Jacey lives on the third floor of an apartment building in downtown Albany. Jacey is a five year old Labrador mix that sorta kinda looks like Marley but with more ear and less tail. Jacey used to live downstate with her owner in a house with a yard, but they had to rent an apartment when they moved here.
Jacey is not particularly fond of her new smaller quarters. The sounds of the neighbors through the walls make her jumpy and nervous. She barks when she hears anyone come up the stairs, if a door opens or shuts, and whenever a truck rumbles by. Jacey’s owner has a new job and is gone longer hours, leaving Jacey by herself, bored and lonely and anxious.
It’s a joy having a canine companion, no matter where we call home. However, for those who live in multi-unit dwellings like Jacey and her owner, barking and bad manners can disturb others. Already, the downstairs neighbor has complained about Jacey’s whining and barking.
So in the interest of keeping your dog, your neighbors, your landlord, and yourself happier and living in harmony, here are some suggestions for dog-owners who share living space in apartments, condos, townhomes and the like:
First, dogproof your new residence for potential hazards (like no screens on the windows, exposed wires, etc) to ensure your dog’s safety.
As soon as you move in, introduce yourself and your dog to your immediate neighbors, including the ones above and below you. This lets your dog become familiar with the people—and dogs—he may encounter every day. This also has the benefit of meeting potential caretakers for your dog in the event you are delaying in getting home.
On the elevator or the stairs, have your dog sit away from the action when there are other people inside or on the staircase. Small confined areas can become a threatening environment for dogs.
Always position yourself between your dog and passersby in hallways and other public areas.
Take extra care when walking on staircases. Small dogs may fall between the stairs or through the railings, and tripping on your dog is pretty common. Train your dog to walk slowly by your side when on stairs.
An obedience class or one-on-one training with your dog will help both of you learn good manners and be better neighbors.
EXERCISE! EXERCISE! EXERCISE! A tired dog will sleep through normal everyday noises.
Treat-rewarding puzzle toys like Kongs and Buster Cubes will keep your dog busy while you’re gone. Switch out his toys every few days so he has new and fun things to hold his interest.
Don’t let your dog become a nuisance barker. If he barks when you are at home, learn ways to manage his noisy behavior to help you and your neighbors enjoy a quieter living environment. If he barks when you are away from home, consult with a qualified dog behavioral therapist to learn how to stop the barking and keep the peace.
Crating your dog when you’re not home ensures a safe environment for him, minimizes chances of his barking, and helps prevent him from causing damage. Because dogs are descended from den-dwelling animals, a crate or pet carrier makes a natural shelter. Provide soft bedding and keep the crate in an area of your home where he feels most comfortable.
A well-behaved dog is less likely to upset people and other pets in public places, will be more welcome at gatherings, and will enjoy a better relationship with everyone he meets. Plus, his good manners will reflect positively on you, his responsible owner.
Commentaires