Can Dogs Live In Apartments? The Pros And Cons

Dogs are known as our best friends for good reason! They are loyal, loving, and make great companions. But can dogs live in apartments? This is a question that many people have, and the answer is not always clear.

In this blog post, we will explore the pros and cons of living with a dog in an apartment. We will also provide some tips on how to make it work if you do decide to do it.

Is it fair to keep a dog in an apartment?

There is no denying that dogs are amazing companions, but is it fair to keep them cooped up in an apartment? Some people argue that dogs need plenty of space to run around and play, and that they cannot get the exercise they need living in an apartment.

Others say that with a little bit of creativity, you can provide your dog with all the exercise they need in a small space. There are also plenty of parks and dog-walking services available in most cities, so it is possible to keep your furry friend happy and healthy even if you donโ€™t have a lot of space.

Can Dogs Live In Apartments? The Pros And Cons dog in apartment
Image: Roberto Nickson on Unsplash

At the end of the day, it comes down to how committed you are to providing your dog with an adequate amount of both mental and physical exercise.

Arguably, some dogs who live on acreage may get less exercise and mental enrichment than a dog who lives in an apartment with an owner who puts a lot of effort into making it work.

That said, it’s important to consider that getting a dog is a 10+ year commitment, and there certainly are some cons of living with a dog in an apartment, so let’s take a closer look at them.

The cons of living in an apartment with a dog

In order to live comfortably with a dog, you’ll want to think about how your lifestyle will be impacted by these factors: noise and messes.

First and foremost, dogs can be messy. They may track dirt and mud into the apartment, they may chew on furniture or other items (especially puppies), and most dogs definitely shed a lot of hair, all year long.

Where do dogs pee in apartments?

Possibly the biggest con of living in an apartment with a dog is the fact that you need to take your dog out to pee and poo. You’ll need to do this multiple times a day, every day, no matter how you feel and how bad the weather is.

If you have a balcony, you can explore the use of dog grass toilets or dog pee pads. They require a bit more of a cleaning effort, but can be a lifesaver if you genuinely can’t take your dog outside to do their business.

How do I keep my dog quiet in an apartment?

Not all dogs bark a lot, but some dogs certainly do. And if you live in an apartment with thin walls, you may get into trouble with your neighbours quickly if you do have a barking dog.

The good news is that more often than not, there’s a reason why your dog barks, and many people find that dog training can help to curb this behaviour.

What dog breeds can live in apartments?

Some people think that only small, low-shedding dog breeds can live in apartments. But this is not the case at all! In fact, many medium and large sized dogs do just fine living in apartments as long as their needs for exercise and space are met.

So it all depends your lifestyle to find out if a specific breed of dog can live a good life in an apartment with you.

If you have a particular breed of dog in mind, have a think about what your daily and weekly routines could look like, and then ask a qualified dog trainer, vet, dog rescue organisation or dog breeder for their feedback.

How can I exercise my dog if I live in an apartment?

As I mentioned earlier, you don’t need a lot of space to provide your dog with plenty of exercise. Dogs need mental enrichment just as much as physical exercise, and there are a lot of stimulating games that you can play with your dog in small spaces.

Border Collie playing with dog puzzle toy
Dog playing with a puzzle toy

You can also take your dog for a walk to the closest park, or hire a professional dog walker to take your dog out while you’re at work.

So as you can see, there are plenty of ways to keep your dog happy and healthy even if you live in a small apartment. It just takes a bit of creativity and extra effort.

The Pros of living with dogs

There are many pros to living with a dog. First and foremost, dogs provide companionship and love. They can help reduce stress and make you feel happy and relaxed. Additionally, dogs can be great for your health! Studies have shown that people who own dogs tend to be more active, and that dog owners have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels than those who donโ€™t own dogs.

But keep in mind that puppies can be a handful, and that dogs go through a teenage period too. So be prepared for the possibility of many ups and downs on your journey of sharing your life with a furry friend.

So, Can Dogs Live in Apartments?

The answer to this question is ultimately up to you. If you think that the pros of having a dog in your apartment outweigh the cons, then go ahead and get one! Just be sure to consider your lifestyle and what type of dog would be best suited for living in an apartment with you.

And remember, if things start getting too messy or noisy, seek out the help of a qualified dog trainer. A lot of the time, some simple training tricks can save a dog from having to get re-homed.

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