Over the past few years, Bernedoodles have emerged as the perfect family companion for people residing in small homes or apartments. In addition to their blend of intelligence, affection, and playfulness, the Bernedoodles are renowned for being very adaptable wherever they live. Thus, apartment dwellers who also happen to be dog lovers are keen on bringing home a Bernedoodle soon. However, you should be aware of a few key aspects that aren’t much discussed. Unless you are familiar with these points, the experience of living with a Bernedoodle in your small apartment may not be a joyful experience as you might have anticipated.
To put it in a nutshell, owning a Bernedoodle in an apartment isn’t difficult, but it does require some effort on the owners’ part. As a resident of a flat or small home, you must understand what daily life actually looks like when spending time with a Bernedoodle before considering bringing home one such hybrid designer dog. You can also check this website for Bernedoodles to learn more on them.
Space is never an issue
So many talks go around related to the space necessary for the Bernedoodles to live comfortably. However, people rarely talk about energy management. In this aspect, one of the biggest myths circulating about apartment living with dogs is that big dogs need bigger houses to live in. As mentioned at the start, when it comes to Bernedoodles, regardless of the size you go for, it is never about the indoor space; it is all about channelizing their energy appropriately.
A Bernedoodle that gets proper exercise, mental stimulation, and regular interaction will have no issues living in an apartment, no matter what the size of the apartment. When their physical and mental needs are fulfilled, they can live comfortably anywhere. Without these, even the biggest house will witness them getting involved in destructive chewing, hyperactivity, and various behavioral issues. So, let us break this down for further convenience.
Indoor behavior
Here is where the surprise awaits most owners. When they are fulfilled physically and mentally, they will remain relaxed indoors. Typically, they will follow you from one to the other, lie down near you, and spend prolonged hours resting. Bernedoodles are never constant movers or show any signs of running around rooms at full pace.
Things can change drastically once their physical exercise requirements and mental stimulation are not met. You may soon find your small and quiet apartment being transformed into a running track, a chewing zone, and all sorts of chaos. Overall, Bernedoodles are good dogs and they will settle once they are trained adequately.
Daily exercise is the backbone of successful apartment living
You can never compromise with their exercise needs, and they require at least 45 to 90 minutes of daily activity. The activities should involve brisk walks, play sessions, and occasional off-leash time if permissible. No sooner does the Bernedoodle feel it is being deprived of these activities than the problems commence. The Bernedoodle will start getting evening zoomies, bark excessively, become restless, and do their best to seek attention.
The noise factor can become a huge issue
When you are living with a pet in a house, barking isn’t a big deal. However, things change when they are flat dwellers. Even though Bernedoodles are not known to bark excessively, they are always alert, curious, and emotionally responsive. So, it isn’t uncommon for them to bark at hearing footsteps in the hall, doorbells, at other dogs, and of course, unfamiliar noises.
Now, in flats, sounds can amplify quickly as walls are thinner, and neighbors tend to live closer. Thus, even moderate barking seems overwhelming.
Managing noise efficiently
Bernedoodle owners living in flats or apartments should therefore start giving them training early. They should ensure the dog never encounters boredom, gets necessary mental stimulation, and learn commands that make them keep silent. This training should be practiced daily for the best results.
Watch out for separation anxiety
Bernedoodles cannot do well without being close to their favorite people. They will necessarily follow their owners everywhere, want to sit close to the people they love, and always prefer companionship over being alone. In an apartment, where the owner might need to go out frequently, the issue can become a big problem.
Things tend to become more serious in apartments as the available space is limited, various sounds from the outside can trigger anxiety, and not many distractions for the dog when they are alone. Watch out for common signs like barking or whining when you leave the apartment, destructive chewing, scratching doors, and restlessness.
Tips to handle the situation
Things can be handled effectively, and training holds the key to it. If you are unsure whether Bernedoodles are easy to train, you can be assured they will not make your life difficult. Making use of puzzle toys, creating a safe resting zone, and avoiding dramatic goodbyes can restrict the anxiousness of the dog to a great extent. As mentioned before, training them to be independent from an early age is crucial.
The biggest challenge is potty training
To be honest, this is where apartment owners can struggle the most. Since apartments do not have any backyards, the dog cannot be just let out, and it can take some effort to make the dog understand that it is time for a potty break. To add to the woes, frequent trips (especially for puppies), weather conditions, and timing can also pose challenges.
Still, apartment owners should ensure a strict schedule, such as in the morning, after meals, and before bed. Crate-train the pups to understand it better. Most importantly, positive reinforcement is the key to success.
The social pressure
Now, not everyone living in the flat/apartment might be known to the owner or share a good rapport. Then these places also introduce the Bernedoodle to elevators, narrow hallways, and frequent encounters with strangers and other pets. Again, these situations can be challenging. Although it has some positive sides too, the dog would learn early socialization and become exposed to different environments. Still, they can become overexcited, jump on strangers, and try to pull the leash. Thus, owners should train leash manners, calm greetings, and controlled exposure.
As always, mental stimulation can prove to be a game-changer. Since Bernedoodles are very intelligent, they tend to become bored quickly without mental engagement. As a result, they want to create ways to find fun, develop unwanted habits, and explore things differently. By engaging them with puzzle toys and training, owners can fulfill this vacuum noticeably. In the long run, it will help in keeping them calm and reducing their hyperactivity.
Choosing the right Bernedoodle size is also important
You must also realize that not all Bernedoodles are equal. While the Mini version is better suited for apartments, easier to manage indoors, and requires less overall space, the standard version is much larger and stronger, and needs more exercise, and adaptability requires more commitment. Before buying a Bernedoodle, consider these factors to avoid problems later.
A typical daytime routine of a Bernedoodle
The mornings should start with walking and light playful activities, followed by feeding. During the noon, they can rest or sleep and be taken for potty breaks. In the evening, they should be exposed to long walks, exercises, and training or mental stimulation. The night should signal them to wind up for the day, and it can be achieved by calm bonding. The quicker the dog learns to follow this routine, the better it is for them when living in apartments.
Pros and cons of owning a Bernedoodle in an apartment
Pros:
- They are very affectionate.
- They are rather adaptable with proper care.
- They go on to become reliable companions.
Cons
- The owners must invest time in them as they never like to be alone.
- They need regular exercise, and it is up to the owner to initiate it.
- It can quickly develop behavioral issues if left alone for a long period.
Last words
A Bernedoodle can live in an apartment and thrive excellently once all these aspects are covered. The Bernedoodle would hardly care about the size of your home; instead, they tend to be more focused on your time, attention, and effort toward them. Even the smallest of homes can become a peace haven for them when they are relaxed and get their priorities fulfilled.