Dog blog
Best Way and Tips of Preparing Your Puppy Apartment's Today!
It can be an exciting time to get a puppy apartment, especially when it comes to getting a dog. However, dogs are like children, and so before you take the plunge, you need to make sure that your apartment is ready to handle having any crazy puppies!
If you’re not much of a reader, then scroll to the bottom of the post for a helpful (and cute) video on how to puppy-proof your apartment!
Can you raise a puppy apartment?
One must consider the type of environment their puppy apartment will grow up in, as this can have serious implications on the development of their well-being over time. A house is one thing, however, apartments most of the time are smaller, and therefore more forethought must be placed upon the issue of bringing a puppy into an apartment.
Raising a puppy apartment can be challenging depending on the home size, the puppy’s energy levels, their frequent potty breaks, breed size, and their hypersensitivity to their surrounding environment (including neighboring noises and jarring sounds.) But that doesn’t mean raising one there is impossible.
Take solace in the fact that according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, over 38.4% of U.S. households own a dog, and not everyone can own a house. This means that a large population of Americans who live in apartment blocks, also own dogs.
So fear not, and abide by our “puppy-proof” apartment tips down below!
How to prepare your puppy apartment- checklist
Talk to your landlord before anything
This should be your first step before even “reminiscing” on fond future memories yet to happen with your pet, as whilst the majority of U.S. homes (over 78%) allow for pets, over half of a million pets are surrendered to shelters each year according to Humanesociety.org.
This is due to the “fine print” in rental housing weight caps that usually means barring dogs of a certain weight class, and/or breed. Because of this sad fact, review your apartment’s pet policy first, as this will inform you of breed restrictions, pet fees, and any additional insurance requirements.
Puppy apartment pro tip: when the time comes, remember to help your apartment manager warm up to your pet by showing them proof of all vaccinations and enrolled puppy apartment training courses (if need be) that you have planned.
Baby proof all doors and latches
Puppy apartment are crafty sons of…just like babies, so make sure to treat them like a baby, only more capable. Adding nifty easy to use child locks like this model by Door Buddy (link to Amazon) will ensure certain rooms are kept closed off. And remember to keep all cupboards and little “holes” closed off too, especially in areas like the kitchen, where potentially toxic chemicals (like your cleaning supplies) may lie.
Babyproofing methods like these extend to such places as your trash cans, under the bed, and/or any laundry machines within your apartment.
Easy to use cabinet locks by Tuhaho (link to Amazon) may suit you best due to their simple “hook/unhook” nature, as you don’t want to be cracking complex “vault codes” every time you need to open a cupboard.
Puppy apartment pro tip: hide all your makeup cosmetics, as puppies tend to have an affinity for consuming scented/ flavored products from the likes of Sephora, Revlon, and the lesser-known brands. They’re not picky!
Conceal all wiring EVERYWHERE
Your puppy apartment will bite through every cord and wire you place in front of it, and living in modern technological times makes it highly likely…that you probably have a lot of wires lying around!
So make sure to conceal all cords by either placing them out of sight or by using various forms of wire covering like this ultra-long wire covering (125 inches) by Yecaye or with cord protector sleeves like this one by Alex Tech (both links to Amazon.)
For large bundles of wires – if you prefer some tight organization – consider getting a cheap cable management box like this one by Yecaye (link to Amazon.)
Puppy apartment pro tip: use furniture to act as a blockade between you and your puppy around certain areas (like to cover any charger wires near the bed.)
Store “fragile” items in the closet
Your puppy apartment will likely explore every nook and cranny within your home, and so now will be as good a time as any to begin relying on your closet space. As anything “you” scented will likely draw the attention of your new best friend.
Aside from placing child locks on your closet, remember to keep the majority of your clothing items (including hats) and shoes tucked away.
If you’re the type to fling your shoes near the doorway at the end of the day, then consider getting a door-mounted shoe rack to keep your shoes and boots high up safe from puppy slobbery.
Our recommend affordable shoe rack is one by DUSASA which you can check out right here (link to Amazon.)
Puppy apartment pro tip: give all your furniture a good spritz of bitter apple spray, as this harsh taste will prevent your puppy from chewing/scratching all your furniture!
Have a specialized zone dedicated to your puppy
No matter the size of your apartment, create a zone for your puppy ahead of time containing everything they might like, including special toys where they can essentially feel comfortable and safe. Consider placing their dog kennel and bed there as well.
This is especially true when it comes to their kennel. Let them explore it themselves and on their terms. This could prove invaluable for later moments when you need to leave the apartment or sleep (when you can’t keep an eye on them.)
If they remain hesitant, this is where dog treat (bribes) can come in handy!
Get a dog crate (and crate items)
Pet crate prices will vary highly depending on the breed, and materials used. Low-end prices start around $40 and can go up easily into the +$1,000 range, with the median average being within the $200-$300 range.
Some potty-training pads and carpet cleaner will also help, for when those stinky unpleasant accidents inevitably happen (thank us later!)
A top potty training brand is this one by JOINPADS, whilst this carpet cleaner by Bissel will work best to remove your puppy’s tough stains thanks to its incredibly potent and effective (eco-friendly) formula – check out the rave reviews too! (both links to Amazon.)
Have puppy treats on hand
“Not only are they an invaluable training tool, but they also play a huge role in forging a bond between you and your pet.”
Bo – Veterinarian (as featured on edgarcooper.com)
Upon their arrival, your pet will likely do some naughty things that they shouldn’t, therefore you must begin to employ good habit-building techniques with your puppy ASAP.
Offering value-loaded exchanges through the use of dog treats will be one of the fastest ways to help begin teaching your puppy what they can and cannot do, by simply rewarding them when they listen to you.
It’s fun, easy, and your puppy will begin to like you even faster. Just make sure it’s a healthy treat!
Puppy apartment pro tip: opt to begin by buying a small amount (over a large one) of dog treats beforehand, as your vet and/or doctor will likely tell you later on what is most optimal for your puppy anyway.
Upfront costs of puppy-proofing your apartment
Consider the upfront costs of puppy proofing your apartment in its entirety. You needn’t have much, but being overly prepared will help alleviate any stress for novices when not knowing what to expect.
From dog toys, kennels, beds, and of course the pet apartment fees – there are quite a few cheeky payments to look out for!
| Item(s) | Cost | Recurring Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy treats (“Amazon’s Choice” brand “Zukes”) | $5.00 | Yes |
| Shoe Rack | $27.00 | No |
| Toys | $30.00 | Yes |
| Potty training pads (30 Pack) | $30.00 | Yes |
| Cabinet locks (24 Pack) | $37.00 | No |
| Wire cable covering & cord protector | $40.00 | No |
| Pet apartment fees ($10-$100 per month according to apartments.com) | $50.00 | Yes |
| Dog proofing locks (Set of 4) | $127.00 | No |
| Dog bed (Average price of ones on Amazon) | $200.00 | No |
| Total estimated cost | $546.00 |
This spreadsheet shows the general total rough estimated cost on what you should expect to pay upfront for dog-proofing your apartment (the amount above pertains to a 1 bedroom apartment.) This does not include the cost of the dog, any adoption costs, medication, etc.
Puppy pro tip: once you’re sure your puppy has some semblance of “elegant poise”, consider taking them to your landlord’s office to get acquainted in person, as this way they’ll have an adorable face to remember your pet by (which is never a bad thing.)
Check out this helpful video below on some more helpful tips.
