Condo Living with Dogs in Alexandria: Training Tips for High-Rise Success

Alexandria, VA – Alexandria is a pet-friendly city where you see lots of people out with their dogs, not only walking but also in dining locations. Many new condos and high-rises welcome dogs, too. Whether you live in a high-rise now or may move into one with your dog, consider these important factors:

• Dogs have superior senses of smell and hearing, and they can detect noises we don’t hear and scents we can’t smell. There is a lot of activity in the hallways: people walking, loud voices, doors opening and closing, and various smells.
• High-rises have elevators, which can be stressful for some dogs, causing fear and anxiety. The cramped space can include strangers or other dogs, and the elevator’s jerky motion and sudden stops are unnerving.
• Many dogs feel anxious in crowded, busy, or confined areas. Hallways and lobbies can be difficult to navigate.
• Your own friendly dog may try to pull you toward every neighbor dog they see. But not all dogs are social or friendly.

Despite these challenges, dogs can thrive and learn to ride the elevator or walk the hallways feeling safe and secure. Consider hiring an experienced positive reinforcement trainer (no need to shock or jerk the dog) for strategies that will set your dog up for success and improve life for both of you.

Training is vital because it helps your dog avoid practicing unwanted behaviors, while also working to improve the dog’s emotional state, build coping skills, and teach new behaviors.

If the door and the sounds behind it trigger your dog, remember that distance is your friend. Use a white-noise machine or a fan right inside the door to muffle the sound, and add a barrier such as an exercise pen or a baby gate to keep your dog farther from the door. Training can desensitize your dog to these sounds and create positive associations instead.

For elevators, training your dog to wait farther away from the elevator door may reduce their excitement or worry. It also allows you to check if the elevator is too crowded or occupied by other dogs, so you might wait for the next one.

After pressing the button, step back as far as you can while still seeing who’s inside when the door opens. I recommend training dogs to “go behind” you on the elevator so they can observe from a secure position. Keep a short but loose leash while in the elevator. Building positive associations with moving doors and elevator sounds should be part of the training process.

These are some common issues we address with condo clients. With a solid training plan, you can change your dog’s behaviors and their emotional responses to condo activities. Training is more effective if you start by practicing during quieter times and elevator off-hours before progressing to more distracting environments.

Many people enjoy the conveniences and amenities of living in a condo community. Teaching your dog to also enjoy it while being a well-mannered condo dog is the key.

Sandy Modell, CPDT-KA, is the Founder, Owner, and Head of Training of Wholistic Hound Academy. Visit www.wholistichound.com to learn more. Find them on Facebook and Instagram @wholisticho