Dogs are considered as man’s best friend and this is because of their undeniable loyalty to their humans. There are even dogs who go the extra mile to protect their owners or show affection even when their owners are long gone. As such, people are drawn to have dogs as their pets, regardless of whether they live in the countryside or in the city. If you are someone who lives in an urban area, here are some things that you need to know when you bring your furry friend to the city.
Commuting Tips
Perhaps the first thing you need to think about is the mode of transportation that you can take when traveling with your dog in the city. If you are wondering about what are your pet-friendly rideshare options in NYC or in any city where having a personal car is not really practical, then you might be surprised to know that there are a lot. Most cities allow dogs on buses, commuter trains, and subways, as long as they are behaved and don’t cause any disturbance to other passengers. In order to ensure this, small dogs need to be contained in a crate, while bigger ones need to be on a leash.
Thus, it is important for you to train your dog to be trained to behave properly while on a crate, which is of an appropriate size for your canine because this will ensure that they are comfortable. Nevertheless, you can also take your dog with you aboard a cab, so long as your dog is properly trained to be behaved to avoid any mess inside the taxi. Additionally, there are also specific pet transportation options that will ensure that you and your dog will be accommodated.
Strolling Tips
Owners sometimes fail to realize how hot the pavement can get during the summer months. This makes it painful for your dog to walk around and stroll with you. Thus, as much as possible, do a temperature check by putting your hand quickly on the pavement. If the sidewalk is too hot for your hand to remain for a while, then it follows that it is also too hot for your dog to walk on. Nevertheless, it is best to put on some booties for your dog to ensure that their paws aren’t hurt. You also have the option of getting your dog into a stroller, particularly when you want to go for a leisure walk rather than a workout or exercise.
When you intend to bring your dog out to get some sunshine or fresh air, make sure that you familiarize yourself with the local dog parks because these are the best locations where you can hone your dog’s socialization skills. Oftentimes, it is in these local dog parks where you can let your dog run without a leash. Aside from your dog potentially meeting and interacting with other breeds, you will also have the chance to get acquainted with other dog owners and learn from each other.
Toilet Training Tips
For dogs who moved from a rural area to the city, it might take a while for them to get used to pooping in concrete. This is because it is not simply the instinct of a dog to have a go on the sidewalk or pavement. However, several dog owners attest that their canines eventually adapt to their new home. It is a different story when you are potty training a puppy. This is because there are now in-house or porch potty solutions that you can try to help train your dog on where they are allowed to ‘go’. This is applicable when you are at home. Fortunately, there are also dog diapers now available if you have to be out and about with your dog. If not, then make sure that you will be able to pick up after your dog because this is one of the most important rules of the city if you are bringing your dog. Hence, always bring with you a poop dispenser bag.
City Living Tips
Apart from bringing your canine in the city center, living with a dog in a high rise apartment or condominium building may prove to be quite challenging. This is because since people live so closely together in the city, the bark of your anxious dog may already be deemed as a nuisance by your neighbors. Chronic barking may be a manifestation of your dog’s separation anxiety when you leave him or her for work. They can also bark excessively because of boredom, fear, or hunger.
To be able to avoid any misunderstanding with your neighbor, you can resort to positive reinforcement training, run white noise machines, or take your dog to doggie daycare. There are also doggie chews that can help your canine keep calm and relax, easing their anxiety. You can also give your dog interactive toys that can keep them mentally engaged while you are gone. In addition to this, give your dogs with plush or rubber toys to play with so as not to cause any complaints from your downstairs neighbor.
Also, ensure that you leave your dog with sufficient food and water to keep them nourished and hydrated throughout the day. You can either provide more water bowls or invest in a doggy drinking fountain if your dog prefers standing water. You can also get a bigger dog bowl to guarantee that they have a sufficient supply. Nevertheless, ensure that you wash their water bowls or their drinking fountain on a daily basis.
Final Word
If you are the kind of person who loves to go into adventures with your dog, whether it be a planned and long getaway or a short and quick city trip, then surely you already have mastered by now how to go traveling around with your furry friend. Nevertheless, it is important to ensure that you already have an idea beforehand on which modes of transport allows you to bring your dog with you and which ones don’t. This will guarantee that you will have a seamless travel adventure with your furry friend.