Tips for the Urban Pet
Pets come in all shapes and sizes, just like their owners, and their environment has a huge impact on their life, just like their owners. The most critical variations from place to place, in terms of a pet's experience, are activity, socialization and dangers.
Environment - The urban pet lives a life of contrasts. Often there is substantial quiet time at home during the day, even with limited views from windows depending on the apartment's situation on a higher or lower flow. Unless they, and their owner, hit the jackpot, space is a premium indoors, but the hustle and bustle of the city provides endless sounds, sights and smells when they go out to explore.
Exercise - Just because the city-dwelling dog might be riding the elevator down from the penthouse to the sidewalk doesn't mean he isn't getting enough exercise. Urban parks often designate fenced-in spaces for dogs to run freely. For casual outings, however, there is hardly an all-access pass. The dog is highly dependent on the owner for getting out and about, and should always be on a leash (often this is enforceable by law). The owner selects the direction they go in, their destination, when to cross a street and when to wait. Independent movement is limited to the end of a two- or three-foot nylon leash. However, it is not an uncommon sight for a strong and/or determined dog who isn't trained to pull their owner in a particular direction. Scheduling time for exercise is essential to keep a dog healthy, and limited activity does mean that indulging a pet with fatty treats is not advised.
Socialization - Because work and home are often in close proximity, and walking is a typical form of transportation, many a city dog is incorporated into the owner's daily routine. For example, the morning walk might include stopping to buy the paper, a cup of coffee or a bagel. En route, opportunities abound to greet strangers and friends alike, as well as pass and sniff other dogs, and explore endless scent markings on trees, which provide dogs with a wealth of stimulation. However, on the home front, there is often an enforced limitation by landlords as to how many furry companions can reside in one dwelling, so the pack is likely to be limited to humans. But it is often an extended family that typically includes a dog-walker. A dog-walker provides routine exercise, either in the form of solo walks, or out with a group. Some dog-walkers take their dogs on a swift walk to relieve bladders and release some energy, while others shuttle their charges to dog runs, where they can exhaust themselves with games of chase or fetch. There are also services that provide a day in the country for city dogs, driving them beyond the hubbub to open fields.
Dangers - As with all inhabitants of a densely populated area, self-preservation is a matter of daily effort. Crowds pose the potential for paws to get stepped on, though dogs can develop a knack for following the rhythm of the foot traffic. The favorite dog park, however, is an unpredictable destination. The activity and freedom and play are highly appreciated by the dogs, but watchful owners need to develop a familiarity with local aggressive dogs, and leave, when necessary, before bad behavior escalates. While a dog is a mixed blessing in the inevitable battle with rodents (on the one hand, they might scare them away, but on the other hand, their kibble and crumbs pose a great temptation to the vermin), toxic chemicals used to abate rodent problems can pose a danger to your dog. Also, communicable diseases, passed on through fecal matter, or social interaction, make vaccinations imperative. On the home front, windows must be properly reinforced to protect a curious dog from falling from a dangerous height.
Breeds - Some breeds do better with a dependent, yet often solitary, confined and yet highly stimulated environment, and those are the ones city-dwellers should look for. While some Toy breeds fit size or weight requirements, many require a great deal of activity and might become destructive if limited to an apartment for extended parts of the day. Also Terrier and Toy breeds are often quite vocal, and this might disturb the neighbors living above, below and beside you. Several of the breeds found in the non-sporting category, such as the English or French Bulldogs, Boston Terrier and Bichon Frise might adjust nicely. However, just as every household is unique, so too is every dog, so research for a good match is imperative.
Jennifer Hoyden is a freelance writer with a diverse background that includes editorial, trade and advertising. She especially enjoys covering fashion and beauty, for humans and animals (separately). Jennifer is also a passionate dog lover who can play well with cat people.
Like this article? Get more tips in the Tips & Treats section.
Petside: Get Started
-
- 2010 NCAA Mascot Tournament
Vote for your favorite pet mascots to determine the ultimate NCAA mascot champion!
-
- Find a Breed
Browse dog and cat breeds to find your perfect pal.
-
- Diagnose a Condition
Use PetVet to research what's ailing your pet.
-
- Locate a Hospital
- Find the nearest accredited animal hospital.
Specials
Check out these deals picked by petside.com just for you!
Comments (0)
add your comment