Having A Dog In An Apartment Can Be A Nightmare

Move to the city they said, bring your dogs they said!

Welp, I did. And while I wouldn’t give up my dogs for anything, I’ve come to the conclusion that city life just doesn’t work for everyone, especially if you’re a dog owner.

But let me be clear, it’s not that city life is bad for dog owners, it’s just city life comes with one caveat– apartment living.

And I’m not talking about single condos, doubles, or granny flats, I’m talking about those big ole apartment complexes that pack in a few hundred people. You know, the one’s without a yard, without a porch, and sit smack dab in the middle of the city.

And it’s not that apartment living in itself is bad (as it has lots of perks), but it is absolutely, 100%, positively, not suited for certain breeds of dogs.

How do I know that? Because my dumb*** went against all advice and moved into one of those big ole apartment complexes with TWO huskies. Not one, but TWO! The result? A whole lot of unnecessary stress.

So, do you have an energetic, high-maintenance, incessantly shedding fur ball like mine that likes to talk? Are you wondering what having a dog in an apartment is like? Well, then read on my friend, read on.

Pros and Cons of Having a Dog In An Apartment

There’s a lot to like about having a dog in an apartment, but as I’ve outlined below, the bad usually outweighs the good – in my case, it outweighs it by a lot!

Pros of Having a Dog in an Apartment

1. You can’t beat your dog’s company. It doesn’t matter what you do, they’re going to be there for you no matter what. And even when they come up to you all uninvited, panting that hot, smelly breath all over your food, there’s something there that just makes you smile.
2. If you don’t exercise a whole lot, a dog is a great excuse to get outside and get moving. Or, if you’re already a runner, you’ll have a go-to running partner with some unbelievable endurance.
3. Pure and simple, dogs are great for mental health. If you’re having a down day, there’s nothing your little miniature therapist can’t help you with.

Cons of Having a Dog in an Apartment

1. There’s absolutely no room for zoomies!

Unless you’re living in some sort of luxury suite, the chances of your apartment being pretty small are astronomically high. For me, that smallness is an 800 square foot 2-bedroom — not exactly an ideal place for dog zoomies.

BUT, let me be clear, your dogs could care less — they’re going to zoom around, they’re going to knock stuff over, and they’re going to find something to tear up. One way or another, they’re going to get that energy out!

2. Dog hair will be everywhere!

If your dog sheds a lot, good luck, it’s going to literally cover everything. It’ll be on your couch, it’ll be on your clothes, and sometimes, it’ll float randomly through the air and then miraculously land right on top of your food. Honestly, there’s really no getting around this one.

My advice — buy a nice brush and make it a nightly chore while you watch some tv. It’s not going to fix the problem entirely but if you make it a habit it’ll help! Brush, brush, and brush some more!

3. Taking your dog to the bathroom isn’t as easy as it sounds!

Out of all the things I’ve listed here, this one frustrates me the most. When I had a house with a yard, it took me two seconds to let the dogs out — I would simply open the back door, and whaboom, the dog would take care of business. Unfortunately, it’s not this easy when you live in an apartment.

First, you’ve got to wake up and collect your things to go outside. That includes leashes, doggy bags, clothes, rain gear, etc. Then you have to zombie walk (because it’s 6 am) your dog down the hallway (leashed of course), stand outside in the freezing cold, offer your dog some encouragement, and wait patiently as your dog finds a nice spot to go. Then finally, if all goes well, your dog will use the bathroom.

And what if you’re on the fourth floor? Awesome! Now you get to take the elevator every single time! Is your elevator slow like mine? Even Better!

Oh, and on a side note, don’t think that an apartment with a dog run or pee yard is the answer. More often than not, it’s an absolute scam! From my experience, you’ll probably have to wait in line to use it, it’ll be covered in dog poop, and it smells like absolute sh**. But hey, they do include free doggy bags!

Anyway, to summarize, taking your dog to the bathroom isn’t a quick and easy process. It can become a 30-minute ordeal and it’s not exactly convenient. Compare that to just letting your dog out in the backyard and drinking some coffee while you wait for him/her to finish — I’ll take a yard over an apartment any day.

4. Dog parks are few and far between!

Dog parks aren’t exactly woven into the fabric of the city like they should be. It’s a failure in city planning (given that pretty much everyone owns a dog these days) so unless one miraculously sprouts up next to you, you’re probably going to have to do a little traveling to find one.

But even if there is one next to you, they’re not always the greatest — dog park anxiety is 100% real! Whether that’s someone constantly insisting that your dog is a mix of this breed and that breed, your dog getting into a fight with another dog, or someone completely overreacting when your dog plays a little rough, sometimes it’s just not worth it.

Oh, and let’s not forget that there’s always someone there who thinks their dog is superior to yours – and they’ll be sure to let you know that!

5. Finding green space isn’t easy!

Greenspace is another one of those “few and far between” things. But, even if you do manage to find some zoomie space, there’s going to be a leash law — guaranteed. So, you basically have two options — you can walk your dog around on a leash, or you can break the rules and let your dog run wild.

However, if something happens while your dog is off leash — even something that YOU might consider minor — there’s a high chance that you’ll be fined, or worse, your dog could be impounded.

BLUF – greenspace doesn’t really make the “having a dog in an apartment” situation better.

6. Good luck keeping a dog in an apartment while at work!

If your apartment is small and you don’t crate them, they’re probably going to get into trouble while you’re at work.

And yes, this applies to a house too, but the smaller the space, the less room there is to roam around and keep busy.

7. Dog walks are now your entire afternoon!

If you have a house with a yard, you probably don’t need to walk your dog every day. If you don’t have a yard, it’s an entirely different story. You’ve GOT to get that energy out one way or another and depending on the type of dog, it may be an hour-long walk or more.

So, let’s say you get off of work at 4 or 5 pm and then go for a 1 to 2-hour walk (roughly 2 miles). That puts you back home right when the sun is setting. And of course, yes, there’s a lot to like about afternoon walks, but it can be a little annoying when you HAVE to do them regardless of other priorities/plans you might have.

8. You’ll be picking up poop a lot!

This is one you’re just going to have to get used to. It doesn’t matter if it’s a perfect poop or it looks like scrambled eggs, it’s got to go in the bag.

Did you forget the bags? Fantastic! Now you get to either kick the poop to the side or awkwardly wait until the last person who saw the dog poop goes around you. Then, and only then, is it safe to leave the scene.

And on another note, poop bags aren’t exactly environmentally friendly. So despite how much the bag says it’s recyclable or sustainable, at the end of the day, it’s a bag full of dog sh** and it’s going in the nearest trash can.

9. Try having a dog an apartment with no balcony!

I’m pretty lucky that my apartment has a balcony — and by lucky I mean that I’ve got about a 4-foot by 3-foot space for the dogs to stick their head out and bark at an occasional passerby.

So it’s small, but it does help. If the place your looking at renting doesn’t have one, I’d pass. Trust me, your dog will thank you for it.

10. Pet rent is an actual thing!

I have never, IN MY ENTIRE LIFE, heard of pet rent until I moved to Seattle. So, I’m here to tell you that it does exist and in a lot of cities, you’re going to have to pay for it.

Does it replace a pet deposit? Nope! You’ll have to pay that too.

In my case, I paid a pet deposit equal to the monthly rent and now I pay $50 a month for each pet. It’s obnoxious and frustrating but hey, my pets are hard workers, they can afford it right?

Worst Apartment Dogs

Based on my experience, the worst apartment dogs are those that are big, have really high energy, shed a lot, and like to talk. If you have a dog that meets any one of those criteria, I’d suggest you do some homework before you sign that lease.

So, per my experience discussed above, here’s a quick list of dogs that may not be suitable for an apartment.

And just remember that this is only one opinion — I encourage you to do additional homework and research before making a decision and having a pet in an apartment. And if at all possible, adopt don’t shop!

1. Husky

This one’s a no brainer. They are extremely high energy, shed constantly, and like to talk. I’m not saying it’s impossible to have a husky in an apartment (as I’m making it work), I’m just saying that you need to be prepared and know what you’re getting into first.

2. Border Collie

A medium-sized dog with lots and lots of energy. Definitely not the best dog for an apartment but if your apartment options are pretty thin, be prepared to visit a lot of dog parks! Hopefully, you’re a runner too!

3. Australian Cattle Dog

Similar to the Australian Shepard, this dog likes to have room to run. After all, it was originally bred to herd cattle. BUT, since he/she is probably just your friendly companion, make sure you factor in their needs before you move into an apartment.

4. Australian Shepherd

This is a dog that has to stay busy. They’re smart dogs and if they aren’t entertained, they’re going to get into something if they’re bored. Have a new couch? Keep them entertained or else!

5. German Shepherd

German Shepherds aren’t as high-energy as the other dogs listed above, but they are loud. They can have a deafening bark which isn’t the best for thin walls. Oh, and they shed A LOT!

Apartment Friendly Dogs

1. Greyhound

These guys are big, yes, but they’re perfect for apartments. They rarely shed, they’re calm, and they sleep for 18 hours a day.

2. Bulldog

There’s nothing better than a bulldog. They sit, roll over, drool occasionally, and will gladly use the elevator over the stairs. 10/10 do recommend for an apartment.

3. Bichon Frise

They may be a little difficult to housebreak, but they’re great apartment dogs. They’re hypoallergenic, small, and make great lap dogs.

4. Great Dane

Great Danes are giant but they make great apartment dogs. They require very little exercise, they don’t make a lot of noise, and they’re unlikely to destroy anything when they’re bored.

5. Basically, anything that’s not super energetic

Honestly, there’s a lot of great apartment dogs out there and it’s probably not necessary to list every one of them. However, if you do want a full breed by breed breakdown, I’d check the American Kennel Club.

Best Apartment Hacks for Dogs that are Energetic

Most apartment hacks are pretty obvious — crate train them, potty train them, pick your trashcan up when you leave, etc.

What’s more important to understand is the apartment itself. Before signing that lease, do your research and ask three questions: where is it, how big is it, what’s around it!

1. Is the apartment big?

If the apartment is pretty small like mine, think twice before moving in with your dog. Like I mentioned above, there’s no room for zoomies and the dog hair is going to get everywhere in such a confined space.

2. Do they have a dog run or poop yard?

If they have a dog run or poop yard, tread carefully. From my experience, they’re dirty, no one cleans them, there’s always a wait, and some people just don’t pick up after their pets.

There’s also the fact that whatever your dog steps on while he’s out there is coming back with him. And whether it’s visible or not, those dirty paws will be all over your floor and your furniture.

3. Is there a dog park nearby?

If there’s a dog park nearby, this is a definite plus. However, just think about what I said above. They get old really quick and while your dog may enjoy them, they’re sometimes just not worth the anxiety that comes with it.

4. Is there a place to walk or run the dog nearby?

Remember that if you’re living in the city, it can be a little hard to find green space. And even if you do find greenspace, you have to keep them on a leash unless you feel it’s safe to let them off.

Try to move close to an urban trail or park. Having a continuous stretch of land to walk/run them and not having to stop for traffic is a huge difference-maker.

5. What floor is the apartment on?

If the apartment you’re looking at is on the fourth floor or higher, then understand that a simple trip to let your dog out can turn into a 15-minute to 30-minute ordeal. Try to pick an apartment on one of the lower floors so you can use the stairs.

6. What’s it going to cost?

Pet rent is real and it absolutely sucks. Avoid it at all costs if you can. Also note that in some cases, like mine, you’ll put down a pet deposit and pay a rental fee (usually in the vicinity of $50 a month per pet).

Conclusion

Having a dog in an apartment is doable, but be cautious. Before moving in or signing any paperwork, try to think about those “not so obvious” things and ask yourself if it could actually work. Don’t look for excuses or say you don’t mind this and that or you’re willing to do x, y, and z when you’re not.

Be truthful with yourself — If you’re impatient, if you’re not willing to exercise your dog every day, if you’re not going to pick up after your dog, if you’re not willing to sacrifice your time to walk the dog, and if you don’t regularly vacuum and clean up the house, try to find a better spot for you and your four-legged companion — preferably one with a yard.

Lastly, ask others for advice. If someone has lived in an apartment with a high-energy dog, there’s a high chance they’ll have a strong opinion about it. Ask around, weigh their advice, and make a decision for yourself.