Living in a downtown LA apartment with a dog means navigating a minefield of unspoken rules. The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) notes that urban dog parents face unique challenges, from elevator etiquette to neighbor complaints. At Snout, we get it. Apartment living is not just about training your pup, it’s about training yourself to coexist in shared spaces. Here is your expert-backed guide to apartment etiquette, without the guilt or the shade.
Elevator Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules
The CCPDT recommends these elevator manners:
Wait your turn. Let others exit before entering. Hold your dog’s leash short and ask them to sit.
Use pet elevators. If your building has them, the AVSAB says always use them.
Bring cleanup supplies. The CCPDT emphasizes preparedness for accidents.
Snout Insight: Practice elevator manners at home like using a hallway to simulate the experience. The Karen Pryor Academy calls this environmental generalization.
Quiet Hours: Keeping the Peace
The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) offers these tips for quiet hours:
Soundproof your space. Use rugs, curtains, and white noise machines. The CCPDT notes that soft surfaces absorb sound.
Teach a "quiet" command. Start by rewarding silence. The Karen Pryor Academy recommends gradual duration increases.
Communicate with neighbors. Leave a note with your contact info. The AVSAB says proactive communication prevents conflicts.
The CCPDT advises:
Ask before approaching. Not everyone loves dogs. The AVSAB stresses consent.
Clean up after your dog. Always. The Karen Pryor Academy calls this basic respect.
Respect leash laws. The CCPDT warns that not all dogs are friendly.