Big Changes! Apartment living with three dogs

[Jamie & Odin]

We just moved from our house in the country to a small apartment in town.

What a change! Some good (less space to clean;)) and some challenges. It's been a huge adjustment for the dogs. The lab is doing beautifully, the rott is beginning to learn that in fact not every sound he hears is a tresspasser and all these other people are allowed in "our" yard. The other big change is no more crates for the big dogs. No one is here to let them out during the day, and I thought Odin would do better if he was out with the lab to keep him company. So far so good, not so much as a chewed sock and not a single "accident".

Odin has experienced some setbacks in his behavior, but nothing we can't work through, and nothing very major.

Now that we don't have a yard to play in, I'll probably loose a good 10 lbs with the long walks:D

I know some of you live in apartments, or know people with dogs who do. Any tips?

[Burnsway]

Tips:

You will be fine!!!!

Yes more walks but more bonding......:D

Cover windows when gone.....Passerbyers in apartments seem to think your home....is in their yard......:D

Seperate the dogs when gone.....this I say because if they are use to a lot of yard and home and now its gone sometimes boredum kicks in.....seperated they sleep....together they destroy.........:p

Biggest tip of all.......although its your home....it is everyones community......they complain weather you are right or not.....their side will be weighed just as high as yours...

Positives.........NO MORE YARD WORK...............:D

[Rottnlove]

I live in a condo, and I'll probably be getting a rottie soon!

The one major complaint I'll have is that there's no real yard here, which will make it hard when it's the dogs potty time. We're very close to the neighbors and I don't like the thought of the neighbors walking through in the back yard we share. It sucks that way. Oh well, we may be moving soon into another place, hopefully where we have our own fenced yard!

:)

[tilerspop]

Winter Time Tip:

Get an inexpensive pair of insulated coveralls and slip on winter boots with fleece or similar liners. Slip the legs of the coveralls over the tops of the boots so the boot tops stick out the waist, scrunch the rest down behind the boots. Set the whole mess next to the bed. When you have to get up and go out in the middle of the night, swing your legs out of bed and into the boots (that's why the fleece or similar liner), reach down and pull the coveralls up and over yourself, zip up and go out. No need for socks or undergarments other than your nightwear. When I was a Fire fighter /Paramedic I could be out of the house and in the truck in less than 60 seconds. Yes ladies, it works with nightgowns too. Many the night, my female firefighters came in with strange bulges around their waist.

If you have questions or trouble, stop by your local fire house and ask them how they set up their bunker gear at night, I'm sure they will show you how to set it up.

This tip also works well in warmer weather with lighter weight coveralls and something like cowboy boots, but you need socks.;)

You might also want to pin a house key in the pocket. The spouse or S/O can get mighty upset when you lock yourself out:D

[Jamie & Odin]

tilerspop, now that is one tip I would NEVER have thought of on my own:D

Burnsway, say "I told you so". Without going into detail, Odin's back in the crate while I'm at work:o

Rottnlove, fortunately, we have large areas of grass between buildings. But I think I'm the only tenant who knows what a pooper scooper is, and appartently one of only a few that owns a leash. I called the rental company today, we've been charged twice by unleashed dogs, my poor little malt thinks he can take them on :D

[Carolina]

I live in a 2 bedroom apartment in a complex of 52 buildings with 24 apartments in each building.. that's A LOT of people, cats and dogs to socialize with.. so I completely understand you :D :D

Your dogs will be a little anxious in the begining but eventually they'll get used to all the different sounds of the hood.. Iby now has full access to the apartment.. she likes the bathroom to sleep when it is hot, and the computer room when it's cold.. but it wasn't alway s like that.. she eventually won her rights.. so don't give full access right away, make them earn it.. also, socialize with your neighbours, with time they will find out that all those passersby are not so bad..

Maybe you could sit just outside your door and let your dogs (on a leash) experiment the different sounds and smells around them.. get them used to your neighbours.. have treats at hand for them to give your dogs.. I did this more than a year ago when I moved in.. and now I'm known as "Iby's owner" :D they all know her and love to pet her.. it is also a great opportunity to practice obedience and good doggie manners..

So relax, and with a lil time you will see that your dogs get used to their new house.. good luck!!

Carolina :)