Worried that your pets won’t be able to handle moving to a condo? At 390 On the River, everything you need for your pet’s comfort is at your doorstep. Moving from a house to a condo might be a bit of an adjustment for cats and dogs — but it’s completely doable. Here’s what you can expect from our pet-friendly condo and neighbourhood.
Whether you’re a cat person or a dog person — or are an equal opportunity pet parent — you’ll be glad to know everything your fur-baby needs is close by. Here are the pet services and amenities you can find near 390 On the River.
With three animal hospitals within a seven-minute drive of 390 On the River, you can rest assured a veterinarian will be nearby in case of emergency—or just for those regular check-ups.
Meanwhile, The Pawsh Dog Wellness Centre offers hydrotherapy for dogs, making rehabilitation following surgery, old-age conditioning or mobility therapy fun for your canine companion.
Whether you’re looking for the basics or want to pamper your pet, there’s no shortage of stores within a 15-minute drive that cater to your furry friend, including Pet Valu, PetSmart, Best West Pet Foods, Petland and more.
Your pooch will love off-leash playtime with other canines at Bonnycastle Park, just a five-minute walk from 390 On the River. The 1,200-square-metre section of the park is fully fenced and features an artificial turf designed for dog parks. Open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, it’s a great spot for dogs to let their goofy sides shine and burn off any energy they might have previously left in the backyard.
390 On the River offers private access to the Riverwalk, for long, leisurely walks with your canine pal or leash-trained cat.
Whether you work long hours or just want your dog to have some quality socializing time with other doggos, there are several doggy daycares nearby to choose from. Woofs ’n Wags on Donald Street (just a five-minute drive, or 13-minute walk away) offers playtime, with separate spaces for small, medium and large dogs, as well as a space for pooches who are moving a bit more slowly. The Pawsh Dog (a seven-minute drive) and The Dog Loft (an eight-minute drive) offer day camps as well as boarding, grooming services, training and more.
Whether you have a pint-sized pooch with loads of energy or a big dog that’s used to a lot of space, adjusting to condo living is likely going to take a bit of training. Here are some tips to get started.
Ease into time spent at home alone. Moving is stressful for pets and leaving them alone in a new place just a day or two after you move can be very hard on them. Instead, get them used to being in the condo alone by gradually increasing the alone time over a few days. Start with a few seconds (such as a walk to the elevator), then a few minutes (pop down to check the mail), then 15 minutes (go grab a coffee), an hour (get groceries) and so on. Be sure to give lots of praise and pets when you come in the door.
Make condo living more enriching with games and treat-dispensing toys that offer your dog mental stimulation. It gets their brain working and keeps them from being hyper-aware of sounds or your absence.
Make time to door train your dog for this new kind of home. When you live in a house, the distinction between inside and outside is much more clear. Common areas in condos aren’t outside, but they also can’t be freely explored. Training your dog to wait near (but not at) the door to your suite when someone knocks will set a simple boundary for your pet.
Getting dogs used to sounds is one of the most important things you’ll need to do if you’re moving from a home. Muffled sounds from neighbouring suites and people passing by in the hallway are just some of the new and unusual sounds dogs will need to get used to. One of the easiest ways to reinforce quiet reactions is to offer your dog praise as soon as you hear a sound or they perk up — before they begin to bark. If you have an active barker on your hands, then you can train them to get a toy to hold in their mouth when they hear sounds rather than reacting by barking.
Establish a walk schedule before you move. You won’t be able to simply let your dog out in the yard whenever they have to pee or poop, so you’ll need to get them used to a walk schedule. Start with 20 to 30 minute walks in the morning and evening, and a couple of shorter walks during the day, as well as a last quick walk before bed. If you currently live in a quiet area, start taking your dog for some walks in the city before you move to help them get used to the urban environment.
Cats may rule the kingdom, but that doesn’t mean they can’t get used to a new castle. If your cat has had free reign over a big home or the outdoors, here’s how you can help them transition to living at 390 On the River.
Start the transition to indoor living early. If your cat is used to roaming freely, you’ll need to slowly get them used to living indoors 24/7. Tip: Get a scratching post before you start the transition so they get used to it before you begin gradually increasing the time they spend indoors.
Train your cat not to bolt for the door. To discourage interest in the door, rattle pennies or give a little squirt with a water gun or spray bottle. You can also train them to stay away from an open door by tossing a treat away from the door.
Make the move easier by creating a safe space. Many cats don’t deal well with moves, so, if your suite has a spare bedroom or office, make it your cat’s safe space for the first few days in your new condo. It should have everything your cat needs — litter box, food, water, toys and a cozy spot to curl up. Once your cat is no longer hiding every time you enter the room, open the door so they can feel free to explore their new home. Just give them space to do it at their own pace.
Make your suite cat-friendly. Cats love to climb and get into all sorts of little spots, so give your cat places to perch and hide. You could get a cat tree or build a catwalk high on the wall with access points that help your feline get up and down. And leave some nooks for your cat to cozy into.
Feed their hunting instinct. When they don’t have access to the outdoors, you need to provide similar stimulation. Get toys that encourage stalking, chasing and pouncing — and remember that everyday items like a pop-can box, ribbons, paper bags and a ball of paper can offer plenty of fun.
Consider leash training. Some cats are really excited to take leashed walks, so why not give it a try? Start by getting your cat used to wearing the harness at home, and then add the leash.
Whether you have a cat or dog, the best thing you can do to ease the transition is make them feel safe and loved. And offer treats. Treats are always good.