Bringing home a puppy is a childhood dream for many, and for most people, this dream comes true in their adulthood. As heartwarming as this experience is, it can also be very challenging. Living in the city can further amplify the challenges of raising a new furry friend.
Urban environments are rich with amenities and convenience, but they also bring unique obstacles in the different stages of your pet’s growth. Let’s take a look at these hurdles, so you can be better prepared to take care of your furry baby while keeping your sanity!
Welcoming a New Puppy into Your City Life
Potty Training in Small Spaces
One of the first challenges is potty training your puppy in an apartment without a backyard. Puppies need more frequent bathroom breaks as compared to adult dogs. In the absence of a backyard, this can mean relying on pee pads, taking multiple trips outdoors, or using your balcony for potty time.
Dogs thrive on consistent routines, which helps them feel stable and secure in their environment. So, it’s a good idea to set up a potty schedule and reward your puppy with treats after successful trips outside. Scheduling short but frequent outdoor breaks in the early stages of development will cause fewer accidents indoors and also train them successfully.
Dealing with Noise Sensitivity
We are so used to the thousands of sounds around us that sometimes we don’t even realize if there is noise in the background. But dogs have sensitive hearing, especially puppies who haven’t yet learned what’s normal and what is not.
City noises like sirens, car horns, and construction work can easily overwhelm a young puppy. This sensory overload can result in noise sensitivity, leading to barking, whining, or hiding. According to a study done on puppy socialization, early exposure to controlled environments, during the developmental period of 3–14 weeks, can help dogs adapt to loud noises or new objects without getting scared or anxious.
You can try playing ambient city noises at home when your puppy is calm, give them treats, and pet them. This can help them associate city noises with good feelings.
Energy Levels vs. Space Constraints
Puppies are basically bundles of joy and energy. But city life doesn’t always accommodate their zoomies. Without proper outlets for their energy, puppies may start engaging in destructive behaviors like chewing on furniture or digging at carpets.
You can use creative toys, indoor games, or long walks to tire out your puppy. Activities like hiding treats around the house engage their mind and body in healthy ways.
Navigating the Growing Stages
Teething Troubles
Without proper outlets, teething can become a real nuisance. You may have to sacrifice your shoes, furniture, or even electrical cords. It can be frustrating but let’s understand why your baby is doing that!
Teething puppies chew to alleviate pain and gum discomfort. It is a natural process and can be taken care of by providing appropriate chew toys. You should ensure that your puppy has safe spaces where chewing is okay and not reprimanded. This will keep your puppy relaxed, and save both your sanity and your furniture.
Health Risks in Urban Areas
Urban areas pose a unique set of health risks for puppies like exposure to stray trash, chemicals, or pests. Puppies are naturally curious and may end up eating or sniffing something they shouldn’t.
City dogs can also be at a higher risk of contracting diseases like parvovirus. This is because they can easily come in contact with other infected dogs or their feces in shared spaces like walkways or parks.
Scoop Soldiers shares that some harmful organisms present in pet waste, like hookworms, campylobacter, and salmonella, can also affect humans. Therefore, close supervision during outdoor activities is extremely important for urban puppies. Using a short leash and teaching commands like “leave it” or “drop it” can help you manage your dog better outside.
Into the Adulthood
Maintaining Exercise and Mental Stimulation
As dogs gain their complete strength and agility, their need for regular exercise and mental stimulation remains if not increases. In cities where space is limited, you might have to get creative in trying to find ways to engage your adult dog.
Without enough stimulation, dogs may develop anxiety or resort to behaviors like barking excessively or digging indoors. You can try dog-friendly gyms, agility courses, or advanced obedience training.
Managing the Mess
Being a parent to an adult dog in the city can sometimes feel like a messy affair. It’s all fun and games until you have to deal with pet waste every single day, sometimes multiple times a day!
Additionally, dealing with pet waste isn’t just boring or unpleasant, sometimes it can also be harmful. Dog waste carries bacteria and parasites that pose risks to both human health and the environment. In densely populated urban areas, it is important that the waste be cleaned regularly and effectively.
For busy pet owners especially, managing this mess can become a challenge. Even if your yard is small or large, or your pet uses the terrace to do their business, residential pet waste removal must be a timely affair.
You can plan a time slot to get it done or assign it to someone else, the choice is yours. Professional services have an edge due to their efficient cleaning systems. They are equipped for hygienic waste removal, reducing the risk of any harmful bacteria spreading, and they save you both time and energy.
In the end, the priority is to ensure your neighborhood stays safe and hygienic for everyone.
Twice the Joy, Double the Challenges
Bringing home a second puppy is nothing short of a movie sequence. It’s fun, exciting, and oh-so cute! Watching your two dogs slowly bond and become best friends is nothing but happiness. But the process can be frictional and you should be ready for it.
The arrival of a new dog should be carefully planned to avoid territorial issues. It is recommended that you introduce the dogs on neutral ground to reduce feelings of intrusion for your older baby. This can be a park or a friend’s yard.
Managing Different Needs, Finances and Logistics
Dogs of different ages or breeds can have varying needs. A senior dog may require slower walks, while a puppy might need high-energy play sessions. Meeting both sets of needs can be physically and emotionally demanding for parents.
Let’s not forget the added expenses of food, vet visits, training, and supplies. In cities, this can add up quickly. Make sure you are ready for what you are getting into! Planning for these costs and logistics ahead of time can make the transition smooth and more enjoyable.
Raising a dog is super rewarding, but it requires patience, creativity, and a lot of preparation. From training a new puppy to the complexities of managing adult dogs, pet parenting in cities is a whole different game. But with planning and adapting to your dog’s changing needs, you can build a happy life together.