3 Steps to Prepare Your Apartment For a Dog

Apartment life is more fun with a dog. But you'll want to consider a few factors before bringing a pup home. For starters, will the dog thrive in your small space? How dog-friendly is your apartment building? And do you know how to prepare your apartment for a dog?

Here are the necessary steps to take and decisions to make before you share your apartment with a dog.

1. Choose the Right Dog for Your Space

Before preparing an apartment for a dog, it helps to know what kind of dog you'll be bringing home. Though you may already have a specific pup in mind, it's important to consider whether the dog breed you want is well-suited for apartment living.

Size is a factor in determining suitability, but what matters more is their energy level and tendency to bark, says CertaPet. No matter how tiny they are, high-energy breeds that bark a lot aren't naturally suited to apartment living. You may be able to curb barking behavior through training and exercise, but it's a big time commitment. Be honest with yourself: Are you ready to take on that level of responsibility? If not, you may want to bring home a more laid-back breed that doesn't need a lot of exercise and won't bark at every strange noise.

Review your apartment's pet policy before bringing home a dog. Larger breeds like Great Danes and Saint Bernards tend to do well in apartments, thanks to their gentle temperaments, but they may not be allowed in your unit. Some landlords place restrictions on the size of dogs tenants can keep or outright ban certain breeds, due to perceived aggression.

Generally, the best apartment dogs are:

• Well-suited to small spaces
• Infrequent barkers
• Well-mannered and polite to strangers
• Able to climb stairs and tolerate tight elevators and stairwells
• Do well on a leash

Research different breeds and consider talking to an adoption counselor. They can help you determine if the dog you're considering would be a good fit for your apartment.

2. Develop a Plan & Getting Supplies

Once you know more about the pup you'll be bringing home, you'll need to plan for their arrival. Sharing your space with a dog may require some adjustments, so you'll want to consider:

• Their age: Are you getting a puppy who'll need to be housetrained, and who's likely to chew on everything? Or, are you bringing home an older dog who's past those stages?

• Their lounging habits: Will your dog be allowed on your furniture and to freely roam the apartment while you're away? Or, will you need to set up pet gates or crate your pup? Consider these options as it relates to barking too. Will the dog be more likely to bark if kenneled? What if they're free to roam, and like to bark at people or animals they can see through the window.

• Their exercise needs: Will you be home to walk your dog throughout the day? If not, will you need to hire a dog walker or place them in doggy daycare?

Answering these questions can help you determine what items you'll need for your pup's arrival. If you require a dog crate, choose one that's large enough to allow your newest family member to stand up and turn around. And don't forget the basics: food, water dishes, a leash, harness, dog bed and toys. Consider grabbing puppy training pads, especially if your apartment is carpeted, and additional dog beds if they won't be allowed on your furniture. If they're free to lounge anywhere, you can invest in washable slip covers and throws to protect your furniture.