How To Care for a Dog in an Apartment

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Being a pet parent comes with its own challenges, no matter where you call home. But apartments can feel especially tricky.

The truth is that lots of dogs, big and small, can happily live in an apartment—but day-to-day routines might look a little different. Here’s what you need to know to help you and your dog thrive in an apartment.

Apartment Rules

Before bringing a dog home or moving into a new apartment, you’ll want to read up on the pet policy. You might encounter:

• A required pet deposit
• Monthly pet fees
• Restrictions on dog breeds, weight, or the number of pets you’re allowed to have
• Location-based leash rules
• Designated potty areas
• Areas off limits to pets (like shared laundry rooms or a pool area)

Your apartment may also require you to register your pet and provide health information, like vaccination history and whether they’ve been spayed or neutered.

Note: If your apartment has breed restrictions in place, you can try offering an additional security deposit upfront or even providing references to show that your dog is not aggressive or a risk.

Potty Training

There’s no getting around the fact that potty training is more work in an apartment.

Kate LaSala, a multi-certified behavior consultant and owner of Rescued By Training, recommends keeping your dog on a strict schedule until you find your rhythm. “Get yourself ready to go out (leash, harness, treats, poop bags, and shoes on) and immediately get the dog outside,” she says.

While some apartment dwellers find potty pads convenient, LaSala doesn’t generally recommend this if your goal is to train your dog to go outside. “I’ve had clients train dogs to go on a turf on a balcony, which transitions well to outside pottying,” she recommends instead.

If you’re gone or busy for long hours, hiring a dog walker to drop in and take your dog out is a great option to offer mid-day relief.

Exercise

It’s a common myth that you need a backyard to have a dog. The truth is you can still give your pup plenty of exercise without having your own outdoor space.

“Most apartments are in cities, and most cities have daycares and dog parks, so those can be great options for giving apartment dogs access to safe, off-leash play opportunities,” says LaSala. Taking your dog to quiet areas like empty fields or even parking lots can give them plenty of space to sniff and decompress, too.

You can also do a lot in a small amount of space. Flirt poles are an excellent way to get your dog moving in a small radius, while tug, obstacle courses, and hide-and-seek are just a few of the many games and activities you can play with your dog indoors.

High-Energy Breeds

While energy levels can vary among individual dogs, there are some breeds that are known for having a lot of stamina, like Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Jack Russell Terriers, and Huskies. Many high-energy dogs become destructive or anxious if they don’t have proper outlets, causing frustration for both pup and pet parent.

“For high-energy breeds, it’s essential to find ways to give them appropriate breed-specific outlets and meet their needs,” recommends LaSala. “Look for dog camps, sheep herding classes, dog sports like lure coursing, scent-work and other enrichment opportunities,” she adds.

There are things you can do at home, too, like setting up an indoor agility course for your herder or engaging your hound in nosework games in your apartment.

Barking & Noise Sensitivity

Dealing with barking in a small space can cause anxiety, especially if your pup tends to bark when you’re not there.

If your dog is barking because they’re triggered by noises outside your apartment, try covering up the sound with a box fan, white noise machine, TV, or music.

If your dog tends to do “watchdog barking,” as LaSala describes it, try blocking their access to the specific area that sets them off. “For watchdog barking, using a barrier like a baby gate to prevent the dog from getting right up to the apartment door can be helpful,” says LaSala. You can also use a rolled-up towel or draft blocker at the base of the door to prevent sound from coming in.

For dogs who bark out of boredom, schedule a pet sitter to drop in and give your dog attention when you’re not there.

You can also consider reaching out to a local trainer for help coming up with a desensitizing and counterconditioning plan to curb your dog’s barking. Rover makes it easy to filter for trainers with experience dealing with barky pups.

Reactivity

Living with a reactive dog in an apartment can be tough—it’s hard to get away from triggers when you’re living in close quarters with others.

The first step? Pinpoint the source of your dog’s reaction. “Knowing why the dog is reacting determines the training path,” explains LaSala.

If your dog is reactive to other dogs or people, try taking the staircase instead of the elevators, so you can exit if needed. You can also try planning your walks at odd times, though this may require time to learn common busy times and planning a walking path ahead of time.

Getting Help

Apartment life is achievable for lots of dogs—but if you’re not sure you can make it work, it’s a good idea to get a professional assessment first.

If you’re considering adopting a dog, talk openly with your breeder or rescue organization about your living space. They can help you understand the challenges you’re likely to encounter and make an honest assessment of a given dog’s ability to thrive in tight quarters.

If you already have a dog and are wondering if a move to an apartment is in the cards, consider talking with a trainer ahead of time. They can help you anticipate what your particular dog might struggle with and come up with a realistic plan that’s achievable for you and your pup.