If you live in a neighborhood or even an apartment complex, you probably understand the value of being on good terms with your neighbors.  Come on, they live next to you, right?  Apartment and neighborhood living are different (you can be kicked out of an apartment much easier than a neighborhood), but you should still show respect to the people living around you.  You can easily keep your pet in check without taking away his freedom and keep your neighbors happy!

Noise is a big problem that neighbors have with pets.  Complaints include the dog barks all day long, the dog barks all throughout the night, or the dog barks at every car that drives by.  If you have an animal and you live near others, then try to keep the noise under control.  If you are unsure whether or not your pet is unruly when you are away, then ask your neighbors.  They will tell you the truth!

If you are considering getting a dog but you still have not brought one home, then seriously consider a breed that will fit your lifestyle.  A yapper in an apartment is not a good idea, since more than likely he will yap whether you are home or not.  And, many apartment complexes make sure that their residents are happy and noise-complaint free.  At the same time, a close neighbor in the neighborhood may not like the fact that your huge dog can jump the fence and make his way into the neighbor’s yard.  Yes, it is your dog, so it is your decision; but, it’s always nice to take the pooch’s living environment into mind.

The number of dogs you have can also be a factor; but, sometimes this is out of your control.   Many cities and communities have laws controlling the number of dogs per household.  The main complaint associated with multiple dogs is normally the noise.  Whether they are playing, fighting, or carrying a tune, a pack of dogs can be loud, especially when left outdoors for a long period of time.  If you leave any number of dogs outdoors, make sure you are providing ample attention throughout the day.  You may be able to adequately care for fifteen dogs in your home that never make a peep, but you still must follow the rules like everyone else. 

If you must leave your pet or pets outside, then make sure you are providing extra care for them.  Just because they are outdoors does not mean you can get away with not providing daily exercise opportunities.  Keeping a pet happy means providing him with the essentials:  food, water, and mental and physical stimulation.  A bored dog will resort to howling, barking, biting, or digging; behaviors that many neighbors cannot tolerate.  Also, keeping your pet outdoors means providing appropriate housing for your pet and protection for you neighbors.  A small chain on a wimpy pole may make your neighbors a little fearful of your Rottweiler (not to mention how much your Rottweiler will hate it!).  Installing traditional or electric fencing around your yard will protect your pooch and your neighbors.

When you go out for a walk, even if it’s just around the parking lot of the apartment, your dog should always be on a leash.  This is for the safety and security of your pet and those around you.  A six-foot leash is great for public areas, because it give you enough control over your pet.  Six-foot leashes are also required in many public areas, so you are taking care of multiple situations with one tool.  Another public-must is cleaning up after your pet!  Everywhere you go, even your own yard, should be taken care of like it was the hardwood floors in your kitchen.  Nobody likes to step in or smell dog mess!

Neighbors are great, but they can have problems with your pet.  Take noise into consideration at all times; your neighbor probably doesn’t care to hear your pooch bark all night long.  Other things to take into consideration include your environment, the number of pets, the protection of the pet and the neighbors, and the way you and your pet behave in public.  Respect the others around you, and make sure you are being a responsible owner. 

This article was provided by pet super store a pet supplies site featuring pet doors, pet crates, and dog crate pads.

Posted by admin, filed under Blog. Date: August 14, 2008, 2:04 pm | No Comments »

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