Dogs & Balconies – How to Make a Safe Space 

As a dog owner, it is our responsibility to keep our dog’s safe from any danger.  At times, it may seem like our dogs like to gravitate towards danger, putting themselves in risky situations.  That’s right…cats aren’t the only ones who are curious!  With more people living in properties that have balconies, the risk to dogs jumping or falling from these areas has increased.  We are here to help teach you ways in which you can help pet proof your balcony to ensure ultimate safety.

Do dogs know not to jump off balconies?  For the most part, adult dogs will know not to jump off balconies.  Dogs do understand heights, but there are certain risks with puppies or dogs with vision problems.  You should never leave your dog unsupervised on a balcony, no matter the situation or circumstance.  It may be a challenge for dogs to climb over the edge of a balcony, but it is not a rare coincidence for smaller dogs to accidentally squeeze through the bars and fall.  This is when dog owners need to use extreme caution as anything can happen.

The good thing is that there are many different methods in which you can pet and dog-proof your balcony.  Taking the right steps can allow extra space for your dog to relax while enjoying the weather.  We recommend that you purchase balcony netting or screening.  What this does is create a mesh to cover any gaps that smaller dogs and puppies might be able to squeeze through.  Please ensure that the product is chew-proof and non-toxic as well.  You should also remove any furniture that your dog can stand on.  Furniture will allow your dog to be closer to the ledge which can make for a much easier jump.

As you can see, jumping from balconies is a real fear.  More than likely, your dog will have a sense of heights, but following our recommendations will ensure a safer environment for you and your pet.