City Dog

City Dog is specifically geared towards dogs who live in apartments, condos, and town homes. While we would ideally like for our canine companion to have a ton of space and freedom how can we provide that within the confines of concrete and skyscrapers?

Dogs can find their own joy and exuberance amidst city streets, sights and sounds.  So don’t feel guilty that your dog has no backyard, tall grass to roll in, trails to navigate or pastures to play in.  More than anything in the world, your dog wants YOU,your love, and companionship.  Dogs don’t typically care where they are as long as it is with you and your family.

City dogs tend to be more prone to foot injuries, primarily cuts, and abrasions on the pads of the feet.  In the winter, there is a very high concentration of salt and sand on the streets and sidewalks which can be caustic or potentially painful to your dog.  Use foot protection such as booties.  City dogs can also be more prone to breathing issues and allergies because of all the dust and other assorted floating debris that can easily kicked up by cars and inhaled by dogs who are smaller in stature or lower to the ground.  Dogs with luxurious coats such as yorkshire terriers, bearded collies, golden retrievers and others can easily become dirty or easily matted if not brushed and groomed regularly.

City Dogs raised in close quarters tend to have fewer severe behavioral issues.  Due to the close proximity that people and their pets must coexist in cities, most dogs raised in these situations are more tolerant of people and other animals.  That being said, a more common problem with city dogs is separation anxiety and noise issues.  Due to the close quarters in apartments, condos and townhomes one barking dog or whining puppy can not only keep an entire floor up all night but can also set off other dogs.  Be sure that you train your dog as needed.  

It’s relatively common for dogs to be reactive in lobbies and hallways because of the hustle and bustle. Try to understand that your dog sees those people and distractions as true dangers and is really just trying to keep you safe and sound. When dogs act unpredictably, it is often due to a lack of clarity between the dog and the human. Imagine a child caring for the parent instead of the parent caring for the child. Dogs who lack clarity tend to have behavioural issues while dogs who have clarity tend to be happy and even tempered. Imagine not knowing your job description yet trying to figure it out without words or instructions. Your dog is simply protecting himself and you from what he perceives to be dangers around him.

You are a mirror. As a mirror, you reflect the best or the worst and the good or the bad to your dog. If your dog is barking or reacting to another animal or person try not to tell them “It’s OK”, you are actually telling your dog that it is OK to be reacting in the way he is.  Even worse, petting him or picking him up when he is misbehaving is showing him in a very physical way that he is making you happy and proud because you want him to do more that action. So it your dog is reacting and you tell him it is OK while he is barking, growling and lunging, you are telling him it is OK to bark, lunge and growl.