Dog-Proofing Your Apartment

There were definitely some slow nods when people realized I had a 55 pound dog in a one bedroom apartment. You have a what… and a… what? And you’re going to also try to keep the apartment the exact way you did without a dog? How are you doing to handle dog toy storage? Ahem. First, I took it very seriously the commitment to getting Eleanor daily exercise and off-leash time so we do that. Second, I knew even with a dog I want to maintain my very clean and tidy apartment. Third, I also want to be the fun mom so like how do I do all of this and let her play but also not go insane? How do I do it?

Dog Toy Storage Ideas

I fell in love with this basket and then saw the price. Is it that much because it includes the puppies on the website? After some searching, and telling myself no, I cannot buy that, I found this perfect, affordable option that is huge. Like, I can store her dog food and toys in here AND put it in the living room.

I have to admit that even if I didn’t have a dog I would still get this basket because I love it so much. It’s a great, great buy. It would be PERFECT for storing kids toys and it just looks so good. Definitely doesn’t look like it’s the lesser, more affordable one.

Yes, I know, I just talked about a basket, but hear me out. If you’re already going to have dog bowls out, why not make them pull double duty as dog toy storage? This basket goes underneath Eleanor’s eating area but she absolutely cannot get to it and has never bothered it. I use it for excess items I don’t need readily available.

Think About Their Line of Sight

So far (knock on wood) Eleanor has only done one bad thing in the apartment. I left shoes on the floor and she chewed one of them. I didn’t even get mad at her, it just reminded me I need to think about making things clear to her.

• First, I cleaned up everything from the floor that might appear as a toy. Shoes, etc.
• Second, I took at where she measured up against items and removed anything that I thought was going to be an obvious temptation to take or investigate that might land her in trouble.
• Third, I watched her. Yes it’s because she’s super cute but also because I wanted to practice redirecting her attention if she saw something that might be tempting. After a few redirects, she walked right past my shoes and went instead to her favorite toy.

Take Some Time Off To Learn More About Them

I know this is a luxury, but if you are able, try to take some time off when you welcome a new dog into your home. It will really help you understand the beyond-the-basics dog proofing you need to do. Is there an area that suddenly is the new pee spot? Is there a plant you forgot to move and is tempting to you new animal? I highly recommend taking a long-weekend to adjust to the new schedule and personality of your pet friend!

It takes time to know what your specific plan needs to be for your dog toy storage and training. You can prepare all you want in the world but you really need to give them time to see if they are a chewer, whiner or something else. No matter whether you’re in an apartment or home, they need time to adjust so please be kind to them. Both you and they are going through a very large change and some of those behaviors you may struggle with are them working through their trauma.

Both Eleanor and I thank you for giving an animal a home and please remember to rescue and don’t buy. Eleanor and I wouldn’t be together if we didn’t find enough other through adoption!