Apartment living is on the rise and many of us might be wondering if the comfort of our pooch will be compromised without a backyard.
But with the right effort and knowledge, meeting a dog’s needs to enrichment and exercise is possible in smaller spaces, says RSPCA NSW chief veterinarian Liz Arnott.
She says providing opportunities for your dog to explore and giving them a safe, comfortable space to retreat to — as well as a good routine — are key to keeping your pet happy, wherever they live.
“Animals get comfort from routine, so as long as you set something up you can meet consistently, that can be quite reassuring for them.”
How much time outside do dogs need?
Dogs need outside time to take in their surroudings and get fresh air. (Pexels)
Tracey Taylor is a dog trainer and PhD candidate at The University of Adelaide’s School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences.
She says dogs should be taken out at least one to two times a day for exploration and exercise, and a further two times for toilet breaks.
“Dogs are naturally more active in the morning and evening, so walking before and after work can often align with the guardian’s work schedule.
“Dogs see their world through their noses, so [give them] lots of opportunities to follow their noses around the neighbourhood, perhaps some play with other dogs if they enjoy dog company, and getting some fresh air and sunshine is good for the body and the mind.”
Mikaela Thrift, animal rehoming manager at the Animal Welfare League Queensland’s Gold Coast branch, recommends allowing dogs to take in the smells and sights, but also give those that need exercise a good run.
What about toileting inside?
There are many indoor toileting solutions on the market, but these should not replace regular opportunities for dogs to toilet outside, says Ms Taylor.
Indoor toilet solutions are better treated as a “just in case” option, she says.
“It’s not OK physically or emotionally to expect a dog to not toilet for eight to nine hours.
“Dogs don’t like to toilet in their ‘den’ so will do whatever they can to avoid toileting inside the apartment, but if you have to go, you have to go, and not having an appropriate place to do that can cause dogs great emotional distress.”
Puppies and older dogs may need more frequent toilet breaks than young adult dogs.
You can buy grass patch toilets — kind of like kitty litters for dogs — for example, but Ms Thrift says you will need to experiment with what works best for your pet.
And you will need to train your dog to use whatever solution you opt for.
Dr Arnott says some dogs may prefer to cock their leg on vertical spaces, so you could provide a “plant or area to do that”.
“The rule of thumb is where animals can have choice and control about what they do, including toileting, it improves their welfare.”
How can I keep my dog happy and relaxed while indoors?
Enrichment toys can keep your dog busy indoors. (Pexels)
Dogs need about 14 hours of sleep each day, says Dr Arnott, so it’s important they can do that undisturbed.
However, between sleeps their needs for exploration and engagement should be met.
“Dogs get relaxation from chewing, licking and sniffing,” Dr Arnott says.
Ways to provide that in an apartment might include food enrichment, like toys where you can hide food, long-lasting chew toys, or setting up areas with interesting smells.
Ms Taylor says toys don’t have to be expensive.
“Things as simple as using toilet rolls or egg cartons filled with the dog’s breakfast or a few treats and hidden around the home can entertain them.
“Certain types of music — mostly classical and reggae — have been shown to help calm dogs, so leaving a radio on can help.
“Familiar and friendly visitors, human or canine, can also be enriching.”
Ms Thrift says while many people might be looking for ways to keep their dog entertained while out of the house, spending quality time with them every day is vital.
“Not just being present but really engaging with the dog.”
Keeping you and your dog safe
While it might be harder to create designated doggy areas in a small space, Dr Arnott says giving your dog somewhere quiet and comfortable to retreat to is important for all family members.
“This is a place they can choose to go on their own where they won’t be approached or touched.
“It’s important for sleep, but secondly if pets don’t like something and are afraid, they want to respond by removing themselves to a place they can feel safe.
“If they aren’t able to do that, they aren’t left with many options, and some of those are growling and biting.”
Ms Taylor says people should also plan for the unexpected.
“If the lift in your building is broken, can your dog walk down all those stairs to get out? If your dog tends to bark at noises, will you be willing to get the help needed to support them?”
And while balconies can provide access to fresh air, sunshine or even toileting space during the day, Ms Taylor says they can be hazardous.
“You need to make sure there is no way your dog can get through or caught in any openings or up and over balustrades.
“Unless the balcony is very large and has areas to get out of the sun, wind and rain, they are not suitable places to keep your dog all day.”
Are certain breeds best for apartment living?
Dr Arnott says every dog is an individual and deciding if they are suitable for apartment living should be based on their personality and history.
“If you’re going to adopt an adult dog, for example, get an understanding about what environment they are used to.”
For example, a dog that used to live on acreage may find it more difficult to adjust to unit living, she says.
Dr Taylor says dogs that tire quickly from physical exercise, and are generally more relaxed, are best for apartment living.
“Smaller isn’t necessarily better — in fact many small breeds have high energy needs and will not do well without a lot of stimulation, such as Jack Russell terriers, corgis or dachshunds.
“Giant breeds and greyhounds can be good dogs for apartments as they don’t require a lot of exercise or stimulation to be physically and mentally satiated.”