow your guidance is ultimately what will make life the most easiest while living in an apartment.  However, don’t do training in the moment but rather train for the moment so when you need it you have had some practice with how you will respond with your dog in these moments.

Things to avoid doing

• Avoid letting your dog have all the leash length when opening doors or when elevators open.  You don’t know what is on the other side of the door which could be a small child or another dog which could potentially have a negative outcome.

• Don’t be stuck on one path. If there seems to be a challenging walk down the hall, wait or take an alternative route or explain what you need from the other person coming down the hall.

• Don’t be complacent.  When you stop being present in the moment is when something will happen.  Be aware, be present and be safe.

• Don’t rush when doors open, wait a moment and see what is on the other side.  Going slow is always a good idea.

Pawsitive outcomes 

When you advocate for your dog and other people there will be more trust.  You dog will see that you have their best interests at hand.  You can help prevent unwanted behaviors from happening and even unsafe moments.  Your neighbors will thank you for being respectful of their right to a safe space.

Summary

Being a good neighbor isn’t challenging.  Be respectful and try your best to get good behavior from your dog.  Not everyone wants to meet it (although lots of people will want to), so keep that in mind when sharing an elevator or passing down a tight hallway.  Keep your dog safe and other dogs safe by watching how much leash is available.  Your dog is your responsibility so the best you can understand them and have the ability to guide the easier life will be.