Having a backyard certainly makes being a pet parent easier, especially when it comes to the flexibility to take bathroom breaks or simply hang out in the yard with an unleashed dog.

Meanwhile, dog owners living in apartments have to leash up their dog every few hours to give them a proper potty break and exercise. You cannot just let your dog out the back door and forget about them (not that owners with large yards should forget about their dogs!).

All of this begs the question: Is it a myth that dogs really need a backyard to be happy? The answer is yes, as long as apartment dogs receive enough exercise, mental enrichment, and support from owners who can provide a lifestyle and environment that meets their needs.

Choosing The Right Breed For Your Apartment

Before bringing home your new furry family member, remember that some breeds are better suited for an apartment than others. Traditional breeds that do well in apartments are laidback small dogs like Pugs or Shih Tzus.  Loveable toy breeds usually require less exercise, prefer to be couch potatoes, and don’t need much space.

​Dogs that require higher maintenance exercise and training, like Border Collies or German Shepherds, are not typical breeds that would be happy in an apartment. They need a lot of mental and physical activity, and apartment life tends to be too confining.

​However, if your heart is set on the working dog lifestyle, you can still have your dream dog in an apartment. It might just take a little more work.

Exercise

Exercise is non-negotiable, whether you have a backyard or live in an apartment. Even traditionally lower-energy dogs have to go out for walks and bathroom breaks. The difference is that, instead of simply letting your dog out in the yard, they have to be leashed and taken for a walk to do their business and stretch their legs.

​You are definitely not allowed to be a lazy dog owner if you live in an apartment. I have a huge yard, and I’ll admit there are days when I’ve been lazy and just let my dogs hang out outside, even though they’re accustomed to a lot more exercise and enrichment.

​If I lived in an apartment, though, they’d automatically get several walks a day for potty breaks, along with the physical and mental stimulation that comes with those walks. At the same time, while that routine would be fine occasionally, I still wouldn’t consider a few short walks enough to fully meet the needs of my high-energy border collies. I would need to ensure they are getting out for long sniffaris, walks, runs, bike rides, and hikes.

Common Challenges For Apartment Dogs

Long days in an apartment can be boring for some dogs, especially breeds that need more exercise or stimulation, like Golden Retrievers. Some dogs are more prone to behavioral challenges if they are pent up in an apartment with limited space to properly roam or explore. Serious issues include:

• Separation Anxiety 
• Zoomies in a limited space
• Barking and noise complaints

While extra exercise and adventures can help combat these issues, mental stimulation can be a really useful tool for apartment dogs suffering from behavior problems!

Combatting Behavior Issues and Mental Stimulation in An Apartment

For people who go to work, leaving their pup at home, it is especially important to invest time in creating fun enrichment activities for your dog so they don’t go stir crazy (this is necessary whether you live in an apartment or a house!). Let’s take a look at some activities that can prevent your dog from being bored!

• Puzzle toys: Go to your favorite pet store to find a plethora of fun puzzle toys for your pup. There are many interactive toys designed to keep dogs engaged by encouraging them to open compartments, search for treats, or pull out hidden toys. You can also make your own! It takes some cleaning up, but hiding treats in stacked cardboard boxes for your dog to shred is fun and stimulating! Alternatively, hide treats in a rolled-up towel.
• Snuffle mats: Snuffle mats are made with fleece or cloth. Sprinkle treats to encourage your dog’s instinctual foraging behavior. Not only is it great enrichment, but also the sniffing helps naturally relieve anxiety.  You can purchase these from your favorite pet store or make your own!
• Kongs: Kongs are great tools for giving dogs enrichment in the apartment! You can stuff them with your dog’s favorite food (my dog’s favorites include peanut butter, canned dog food, and plain yogurt) and put them in the freezer for a long-lasting treat for them to lick. Kong is not the only brand that makes a freezer-friendly and dishwasher-safe licky toy. There are lots of fun options!
• Dog Toys: Whether it is chew toys, bully sticks, or squeaky plushies, having a good toy chest available for your dog is sure to keep them busy while living in the apartment. Find your dog’s favorite kinds of toys, and rotate them to keep things new and fresh.

Your Dog’s Space and Routine

Responsible pet owners living in an apartment understand that dogs enjoy having their own space and a routine. This might look like a crate or comfy bed, as well as a safe space to eat and drink.

Furthermore, keep to a steady walking and potty routine so your dog is less likely to have accidents in the apartment. This is even more important for puppies and senior dogs that are more prone to accidents.

Socialization and Community

Having a well-socialized dog makes living in an apartment much easier. Socializing does not simply mean your dog can greet other dogs and people politely. It is more important that your dog can politely ignore other dogs and people. Not everyone wants to say hi, and your dog should be able to respect that! All dogs need good leash manners and to be well-socialized, but it is especially important for apartment dogs to develop these skills.

Having a well-socialized furry family means they can safely walk around your apartment complex, as well as go to dog parks, dog beaches, daycares, and pet-friendly restaurants.

The better socialized and more well-behaved your pup is, the more places they can explore with you despite living in an apartment!

Final Thoughts

To sum it up, dogs do not necessarily need a backyard to live happy, fulfilling lives. All they need is a responsible owner who is committed to meeting their physical, mental, and emotional needs every day. Apartment living may require more effort, structure, and creativity, but it can also create stronger bonds through regular walks, training, enrichment, and shared adventures. By choosing a dog that fits your lifestyle, maintaining a consistent routine, and prioritizing exercise and socialization, apartment owners can provide an amazing life for their furry companions. With the right care and dedication, apartment dogs can thrive just as much as dogs with large backyards!