If you live in an apartment in Chicago, and are considering getting a furry friend to keep you company, you’ve probably heard opinions from everyone you’ve mentioned your plans to about what kind of dog you should get. Regardless of whether you get your dog from a shelter, a rescue, a breeder, or somewhere else, there are some considerations to make, particularly if you live in a small apartment or don’t have a yard. Don’t get discouraged, though—there are plenty of dogs who thrive in, and may even prefer, living in smaller apartments.
If you’re worried about proper exercise levels if you live in a small place, you can always hire a dog walker in Chicago as well, so that your pooch gets to work off some of his or her energy while you’re away. Let’s find the right dog for you!
Choose Size Wisely
If you’re looking for a small dog, you might think that just about any small dog will do well in an apartment due to its size. Surprisingly, that’s not quite true—some dogs have too much energy and need to run around a lot more than an apartment will allow.
That said, your options for small dogs are hardly limited, as some of the smaller breeds are noted for being the best for apartments. Breeds like Bichon Frises, Boston Terriers, Brussels Griffons, bulldogs, and pugs are all great for small living spaces. These dogs, while playful, are usually easy to train, relatively quiet, and somewhat independent, making them an ideal choice for your studio or one-bedroom apartment in Chicago.
Other pups that love apartments are greyhounds, Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Cocker spaniels, and Schnauzers. Large dogs like Great Danes are not usually great apartment dogs, simply because they take up so much space and need more room to really stretch out and be comfortable.
If you’re going the rescue route, check out how high energy the dog is, ask about how much exercise it will need, and find out about other things too, like its temperament and volume. Going into an adoption with as much information as you can is a way to increase the chance of success!
Is Important
Beyond merely choosing a breed you think is cute and cuddly, it’s important to consider how the dog will act around you and your neighbors. Do some research on dogs you’re considering to learn more about what you can expect. If a dog’s breed has a tendency to become aggressive in confined spaces, or a rescue dog is timid and afraid of other animals, they may not be a good choice for your apartment lifestyle.
In a similar vein, try and find out all that you can about how often your new best friend will bark. No one wants to share walls with a pup that never stops yapping—and frankly, you probably won’t enjoy sharing a small space with a dog who’s got a lot to say at a loud volume.
Making Sure Your New Dog is Happy
Once you’ve found a pooch that’s stolen your heart, it’s up to you to make sure they’re happy in their new home. Talk with your vet to find out the best food for their size and activity level, make sure you have plenty of toys on hand to keep them entertained in your apartment, and work with a Chicago dog walking company to get your new dog set up for regular walks.
Keeping your dog on a schedule will ensure that they establish a routine and learn how to function and thrive in their new environment. For help with dog walking in your Chicago neighborhood, contact Cruisin’ Canines to get started!
