Let me start by saying I am not much of a writer but thought I would try and post tips, my thoughts, ideas, and just open up a little. Moving from a residential neighborhood to a pet friendly high-rise building in the city has its challenges. I thought I would write a few blogs about city living with a dog, starting with some tips for riding an elevator with your dog. Even with my well trained dog, there are so many factors that could go wrong if not careful. The distance between dogs passing is at a minimum when walking down the hallway and getting into an elevator. Parking in an underground parking structure, shuffling bags and keys, using a fob to get into the building or elevator, rolling a wagon to bring in groceries, and taking an elevator down 18 floors to take a dog out to potty has been a test for both myself and Bentley.

So you would think ideally, dogs who can’t cope in close quarters wouldn’t be brought into high-density living situations in the first place. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. Since we can’t always predict some issues in a dog, or puppy when exposed to new people or unknown dogs we need to avoid incidents that can cause having a traumatic experience. Some simple dog training basics, and rules for the high-rise residents can help, here are a few suggestions to start with:

• Owners must go through the doors ahead of their dog, including and especially elevator doors.
• One dog per elevator car would be great. Most likely this cant be possible, so training your dog to go to a designated spot in the elevator. A good spot would be in the farthest corner away from the door, and dog should be on a short leash in a down or sit position.
• After pushing the elevator button, step back away from the door to give room to the dogs coming out of the elevator. A good 10 feet would be enough room to allow dogs on leash to come out.
• Dogs must be leashed in public, short leashed when walking through the halls, elevators and stairways.
• Teach your dog to sit & wait at the doors, including elevators.
• Teach your dog a good check in (eye contact) when walking through the hall and getting into an elevator.
• Be a good advocate for your dog, ask for a little space when needed.

Asking for space so your dog doesn’t have to. Don’t be afraid to speak up, or ask if a person with another dog can wait to get on the next elevator, or if they can give you a little space to get off while they take this one.

There is so much more on this subject but thought I would keep it short and start with some basic suggestions. Feel free to share your ideas.