Learn about essential commands for dog parents with pups in apartments.
All dogs, regardless of size or age, should be trained to be good neighbors. That means ensuring they’re respectful, quiet, and friendly. However, training can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially with patience, consistency, and lots of pets and love.
Renting with a pet is very different from having a dog as a homeowner. Here are some things to remember and keep in mind:
Every pet parent should teach their dog basic commands like sit, stay, come, and lie down. Puppies, like humans, don’t instinctively understand language. Training them to associate words with actions builds a strong foundation for communication with your furry friend.
“Sit” is often the first command dogs learn because it’s simple and valuable in advanced training. It can help manage triggers, like strangers or other pets, by giving your dog a focused task, redirecting their attention, and promoting calm behavior.
👉 Learn the sit command.
The “stay” command helps set boundaries and prevents your dog from running off. It’s especially useful for recall training, preparing your pup for safe off-leash experiences.
👉 Learn the stay command.
Before trusting your dog off-leash, they must reliably respond when called. The “come” command helps with this, as well as bringing them inside or locating them at home. To build a positive connection, use it for enjoyable moments like mealtime and play.
👉 Learn the come command.
If your dog has mastered “sit,” they’re already on their way to learning “lie down.” This command helps dogs stay calm and can be paired with “stay” to keep them relaxed in one place when needed.
👉 Learn the lie-down command.
Dogs love grabbing things they shouldn’t, whether at home or on a walk. “Leave it” should be the primary command for anything they may be interested in, while “drop it” should be used for things they’ve actually put in their mouths.
“No” is an incredibly helpful command for prohibiting your dog from engaging in a specific action. However, it shouldn’t be overused, as this can cause the command to lose its meaning.
Investing the time, and potentially money, in training your dog can help them be a good apartment neighbor and get you in the good graces of the apartment complex and the other people living there. Training with basic commands not only helps you do this, but it helps to keep your dog safe and out of dangerous situations.
