Author: Penny

Many dog owners can live happily and peaceably in an apartment or condominium if they choose the right dog and follow pet rules.

Many apartment or condo residents feel their home would not be suitable for a dog. They cite such reasons as not enough room or barks disturbing neighbors.

In the past, many apartment owners did not want to rent to families with pets. Their reasons included pet messes outside, pet damage inside, and neighbor disputes. But with some cities now implementing programs in an effort to reduce pet abandonment and pet death in shelters, some landlords are beginning to notice that responsible pet owners tend to be more stable renters.

The truth is that many dogs and their owners can live happily and peaceably in an apartment or condo. The key is choosing the right dog and following apartment pet polices.

Considerations When Choosing an Apartment Dog

Many dogs, including mixed breeds, make wonderful pets in an apartment. Consider these things when choosing any dog for apartment living.

• Apartment restrictions
• Space required
• Exercise needs
• Barking tendency
• Separation anxiety tendency

Small Dogs That Make Good Apartment Pets

Choosing the right breed helps make apartment living with a dog more fun.

Bichon Frise – Usually not an excessive barker, a daily walk and lots of cuddling is all these lap dogs ask.

Chihuahua– This toy breed needs very little exercise or grooming. Quite protective and bonding closely with its owner, it may need training to control barking.

Poodle – This breed comes in three sizes. They love to cuddle and a daily walk is sufficient exercise. Poodles may require training to control barking.

Pug – This laid back breed makes a great apartment pet. Daily walks and cuddling time should keep this dog happy.

Italian Greyhound – Much like the bigger Greyhound, this dog loves a good run but also loves snoozing on the couch and does not bark excessively.

Cocker Spaniel – This popular breed needs a daily walk and quality time with its human but is usually content to curl up on the couch while the owner is away.

Whippet – An occasional good run will keep this dog happy. It loves to cuddle and is usually not a barker.

Schnauzer – This wonderful companion dog enjoys play time with the family. Frequent visits to the park will keep this dog happy. It is very protective and may require training to control barking.

Scottish Terrier – Intelligent and protective, this dog loves time with its family. It will also need a nice long walk each day.

Pomeranian – This toy breed loves human companionship. They are fairly active but a daily walk will fulfill its exercise needs. It sometimes need training to control barking.

Dachshund – This breed is fairly active and needs daily walks and an occasional romp in the park. Tending to bond closely with their human, they can be protective and may require training to control barking.

Large Dogs That Make Good Apartment Pets

English Bulldog – Fairly inactive, a daily walk will satisfy this breed’s exercise needs. They are usually calm but can also be protective.

Greyhound – In spite of their size, these dogs are the ultimate couch potato. They do enjoy a good run occasionally but are usually not excessive barkers.

Great Dane – This large breed can make a good apartment pet if it gets a couple of daily walks. The rest of the time it will be content to lounge on the couch.

Mastiff – Another calm breed that is not prone to excessive barking, it is inactive indoors and, with daily walks, makes a good apartment dog

Crates are one of the most effective training tools available today. While a crate may appear cruelly confining to some people, they are actually humane devices that control a puppy’s movements until it has achieved the mental maturity to live in the house without endangering itself or being destructive. If you are deciding whether to use a crate for your dog, here are some compelling arguments for it.

Crates: A Scheduling Tool

A crate is a tool that can be used and misused. You cannot expect a small puppy to “hold it” forever; thus you must take her out regularly. A good rule of thumb is the number of months in age plus one is the number of hours that the puppy can be in the crate without having to go pee. So, if your dog is 3 months old, she can be expected to stay in the crate for 4 hours, give or take.

Crates only work with a good schedule in place. In the beginning, your puppy should be able to depend on getting up at a certain hour, being taken out at the same times every day and fed at the same times every day. It should get regular walks and playtime. Thus, when in the crate and ignored once its walks/pee breaks are done, the puppy learns that certain times are for playing/eliminating/sleeping or resting.

Why do we schedule? Because it establishes regular expectations. Much like children, puppies thrive when they know exactly what to expect during the day. Also, having a puppy who settles down quickly after playtime or walks or pee breaks is essential to the owner’s mental stability.

Crates: Behavioural Control

A puppy coming into the household at 8-10 weeks, has no self control. She doesn’t know that electrical wires are dangerous, peeing on the carpet is bad or that chewing on your expensive running shoes is not recommended. She will learn all these things, but at this stage, she is incapable of understanding – even with a scolding.

What a crate does is provide her with a safe environment where she can chew on her toys, eat, drink and sleep. It prevents her from getting into trouble when you can’t be around to watch her. It prevents her from pooping in areas you weren’t aware she could get into – until the smell alerted you. It helps you train her quickly that outside is the place to pee and poop and inside is her home; not to be eliminated in.

Crates: “Unnatural” but Humane

Some people might view this as cramping their dog’s style – it’s “not natural”. Dogs in houses are “not natural”. Dogs being bred into the shapes and temperaments they have today are “not natural”. Dogs being expected to conform to human society is “not natural”.

However, this is the situation we have today and in order to quickly and easily introduce our dogs to our human world and make the introduction work, we need to control their behavior until we can teach them that it is in their best interests to control it themselves.

The humble crate is a tool that you can use to modify your dog’s behavior and control its actions until it is mature enough for house training to stick. Crates are a safe, portable alternative to constantly having to watch your puppy, cleaning up messes and replacing chewed-up items. Use a crate and your relationship with your dog will be richer and less stressful.

Behavior modification training can teach dogs suffering from separation anxiety to relax and be calm even while their owners are away from the house.

Dogs suffering from canine separation anxiety suffer high levels of stress as well as causing emotional and financial hardships for their owners. However, with some time, patience, persistence and a few behavioral modification techniques, these dogs can often be rehabilitated and be able to lead normal anxiety-free lives in their owner’s homes.

Behavioral Modification Training Techniques for Use with Canine Separation Anxiety

Behavioral modification training techniques are geared toward increasing your dog’s confidence, allowing your dog to remain relaxed and calm, and relieving your dog’s anxiety. When you attempt a behavior modification training regimen for your dog, anti-anxiety drugs may make the process faster and easier. Consult your veterinarian for advice about medications such as Clomicalm or Reconcile.

Positive Reinforcement Versus Punishment

Though it may be difficult not to punish your dog when you find that he has misbehaved, punishing a dog suffering from separation anxiety is only likely to confuse your dog, cause additional anxiety and be counter-productive. When you find that your dog has made a mess while you are away, simply move your dog to another room and clean up the mess out of your dog’s sight.

Positive reinforcement involves rewarding your dog for appropriate behavior. Rewards may be in the form of favorite foods or treats, toys, or attention and affection from you. Only reward your dog when his behavior is calm and relaxed. If your dog is soliciting attention without invitation, greeting you exuberantly or otherwise misbehaving, simply ignore this behavior.

On arriving home after an absence, when your dog greets you at the door, do not pay attention. Go into another room of the house if you need to in order to escape your dog’s attention, but do not give your dog the attention he is seeking. Wait until your dog has calmed and is relaxed and then reward your dog.

Before very long, your dog will learn that calm, relaxed behavior brings pleasant rewards and inappropriate behavior does not.

You may want to prepare a special place for your dog in the home where your dog can feel safe and encourage and reward him when he goes to his safe place.

Leaving Home Without Upsetting Your Dog

Once your dog has learned to settle and be calm and relaxed, you will need to counter-condition your dog to your leaving the home. This will allow your dog to continue to be calm and relaxed while you leave and after you are gone. Again, you will need time and patience to achieve this.

Start by giving your dog something to distract him for a few moments before you get ready to leave. This may be a favorite toy or a Kong style toy which you can place a favorite food inside. The goal is to distract your dog for 20 to 30 minutes.

When you make your exit, simply leave. Do not stop to say good-bye to your dog. Do not make leaving your home a big deal for your dog.

Another technique useful for counter-conditioning is performing the tasks you normally perform before you leave, but do not actually leave. For instance, put on your coat, pick up your keys and your purse, then sit down on the sofa and watch TV. This will teach your dog that these tasks are not always associated with your leaving and he will not become alarmed when he sees you starting to perform them.

Developing Your Dog’s Sense of Independence

When beginning behavioral modification training, it is best to leave your home for very short periods of time at first and return before your dog starts to get upset.

As your pet becomes accustomed to your absences and is more comfortable, you can gradually increase the amount of time you stay away from your house. If you stay away too long and your dog becomes upset, simply decrease the time gone to a more comfortable time for him and try again the next day.

Because most of us have to work and cannot avoid leaving the house for longer periods, try to separate the behavior modification training exercises by altering your routine when you are not training. For instance, when you are going to work, you might crate your dog or place him in a closed room while letting him remain free in the house only when you perform the behavior modification techniques.

Before long, your dog will be comfortable and relaxed while you are away and you will not need to worry about destructive behavior when you leave the house.

Wondering how to obedience train your dog by yourself? If you don’t live near an obedience school, don’t despair. You can train effectively all by yourself.

Dog-training books (or videos or DVDs) are the solution. There are many training methods, so read several books by different trainers to find one suited to you and your dog, .

Many older books teach force training. It usually works, but today there are better options available, so it’s no longer recommended.

Some trainers teach a reward system using food, toys or even just praise. It works well, but using food has some disadvantages, sticky pockets being one! Dogs that are not motivated by food may work for a toy. For some dogs, the best reward is praise. Many dogs will do anything to be petted and hear, “Good dog!”

You also can provide a special reward at the end of a training session. Many police canine units use this because the dog happily works for praise and to receive that special treat, such as a snack or a toy, that the dog never gets at any other time.

Who’s in Charge?

Several popular “dog whisperers” advocate a method based on establishing the owner as alpha (pack leader) to ensure your dog knows you are in charge. This is often combined with other methods, especially for teaching specific skills. This style of teaching is effective and probably works best for teaching the basic skills a dog needs to be a well-behaved pet.

Clicker training was adapted from the type of motivational training originally developed to teach captive dolphins. It requires a little device that makes a clicking noise.

This method starts with food as a lure. For example, to teach a dog to sit, you hold the food above the dog’s nose and move it backwards, saying “sit”, until the dog automatically sits. You click and give him the treat. Every time he sits on command (with or without the food lure), he hears a click.

Soon he will realize the click means he did something correctly. Once he understands that, you can teach him almost anything. This method works extremely well for advanced training and teaching tricks.

So, if they all work, how do you choose? Read several books until you find a method that you feel comfortable using. Then try it, be consistent, and if your dog responds well, you are on the right track.

Remember to be flexible! You may find your dog responds to one method for some skills, but needs a different method or combination of methods to learn others, especially for advanced training.

Three Little Rules

However you train, there are three main considerations.

First, keep sessions short. Dogs get bored, just like people. Learning new things can’t be rushed. Remember that your dog actually has to learn how to learn first. Five minutes or even less is best when you begin training.

Second, keep it fun. If things aren’t going well, or you aren’t in a good mood, just stop. If possible, have the dog do something simple that he already knows, so his last memory of the lesson will be praised for doing something right.

Third, be patient. You can’t expect results overnight. Each dog is different in terms of how quickly he learns, how much he retains from one session to the next and how much information he can process at once. What takes one dog a few days to master may take another dog a month, not because he is stupid, but because his brain processes information differently.

Whatever you do, remember that your dog is an intelligent individual who wants to please you. Work with him, encourage him to succeed, develop a partnership, and you will end up with a well-behaved companion

 

Choosing a new dog is a big decision that needs to be carefully thought out so the dog is compatible with your own temperament and lifestyle. Here are some useful tips.

If you have never owned a dog before, go with a breed that is very trainable, non-aggressive and easy to get along with.

Certain breeds are definitely not for inexperienced dog people. They are great dogs in the right hands, but too dominant and strong-willed for a first-time owner. Some examples include the Komondor, Rottweiler, Akita, Cane Corso, American Staffordshire Terrier, Briard, Kuvasz, Black Russian Terrier and Alaskan Malamute.

First-time owners would do better with a breed like a Newfoundland, Sussex Spaniel, Brittany Spaniel, retired Greyhound, Beagle, English Setter, Poodle, one of the toy or non-sporting breeds or one of the small or medium terriers. However, some terriers are not ideal candidates for first-timers, as they can be bossy and very assertive.

Golden and Labrador Retrievers and English Springer Spaniels are good, too, but some are high energy, so a first-time owner should look for one from a line of calmer dogs.

How Active are You?

Retrievers, pointers, most spaniels, many hounds and working breeds and virtually all of the herding breeds are ideal for people who like to jog, hike or cycle with their dogs. Small breeds can be very active, but may tire or have trouble keeping up simply because of their short legs. Flat-faced breeds are not good candidates for prolonged exercise because their breathing is restricted.

If you are more interested in playing with your dog in the park or yard or going for walks, consider one of the toy breeds, terriers, non-sporting breeds or a small hound or spaniel. Some large breeds are genuine couch potatoes.

How Smart are You?

All dogs are smart, but some are almost over the top. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers, Border Collies and Australian Shepherds are three breeds in particular that, while easy-going and good-natured, are often too smart for first-timers. They are very active, very clever and can become obsessed with work, whether it’s retrieving a tennis ball or herding anyone and anything that moves.

These dogs need to be challenged mentally and physically and don’t make good couch potatoes. But if you can keep them busy, and if you are ready for mental gymnastics to stay one step ahead of the dog, one of these breeds could be perfect for your family.

What About Grooming and Health?

Short-haired dogs are easier to keep clean and don’t need constant brushing, but they shed short hairs all year long. Dogs with heavier coats shed once or twice a year and need weekly brushing (daily while shedding). They also needs to be checked constantly for tangles, matted fur and foreign objects like twigs and burrs. Poodles and Portuguese Water Dogs also must be clipped regularly.

Long-haired dogs like Afghans, Lhasa Apsos, Shih Tzus, Samoyeds and Rough Collies are not supposed to be clipped. If you can’t dedicate yourself to proper coat care, do yourself and the dog a favour and buy a short-haired breed instead.

Some breeds have a high incidence of specific inherited diseases such as hip problems, blindness or epilepsy. Take that into consideration when choosing a breed. A sick dog can cost you a lot of money over the years.

Big or Small?

Some big dogs are pretty laid back, so don’t automatically assume a big dog is more work. But big ones do cost more to feed, need more space and are harder to transport.

Consider your lifestyle before deciding what size is best for you. If you have young children, don’t get a toy breed, since they can be injured by rough play. But they are wonderful for older children.

Less Common Breeds

Want something different? A breed not as well known to the general public might be right for you.

A few to consider: Schipperke, Keeshond, Papillon, Tibetan Spaniel, Japanese Chin, Clumber Spaniel, English Cocker Spaniel, Vizsla, Swedish Vallhund, Scottish Deerhound, Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen, Ibizan Hound, Saluki, Brussels Griffon, Havanese, Eurasier, French Bulldog, Smooth Collie and Shiba Inu.

Cocker spaniels are small sporting dogs that come in two “flavors”. One is long-haired and American. The other is sporty and from the UK.

Cocker spaniels are the smallest of the working land spaniels. The English springer spaniels were the largest of this family, while the field spaniel made up the middle sizes. At one time all three sizes could be found in the same litter and were registered according to size. Today, the cocker spaniel has been split into two separate breeds, one evolving in the United States and having long, flowing hair, and the other evolving in Britain and remaining relatively similar to the field and springer spaniel breeds.

The two breeds have a similar origin in these smaller spaniels, but the American cocker has evolved as a much more glamorous dog, greatly loved by the dog show fancy. The English breed still maintains a working-type in addition to its feathery show-type. It is because of these differences that appeared in the breed on both sides of the Atlantic, that the two have been split into separate breeds.

The American Cocker

The American cocker spaniel is known as the cocker spaniel in the United States, because to Americans, this is the cocker spaniel. The American Kennel Club recognized the cocker spaniel breed in 1878 in the early years of the American dog fancy. The breed was imported from Britain, where it had been used to flush game birds that ran into deep thickets. Among these birds were the woodcocks, and the cocker got its name for being a specialist at flushing woodcock. The American fancier had no real use for the dog as a flusher of game.

The American Type Evolves.

That task was left up to larger springer spaniels, field spaniels, and Sussex spaniels, which were also being imported. The American water spaniel and the Boykin spaniel could also be used as a flushing spaniel. The vast majority of cockers imported to the United States at this time became family pets and show dogs. The really long hair on the American cocker did not become established until after the Second World War, but the American cocker always had a broader skull than the English. It was decided that it would be a bit shorter in the leg as well. American cockers are generally not used for hunting, but a few fanciers are trying to develop it back into a flushing spaniel. A few individuals exist in certain lines that lack the really long coat of the modern show cocker, and these are much sought after for those wanting this breed to be a hunting dog.

The English Cocker

The other breed of cocker spaniel is the English cocker, which is called the cocker spaniel in the rest of the world. It is called the English cocker because its breed type was established in Britain. It resembles a smaller version of the field and English springer spaniels to which it is closely related. It has a longer muzzle and copious feathering on its legs and feet, but this spaniel’s feathering is less profuse than the American cocker. The English cocker was first separated from the American in the United States. In 1936, a meeting was held in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, to create a separate registry and standard for the English-type cocker.

Finally Separated

The two breeds remained the same breed until 1938, when the English cocker club made a rule that no member of the club could breed an English-type cocker to an American-type cocker. The English cocker was then separated off as its own breed. English cockers occur in working-type form, as well, which is lightly built and in various colors. It resembles the working-type springer spaniel. English cockers tend to be more responsive to training than Americans, but red English cockers are prone to a condition called avalanche of rage syndrome in which the dog attacks without warning. This has been a problem in some lines of English cockers and springers