Keeping Your Dog Happy While Stuck Inside

Leaving your dog at home can cause immense worry for many dog owners. Will they be sad? Will they get lonely? Will they rip anything up? Luckily, there are steps you can take to keep your dog happy and healthy when they are alone inside!

Make The Area Safe For Your Dog

You must dog-proof your apartment or home whether you bring a new furry friend or already have a canine friend for a long time. Ensuring your dog is safe in every area of an residence should be your priority. To do this, start by checking each room. Install child-resistant latches on the lower cupboards in the kitchen and bathroom. Ensure that your dog does not have access to cabinets that contain medicine or cleaning materials because it could be extremely dangerous for them to get to them.

Make A Cozy Retreat

Even dogs need some privacy from time to time. Your apartment should have a designated area for dogs only. Set up a comfortable dog bed or couch along with their food, drink, and favorite toys. If you use a crate, try to make it as cozy and comfortable as you can. Remember... how would you feel sleeping on a hard surface?

Choose The Right Breed

If you are considering getting a dog, make sure to complete your homework before making a decision. Certain breeds are still more adapted to being inside than others. For instance, high-energy breeds should not be kept inside as much as low-energy breeds. 

High Energy Breeds

    • American Staffordshire Terrier
    • Border Collie
    • Brittany
    • Belgian Malinois
    • Dalmatian
    • Doberman Pinscher
    • German Shorthaired Pointer
    • Australian Shepherd
Low Energy Breeds
    • Basset Hound
    • Bloodhound
    • Bulldog
    • Chow Chow
    • Great Pyrenees
    • Irish Wolfhound
    • Mastiff

Music, Dog TV, or A Recognizable Voice

If you want to leave your dog alone, consider playing calming music in the background. This technique keeps their senses active and makes them feel less lonely. Bird sounds or even sometimes noises of other dogs can also help calm your dog. An interactive camera or a voice recording of your own are both fantastic alternatives to give them company.

Set A Routine

Opening a back door is all it takes to let your dog out when you have your yard. Create a specific time for feeding your dog before scheduling walks. Even if your schedule isn't 100% accurate, having a general idea of when they can expect food, walks, cuddles, and any other activities will make you both feel satisfied and at ease.

Be Patient With Your Dog

Accidents can occur anytime, no matter how well you train your dog or how frequently you take them for walks. You might enter your bedroom and find that your pillows have been torn to pieces, or you might get home to a stinky pool on the floor. These situations are undoubtedly upsetting and stressful, but do your best and have patience with your dog. Your dog could be misbehaving because they're not getting enough mental stimulation. In these cases, you must be patient and try to find the cause of your dog's problematic behavior. 

Proper Training

A great help to a peaceful and comfortable living has a happy dog, who doesn't bark every time the elevator door opens or scratches the back of your entrance door with its nails because they don't want you to leave. When training your dog, ensure your trainer knows everything about your living situation and ask them to focus on appropriate behavior in this setting. A well-trained dog is generally much happier because they are used to living in a smaller space.

We value your dog's comfort and welfare as you do and we know it might be a bit of a challenge, but it is all worth it in the end! If you're interested in having your dog become an emotional support animal, make sure to get Emotional Support Animal letter first. 

Written BySalvatore S. Randazzo

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