Looking to get a new dog? Pet-Friendly Tips for Apartment Residents Part 2 US 11/09 #petchat

Welcome to part 2 of Pet-Friendly Tips for Apartment Residents, a part of Apartment Guide's “Pet-Friendly Tricks: Keeping Your Pet-Friendly Space Stylish” blogger program this month. Last week, we discussed things to consider prior to bringing a new pet home. When you're ready to bring them home, Apartment Guide offers tips for bringing a new pet into your apartment and helping them adjust to your home. Apartment Guide also has helpful suggestions for moving to and exploring a new neighborhood with your pet. Whether you’re living, looking or moving, Apartment Guide will help point you in the right direction. This week, we'll be discussing what to do in the time period when you bring them home.

First of all, before you bring them home, make sure you pick up your basic essentials: wee wee pads, crate, dog bed, dog food, dishes, toys, collar/harness, leash, and treats. When we first brought JR home, she was a tiny little thing, not even 3lbs yet, and she was scared out of her mind. She had no clue where her brothers and sisters were and it was an unfamiliar surrounding. We learnt very quickly that she felt the safest in spaces that wrapped around her tightly. To this day, she still tries to steal BabyPom's carrier/bed and she'll curl herself in it. This may not be for all dogs as we quickly found with BabyPom who preferred to sleep all splayed out. Each dog is a little different and you have to explore and find out their personalities.

During the transitional period, the dog may have accidents or mark the house. Be watchful of the behavior, curb it calmly, and offer a treat when they go on the wee wee pads. Pet-specific cleaning products are always helpful, just in case.

Establish pack order, you have to be their alpha. My SO still finds it funny that I call myself their alpha but it really is important. Establishing dominance is important in training dogs because if you don't lead them, they may become insecure and even try to lead themselves. Worse yet, when you bring home other dogs and there's no clear dominance established, it could lead to conflicts and aggression between the new and old dog. This holds true especially if you've had the habit of letting them up on the furniture or your bed. Dogs are pack animals and do better under proper guidance.

Sometimes, they may be bad but look ridiculously cute while they're at it. Don't encourage it! I know we all can't help but smile but if they perceive it as a "good thing" when it's not, then you're in trouble for the future.

Put away all the things you do not want chewed up. They may not realize what are NOT their chew toys. When you do see them chewing on something they're not supposed to, redirect them. Give them one of their toys to chew on instead. Discourage chewing on anything else they're not supposed to.

Remember, you've just brought home a new family member. When you discipline, try to stay calm. Dogs feel your energy as Cesar says. If you're nervous, they'll sense it and act jittery. Most of all, enjoy your time with your precious new fur baby!

If you’re ready for a whole new space or looking to move with your pet, Apartment Guide has the photos, floor plans, features and tips to help you search for the perfect pet-friendly apartment community. Missed last week's post? Check out what tips about things to consider before getting a new dog.

I hope this has been helpful to you and feel free to share your tips below. We're also celebrating by giving away a $50 PetSmart Gift Card!

Enter on the Giveaway Tools form below between Oct 24 10PM EST to Nov 09 11:59PM EST. Open to US, 18+. Good luck! Please take the time to enter my other giveaways while you're here.

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