Welcome home to your new residence! Whether you’ve chosen an apartment in Joplin, Webb City, or one of our other gorgeous properties, we’re here to help you live your best life with upscale family living or luxury apartments.
We have pet policies in place for most of our properties because we want you and your furry family members to live the best life possible. Many of our properties, like 20th Place in Joplin and 17th Place in Webb City, have small dog parks on the property so your pup can get some exercise.
Keep reading to learn how to help your dog live in an apartment in Joplin so they can be comfortable, healthy, and loved.
Special Considerations for Apartment Living
Dogs need a regular care routine of fresh water, food, and exercise every day. Because they go to the bathroom outdoors, it’s also important to house-train them so they know when it’s time to go for a walk.
Consider these aspects of apartment living when thinking about how to care for your dog:
Space and Environment
Smaller living areas mean dogs have less room to move freely, which may require extra exercise to compensate. Make sure to set aside some playtime, indoors and outdoors, so your dog can get the exercise they need.
Apartments tend to have more ambient noise from neighbors, traffic, and doors opening/closing, which can be stressful for some dogs. Consider taking measures to dampen the sounds in your apartment, such as rugs on hardwood floors, furniture with soft textures, and wall hangings that absorb sound.
Close quarters can make dogs more anxious when left alone since they hear activity outside the door. Take steps to mitigate separation anxiety, like having favorite toys or using a simple camera-based system that allows you to see and speak to your dog when you’re not in the apartment.
Apartments, especially on higher floors, can get hotter or colder than houses with yards, requiring extra climate control. Make sure the temperature is right for your pet. Consider a programmable thermostat for your HVAC system if there isn’t one already. Talk to your maintenance person about getting one installed.
Exercise and Bathroom Needs
Without a yard, dogs must be taken out multiple times daily for exercise and bathroom breaks. Consider one walk in the morning, one in the afternoon, and one in the evening. House-training your dog is also crucial. Potty pads, balcony setups, or indoor grass patches may be necessary for emergencies if your pup has to go and a walk isn’t available.
Some dogs may be scared of elevators, and older or smaller dogs might struggle with stairs. So, be wary of these items when taking your furry friend for a walk.
Cold weather presents challenges for dogs, so think about protecting paws on walks when there is rock salt on sidewalks. Rock salt can dry out the pads of your dog’s paws, which could lead to irritation. Plus, you don’t want your dog to lick the salt off of their paws.
Behavior and Socialization
Dogs may bark at hallway noises or neighbors, which can cause issues. Again, reducing noises can help here, as can reducing separation anxiety.
Make sure your dog knows their leash manners. Hold on to their leash properly so they don’t get loose. The best harness for a dog is one that attaches around the chest, shoulders, and back rather than a traditional collar. A harness reduces the chances of your dog getting hurt if they like to tug on the leash. However, your dog may feel a sense of freedom with the harness and might pull harder. So, please watch out for this tendency in your doggo.
Safety and Accessibility
Dogs should not be left unattended on balconies or patios, and windows need to be secured if your dog is big enough to jump at a window. Consider a leash and harness when your dog is on a balcony. Restricting movements can be one way to do this, but you’ll need to keep your dog occupied.
Limited space means a dog might bolt as soon as the apartment door opens into the hallway. So be wary of this as you come home.
Grooming and Cleanliness
Small spaces can make dog hair, odor, pet dander, and messes a bigger deal. Make sure you clean up messes promptly and vacuum regularly. Consider getting a HEPA filter for your HVAC unit.
Dogs usually clean themselves just fine. However, bathing them once a season can help keep their coat shiny and healthy.
Mental Stimulation
Dogs love to explore their world. However, living in an apartment can present challenges to your dog’s senses. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and indoor playtimes are essential since there’s no yard to roam when you’re not at home. Your dog might try to chew on things, dig into the floor, or bark excessively if they are bored and need more stimulation. These behaviors are why dog-friendly activities are crucial to your pet’s lifestyle.
Restrictions in the Lease
In general, apartment owners will restrict the sizes and breeds of the pets allowed in the unit.
Dogs in our apartments are limited by these sizes and breeds:
- Maximum of 20 pounds
- Maximum of 18 inches tall
- These breeds are not allowed: Akita, Pit Bull or related breeds, Chow, Rottweiler, Bull Terrier or other related breeds, or other dog breeds not allowed by insurance or local laws.
- Also, you are allowed one dog or one cat.
Provide Daily Food and Water
Provide daily food and water based on your veterinarian’s recommendations. The amount of food should be tailored to your dog’s:
- Breed and Metabolism
- Size and Weight
- Activity Level
- Age and Life State (Puppy, Adult, Senior)
- Health Conditions and Special Needs
- Type and Quality of Food
Make sure to adjust your dog’s food intake based on any changes to the factors we just listed. Again, consulting with your veterinarian is advised.
Refresh the water bowl once or twice a day so your pup gets plenty of hydration.
Walk and Get Exercise (for Humans and Dogs)
Much like daily food intake, your dog needs exercise every day. The amount of exercise varies based on the same factors we listed for feeding.
Go with these basic guidelines, and adjust if anything changes (including the weather outside):
Low-Energy Breeds
- 30–45 minutes/day
- Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, Shih Tzus, Pugs
- Short walks and light playtime are usually enough.
Moderate-Energy Breeds
- 1–2 hours/day
- Cocker Spaniels, Poodles
- A mix of walks, playtime, and training keeps them stimulated.
Puppies vs. Adults
- Puppies: Short bursts of activity throughout the day (5 minutes per month of age, 2–3 times daily).
- Adults: Follow breed-specific needs with a mix of physical and mental stimulation.
- Seniors: Adjust exercise based on mobility—gentle walks and low-impact play.
Types of Exercise
- Physical exercise includes walking, jogging, and playing fetch.
- Mental stimulation includes puzzle toys, exploring new areas, training, and socialization.
- Off-leash play, like in a dog park, helps burn energy faster than leash walks.
Establish a Routine
Establishing a routine is especially important for indoor dogs. This provides structure, stability, and mental stimulation in an environment where they have fewer natural opportunities for exercise and exploration. Here’s why a consistent routine benefits indoor dogs:
- Predictability reduces anxiety because dogs thrive on consistency—knowing when they’ll eat, go outside, and get attention helps reduce stress. Sudden changes in routine can cause anxiety, restlessness, or behavioral issues.
- Regular feeding and potty breaks help prevent accidents indoors. Dogs learn to hold it until their scheduled bathroom time.
- Scheduled exercise prevents weight gain and keeps dogs active. Routine meals prevent overeating or irregular digestion.
- Dogs with structured playtime and training sessions are less likely to develop destructive habits like chewing or excessive barking. Knowing when they’ll get attention helps prevent attention-seeking behaviors.
- Daily routines build trust between you and your furry family member. Predictable interactions, like training or playtime, reinforce positive relationships.
- Indoor dogs don’t get as much variety as outdoor dogs, so scheduled playtime, training, and enrichment activities keep their minds engaged.
Toys to Keep Your Dog Stimulated Throughout the Day
If you work outside of the home and no one is home for extended periods of time, various toys can keep your indoor dog stimulated throughout the day.
- Puzzle feeders require your dog to solve a challenge to get treats or kibble, keeping their minds engaged.
- Look for durable rubber toys that can be stuffed with peanut butter, yogurt, or treats for long-lasting entertainment.
- Snuffle mats mimic foraging behavior by hiding kibble in fabric layers, engaging a dog’s sense of smell.
- Treat-dispensing balls release goodies when your dog rolls or nudges these balls. But be careful not to overfeed your dog too many treats!
- Interactive and durable electronic toys, like motion-activated or self-moving items, keep dogs entertained when alone.
- Tug ropes with suction cups stick to a hardwood or laminate floor so dogs can pull and play even without a human partner.
- Squeaky plush toys, soft toys with hidden squeakers to keep dogs engaged through sound stimulation.
- Durable chew toys help relieve boredom and reduce stress, especially for power chewers.
- Automatic ball launchers allow fetch-loving dogs to play independently by launching balls for them to chase.
- Rope toys with hidden treats combine chewing, tugging, and treat-finding for multi-layered engagement.
- Spread peanut butter or yogurt on textured lick mats provides calming stimulation and prevents boredom.
Utilize a Dog Park
Many of our properties have a dog park. Utilizing a dog park allows your four-legged friend the freedom of movement in an enclosed space. Make sure you use the gates properly. There should be a double gate that prevents dogs from escaping the area.
Some dog parks have obstacles and challenges, like a ramp or slide, to stimulate their minds and improve their senses. Engaging in play, such as fetching or agility exercises, enhances problem-solving skills and reinforces training commands. New scents, sights, and interactions challenge your dog’s brain to help prevent boredom, stress, and destructive behaviors at home. So, a dog park is great for your pup besides physical exercise.
Dog parks are great places for socialization, which also stimulates your pup’s senses. Get your dog used to others of their kind. Dogs are very social animals and thrive in a pack. Having them socialize with other dogs helps them reduce aggression. It also gives you a chance to observe your pup in their natural environment.
Prevent Chewing
You’ve seen the videos of pet owners who come home only to find their dogs have chewed through a couch, shoe collection, or a pillow, and there are foam shreddings everywhere. It’s important to prevent your dog from chewing up things in your apartment because you don’t want things to get damaged.
Providing adequate exercise helps burn excess energy, reducing the urge to chew on furniture, a wall, or personal belongings. Daily walks, play sessions, and interactive games keep your furry family member engaged and less likely to chew things they shouldn’t. You might find that your well-exercised dog exhibits calmer behavior, making apartment life more enjoyable for both of you.
Durable rubber toys, nylon bones, and rope toys satisfy the need to chew. Rotating toys keeps your dog more interested, preventing boredom from setting in. Consider puzzle toys or chew toys with a treat in them.
Training plays a crucial role in stopping inappropriate chewing. Redirecting your dog’s attention when it grabs an off-limits object reinforces positive behavior. A firm “leave it” command, followed by offering an approved chew toy, teaches appropriate boundaries. Rewarding good choices with praise or treats encourages a dog to favor designated chew items. Training must be consistent, but it’s well worth it.
Managing the environment reduces the likelihood of destructive chewing. Place shoes, cords, and other tempting objects out of reach to eliminate opportunities for unwanted chewing. Using baby gates to block off restricted areas or crate training when you’re away can help. Bitter-tasting sprays on furniture and wooden surfaces further discourage chewing, which is important when it comes to walls or door frames.
Providing mental stimulation prevents boredom-driven chewing. So, it’s important to stimulate your dog’s senses through a combination of toys, exercise, and other dog-related activities.
Alleviate Boredom
Most behaviors that create problems for dogs living in an apartment come from boredom associated with living in a smaller space. Dogs are naturally outdoor animals that love exploring their surroundings. Alleviating boredom in your dog requires a combination of physical activity, mental stimulation, and engaging routines.
Walk and Play
Keep the same walk times every day, but consider different routes to introduce new scents and sights while preventing monotony. Indoor play sessions, such as tug-of-war or hide-and-seek, keep your pup entertained. Structured exercise prevents restlessness and curbs unwanted behaviors like excessive barking or destructive chewing.
Toys
Interactive toys challenge your dog’s mind. Puzzle feeders require problem-solving skills, keeping a dog occupied while rewarding persistence. Treat-dispensing balls encourage movement and mental effort, reducing boredom-driven frustration. Rotating toys every few days helps keep your dog entertained. Remember, a mentally stimulated dog remains calmer and more content indoors.
Training
Training sessions serve as an excellent way to engage your dog while reinforcing good behavior. Teaching new commands or tricks strengthens obedience skills while providing valuable mental stimulation. Practicing commands like “sit,” “stay,” or “roll over” encourages focus and deepens the bond between you and your pup. Short, frequent training sessions prevent fatigue while keeping your dog mentally sharp and eager to learn.
Socialization
Social opportunities enhance your dog’s daily routine and prevent isolation. Arranging playdates with other dogs or visiting a nearby dog park allows for much-needed interaction. Supervised socialization improves confidence and reduces anxiety, making apartment living more enjoyable.
Controlling Dog Fur and Grooming
Controlling dog fur requires a proactive grooming routine, regular cleaning, and improving indoor air quality.
Brushing
Brushing your dog removes loose hair before it spreads across furniture and floors. How often you brush your dog’s fur depends on the breed. Long-haired breeds might require daily grooming, while short-haired breeds just once per week. Selecting the right brush for your dog’s coat type ensures effective shedding control. A de-shedding tool works well for heavy shedders, while a bristle brush suits short-haired breeds. Most certainly, brush once a week in the spring when shedding usually happens after the cold winter months.
Bathing
Consider bathing your dog once a month. You don’t want to bathe them too often because dogs generally groom themselves to keep their coats clean. Using a gentle, shed-control shampoo removes loose hair and prevents excessive dander. Use a microfiber towel to dry them.
Cleaning Your Apartment
Vacuum your apartment once a week, making sure the filter on the appliance works properly. A high-quality vacuum with a pet-specific attachment lifts hair from carpets and furniture efficiently. Lint rollers and rubber gloves work well for quick cleanups on fabric surfaces. Consider washable covers on couches and pet beds to easily remove dog fur.
Indoor Air Quality
Managing air quality reduces floating fur and allergens. Running an air purifier with a HEPA filter captures dog hair and dander, improving indoor air conditions. Regularly changing HVAC filters prevents fur from circulating through vents. Open windows when possible to allow fresh air through the apartment to prevent pet odors.
Nutrition
Look for nutritious, well-balanced dog food. Food with the right balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids promotes stronger hair follicles. A well-balanced diet leads to a shinier, healthier coat, minimizing loose fur and maintaining a cleaner apartment.
Dog Bed
Dogs need reassurance, security, and emotional comfort, just like a human family member. Dog toys and a dog bed can provide for this requirement when no one is home.
Selecting the Dog Bed
Choose a bed that matches your dog’s size and sleeping habits so they are supported properly. A smaller breed, not larger than 20 pounds, may prefer a plush or nest-style bed. Observe how your dog sleeps, whether curled up or stretched out, to help determine the best shape and dimensions for your dog’s best sleeping spot. Choose a bed that provides enough insulation against the floor so your pup stays warm and cozy.
Placing the Dog Bed
Just like your bed, you want a quiet, out-of-the-way spot to rest and relax. Put the dog bed in a quiet, low-traffic area to provide a peaceful retreat for rest. Avoid busy entryways or high-activity zones to prevent disturbances. This allows your dog to feel secure and get proper sleep. Consider a spot close to your bed for security but also to help your dog feel safe. If space allows, set up multiple beds in different rooms in case your dog wants to sleep in another room. Place the bed on a carpeted area or use a non-slip mat underneath to prevent direct contact with hard surfaces.
Train Your Dog
Dogs already have a nesting instinct, so training your dog to use a dog bed should be fairly easy. Introduce the bed through positive reinforcement and treats. Place favorite toys or blankets on the bed while rewarding a dog with treats or praise reinforces the habit of resting there. Consider redirecting your dog to the bed after playtime or meals to establish a routine.
Cleaning the Dog Bed
Wash the bed cover weekly to remove fur and odors. Vacuum the area around the bed to keep the apartment tidy. Investing in a durable, easy-to-clean bed makes this process more efficient.
Prevent Your Dog From Bolting When Opening the Door
When you come home from work, or you open the main door after someone knocks, it’s important to prevent your dog from bolting out the door when you open it. There are several ways to mitigate this.
Open the Door Slowly
When you arrive home, open the door slowly while putting your leg in the opening to prevent your dog from getting out. Then, you can isolate your pup in another room or use a baby gate to prevent access to the front door. When you leave and arrive home, keep these events calm. Try not to excite your dog as you depart and come home so your furry friend stays calm, too.
Isolate Your Dog to One Area
Closing a door, using a crate or cage, or implementing a baby gate can keep your pup in one area while you’re gone. Make sure your dog has access to their bed, toys, food, and water while you’re away.
Train Your Dog
Train your dog to obey commands like “sit” and “stay” as you come home and leave. Open the door slightly and give your command. Make sure to reward your dog with positive reinforcement or a treat.
Welcome Home to Your Joplin or Webb City Apartments
We want you and your dog to have the best life in your apartment. Contact us or call (417) 622-0391 to schedule a tour of our apartments. We look forward to meeting you!
