Do Cocker Spaniels make good apartment dogs? The answer is yes if you are willing to give them the best quality of life. If you live in a small apartment, you can comfortably live with a Cocker Spaniel pet. The main requirement for this dog breed is exercise. If you want to make it happy, you must enjoy daily hikes.
Although exercising your dog is a crucial thing to do, consider your neighbors. Cocker Spaniels are not overly noisy but they like barking. Find out if your neighbors in the apartment are okay with the noise. Apart from these points, the following tips can help you make your dog happy.
Leaving your dog alone
When living with a Cocker Spaniel in a small apartment, you will leave him alone at some point. Maybe you need to run some errands or go to work. So how to keep a dog happy when home alone? Before you leave, make sure you take him out for a walk. This dog breed is too active to tolerate staying indoors.
When you come back home, make sure the dog has plenty of food and clean water to drink. As Cocker Spaniel can quickly feel bored, leave it some dog toys. Once it feels sleepy and tired, it will snuggle through the rest of the day. To make the toy attractive to the dog, put some dog treats inside.
It will spend time figuring out how to remove the treats. You can also install surveillance devices that you can track from anywhere on your mobile phone. These will always show you what is happening in the house.
Rest and sleep
Where your Cocker Spaniel retires to sleep is a vital consideration when living in a small house. Although you can let the dog cuddle up closer to you in bed, it needs a separate bed. Even if you have limited space, find a comfortable area for placing the best quality dog bed. If it is an old Spaniel dog, get him an orthopedic bed.
Are Cocker Spaniels Good Apartment Dogs: Dog Products you should not miss
Are Cocker Spaniels good apartment dogs? They are not but they can certainly cope. To give it happiness, get essential dog products. These are:
Pet gates
Since your apartment is small, you might not want your dog to access certain areas. You can fit dog gates across entranceways to prevent it from passing. These might work best for a Cocker Spaniel dog because it loves human company. It will still see you but cannot open the gate for itself. Alternatively, you can buy him a dog crate that is big enough for his body size.
Grooming products and tools
These can help you clean the dog so it can smell good. As you select dog shampoos online, make sure they are not too harsh for the dog’s skin. You require brushes for grooming the coat regularly to reduce the shedding of fur. A twin-sided dog brush is a must-have.
Dog walking gear
Living in a small apartment means that you probably do not have a private field nearby. Thus, the only way to exercise your Cocker Spaniel is to take it out daily. For this, you need dog walking gear for yourself and the dog. The dog might require a dog coat if your region is so cold during winter. Otherwise, get a suitable leash, harness, and whistle, as these are the basics.
First aid kit
A dog can encounter small accidents here and there and Cocker Spaniel puppies are no exception. Hence, keep a first aid kit in your small apartment. Ensure it has an antibiotic ointment drug and other accessories for dressing wounds.
Dog toys and treats
Keep your Cocker Spaniel healthy
Exercising your dog is a welcome idea. Cocker Spaniels are low-maintenance dogs for apartments. However, you should take it to the veterinarian for routine checkups, vaccines, and treatment. Additionally, organize a suitable health care plan for your pet if it is old. It will require more vet visits than a younger dog. Besides, if you have a communal yard where all tenants can relax with their pets, your Cocker Spaniel catches parasites or diseases. Thus, regular vet visits and good grooming can keep it healthy and happy.
Keep training your dog to have good manners
We would emphasize the need to buy a trained Cocker Spaniel puppy. Regardless, it needs further training to get used to living an apartment life. Make a routine for the dog, including walking, eating, urinating, bowel movements, and more. Show the dog the best bathroom etiquette to facilitate its potty breaks. If you live upstairs, make sure you have a balcony; it can act as your dog’s bathroom. Lastly, your dog might require behavioral training if it barks too much. This way, Cocker Spaniels can be transformed into one of the best apartment dog breeds.
Are Cocker Spaniels Good Apartment Dogs: Final Words
Living with a Cocker Spaniel puppy or adult dog is doable, as you can see. In fact, it’s one of the best dogs for apartment living. However, if you spend the entire day out, toys may not be enough to prevent boredom. Consider getting another dog to play with your puppy. Alternatively, find a neighbor to take your dog and their dog out for a walk. Even if you have to hire them, the company of another dog can keep your Cocker Spaniel happier.
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