Apartment living offers its residents access to many of life’s modern conveniences. It’s no surprise that more and more individuals are opting for apartment living due to low home maintenance, convenience to stores and shops, and community amenities! But one aspect that can be a difficult transition is taking care of pets in an apartment. If you are living with pets in an apartment, here are a few tips to help you both enjoy apartment living as much as possible!
Learn The Neighborhood:
Just because you don’t have your own yard, doesn’t mean there isn’t anywhere for Fido to run free! The Winchester Dog Park is perfect for some off-leash exercise, as well as dog trails and paths around Winchester for you both to enjoy!
Discover what’s in your neighborhood and make a routine of visiting these parks to help get your four-legged friend plenty of exercise.
Keep A Routine:
Establishing a routine can help your pet adjust to apartment living more smoothly. Try feeding your pets at the same time every day, playing around at the same time, and taking them outside at the same times each day. This can help your pet learn when it’s playtime when it’s potty time, and when it’s time to settle down. Establishing a routine can help potty breaks go faster and avoid accidents since your pet knows when to expect their next walk.
Provide Entertainment:
Boredom is one of the common causes of destructive pet behaviors, such as chewing on doors or tearing at the carpet. Keeping your pet adequately entertained while you are home and away is a great way to avoid boredom, anxiety, and potentially destructive behaviors. Try taking your dog on a walk around the neighborhood before you leave work to help them expel excess energy. Leaving them a chewy bone, Kong toy, or puzzle ball with food inside is a great way to keep them occupied while you’re not home. If you have to crate your dog before leaving home, giving them a favorite toy or bone to have in their crate can help them enjoy the time more. Long stretches of boring crate time may cause anxiety and crate avoidance, which will only make crate time harder for both of you!
If you have a cat, get them their own scratching post or cat tree to keep them from clawing at your furniture or drapes. Playing with your cat every night before bed can assist in resetting their “hunting clock” and prevent those 3 a.m. zoomies!
Equip Yourself:
Many tools and gadgets are making pet-friendly apartment living easier than ever. Poop bag holders for Fido’s leash make sure you never forget your bags. Self-cleaning litter boxes help eliminate pet odor and the task of cleaning out the litter box. Washable couch covers make keeping the furniture clean a piece of cake! While you might not need every new gadget at the pet store, finding a few tools that make apartment living with pets a little easier can be a worthwhile investment!
Top Up On Training:
Training can accomplish a lot more than just improve your pet’s behavior. It can also educate you on how to interact with your pets, how to notice when anything is wrong, and how to better understand their individual needs. Training is just as important for the pet parent as it is for the pet!
Training can not only reduce unwanted behaviors like barking, jumping, destructive tendencies, aggression towards other animals, and much more but can also help your pet be happier and more confident, once they know you understand their wants and needs.
You can find training classes at many pet stores, private classes, or self-teaching guides and tutorials online. Consistency is crucial when starting a new habit! To get the best results, make training time a part of your routine.
If you are sharing an apartment with a pet, remember that it is their home as much as it is yours! Following these tips can help your cohabitation be as perfect as paw-sible!
Pet-Friendly Apartments in Winchester, VA
Looking for pet-friendly apartments in Winchester, Virginia? Look no further than The Lofts at Jubal Square Apartments! The Lofts at Jubal Square provides spacious, pet-friendly apartments in the heart of Winchester. Our walkable neighborhood and nearby access to the Winchester Dog Park make us a great option for dog owners looking for their perfect apartment.