Are Labs Good Apartment Dogs
When possible, we will use affiliate links when referring to recommended products. It does not cost you anything to use these links but it does help us earn a commission on qualifying purchases. Thank you in advance for your support!
My wife and I recently moved to a new apartment.; We are thinking of getting a dog that could join us on our outdoor activities.; We dont want a small lap dog but rather a dog that is a bit bigger and sturdier to withstand our busy and active lifestyle.;;I love to hunt, and fish and my wife enjoy swimming and hiking.; We want to take the dog on all our adventures and like the appearance of the Labrador retriever.; While we dont know much about this breed, we are eager to learn more.; However, it is essential that before we select this breed, we know if they would make a good apartment dog.
After a long day of work, I decided to sit down and research this topic for more information.; I hope it is helpful to others; read on to find out what I learned.
Can A Labrador Retriever Live In An Apartment
Are Labradors apartment friendly? A Labrador Retriever can certainly live in an apartment, if youre able to provide the outdoor exercise and play it needs.
The smaller size or lack of backyard space of most apartments shouldnt hinder you from choosing a Labrador as a companion.
What you should consider more than home size is your personal commitment to the high energy and exercise requirements of this loveable and fun breed.
Top Picks For Our Puppies
Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist.
You May Like: Service Dogs Golden Retriever
Are Labradors Apartment Friendly Or Do They Need To Live In Houses
Are Labradors apartment friendly or not? Labradors can live happily in some apartments, but there are things to bear in mind.
They are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which is likely to be made worse by regularly climbing up and down lots of stairs.
And they need lots of exercise, so owners need to consider how this will be achieved.
Are Golden Retrievers Too Loud For Apartments
Although a golden retriever has the record for the worlds loudest bark, golden retrievers are typically moderate barkers.
They also have frequent zoomies, which may be a little unpleasant for the neighbors downstairs.
So be sure to show your neighbors how sweet your golden is and remind them that theyre worth it.
You May Like: Best Golden Retriever Breeders California
Can A Golden Retriever Live In A Small Apartment
Well, can they?
In this article, I will argue that a golden retriever can live in a small apartment.
Yes, I know that isnt a point of view that you will hear most often but I dont think that the size is the most important quality of a goldies home.
I believe that they can live in almost any kind of home so long as they are part of a loving and caring family.
- Do you own a Golden Retriever with short legs?
I just think that it is harder to take care of a larger breed dog in a smaller living space than it is if you have more space.
But with the right motivation and dedication, someone who lives in an apartment can be a fantastic dog parent.
As you give it some serious thought, please take time to read some of my considerations below
There is an obvious need
Unfortunately there are not any exact figures specifically about golden retrievers but in the U.S., it is thought that 3.3 million dogs are taken into rescue shelters every year.;
Of these approximately 670,000 are euthanized and 1.6 million are adopted.
In the UK, it is thought that 130,000 dogs come into dog shelters every year and I couldnt for the life of me get hold of any statistics to show how many of those are adopted. However, in a separate survey it was estimated that in 2018 there were 56,043 stray dogs in the UK.;
So whichever way you look at it, all breeds of dogs, including golden retrievers, need loving owners to adopt and take care of them.;
It is not about the space
And dogs can be noisy.;
Exercise
How Often Will You Be Home
As a breed, Golden retrievers require more attention from their family members than some other dog breeds. If you have a busy lifestyle or work excessively long hours that keeps you away from home a lot, a Golden retriever might not be the best choice.
Dont get me wrong, you dont have to be by your Goldens side every minute of the day, but keeping your Golden shut up in an apartment day after day, for long hours, with very little release is going to unleash a slew of behavioral issues, including separation anxiety, and make for one very unhappy Golden retriever.
Also Check: Golden Retriever Puppy Rescue Ohio
When Do Golden Retrievers Calm Down And 3 Ways To Train Them To Be More Chill
The energy of your golden retriever is a large part of their charm, but sometimes it can be too much and youre left wondering; do Golden retrievers calm down? and if so, when?
Days, weeks, and months pass by and your pup dont seem to ever want to just chill. Its as if they are always cranked up to 11 and there is no off button on them.
Well, the good news is that Golden Retrievers do calm down.
So, when do golden retrievers Calm down? Golden Retrievers start to calm down when they are 2-to-3 years old when they are turning from puppies into adult dogs. They often become much calmer at the age of four, but their energy levels can still be high compared to other dog breeds.
When Golden Retrievers are puppies, they have all this pent up energy that needs to go somewhere, and it often goes everywhere. From jumping on new people to chewing everything they can reach, they always find ways to release this pent up energy.
Even more, some golden retrievers can keep this level of energy through all their lifetime. As much enduring as this is, it can take a lot to keep up with them at all times. However, there are things you can do to help your puppy chill down.
Lets talk about them more
This study is being undertaken by the Morris Animal Foundation and just kicked off in 2015.
This study is looking at a number of factors, from heavy metals found in water to the pets routine and even physical traits, to discover if there is any correlation between these factors and cancer.
What Features Make The Goldendoodle Such A Special Dog
If you already love Goldendoodles and are struggling withthe temptation of getting a miniature one to share your apartment with you,here are some distinctive traits of theirs you should know of: For dogs withcute wooly fur, they dont shed that much.
- Goldendoodles do not drool.
- Its rare to see an overweight Goldendoodle,rather, they are generally healthy.
- Super affectionate to their family, includingkids and strangers.
- Many Goldendoodles arent fans of cats andcreatures smaller than they are, but this is more specific to the dog vs. thebreed.
- They are easy to train thanks to theirintelligence.
- Generally, they arent big on barking orhowling, but some of them are. They are energetic and playful.
- They can cope in noisy environments.
- They dont do too great in hot weather but feelright at home in cold.
Recommended Reading: How Do You Trim A Golden Retriever Rear
Golden Retrievers: Important Facts To Know
Before we embark on apartment dwelling with a Golden Retriever, lets review some important facts about the breed.
First of all, by nature, the Golden is labeled as a sporting dog which means it does tend to be very active.
Since this breed makes a superb hunting and service dog your Golden Retriever will need a moderate amount of exercise each day.
Did you know the GR loves to swim? This is a great way to help keep your Golden in shape and feeling fine!
Second, this breed can reach weights up to 75 pounds and according to research they are the 4th most intelligent dog breed .
Third, the GR has a beautiful coat
but that coat also tends to shed a moderate amount of hair. Weekly brushing will be a must-do for the Golden Retriever pet parent.
Fourth, the Golden Retriever does tend to become sad and depressed when left alone for long periods-of-time.
For the mental health of this breed, they shouldnt be left unattended for more than seven or eight hours.
Now that we know more about this lovable pooch, lets dig into those top 5 tips for keeping your Golden Retriever in an apartment happy & healthy.
Plus, what about having a Golden Retriever puppy in an apartment?
Weve covered some tips on that, too!
Looking for a bed for your Golden? Check these top 5 beds for Golden Retrievers
Potty Training With Pee Pads
Some people may decide to use pee pads to potty train their dog.
Ive never used pee pads, so I cant make any comment on how to use them, but I have heard many people dont recommend them or regret using them.
You might not have an option, but at least do lots of research and careful consideration before choosing this route.
Don’t Miss: How To Bathe A Golden Retriever Puppy
How To Potty Train A Golden Retriever In An Apartment
The biggest problem most people have with owning a golden retriever while living in an apartment is potty training.
Golden retriever puppies need to pee often.
And by often, I mean as frequently as every hour.
Can you handle taking your pup outside every hour?
It might be tough, but heres the good news: it wont be for long and goldens can be potty trained relatively quickly.
If you follow these steps to potty train your golden retriever, they can be potty trained in as little as two weeks:
Step 1: Take your golden retriever outside often
If your puppy only goes potty outside in the grass, and never gets an opportunity to go in the house, then theyll be potty trained quicker than one who has an accident inside every now and then.
Step 2: Take them to the same spot
Dogs like to go potty where they smell their previous business, so taking them to the same spot every time will help them know where to go.
Warning: this need can backfire on you when they have an accident, so see step 5 for how to manage it.
Step 3: Praise them for going outside
When they go where theyre supposed to go, throw them a little praise party and give them treats to let them know theyre doing the right thing by going potty there.
Step 4: Keep them constrained
When theyre in a crate, they most likely wont have an accident, so you can use that to your advantage by putting them in there any time you cant keep an eye on them.
Step 5: Handle accidents correctly
Why Goldens Work In Apartments
So now, you know all the reasons golden retrievers can be difficult apartment pets. Obviously, nothing weve talked about is impossible, but why bother? Why does anyone bring a 55+-pound animal into an apartment instead of say, a cat?
Well, golden retrievers are remarkable animals, and their best qualities can more than makeup for their worst.
Read Also: What Is A Golden Cream Retriever
Challenges With Apartment Living
A golden retriever isnt probably the first thing you think of when you hear apartment pet. Face it; theyre big, rambunctious animals.
Keeping a golden retriever happy and healthy in an apartment is absolutely doable, but its also hard work. If youre hoping for a nice, low maintenance pet, youre probably better off with a goldfish.
Potty Training In Apartment
You will have limited space in the apartment. Although flat sizes may range from 700 sq. feet to 4000 sq. feet but still space crunch is always there.
When it comes to taking the dog for potty outside, it becomes a burden. If you own a home with a backyard then it is as simple as letting the dog go to yard from the back door for their business.
I would say that managing the potty time is the most difficult part of an apartment. If you have to take the dog out then you need to get to the lift and look for some space outside where he can do his business and then you need to make sure that there is no hygiene problem for other people.
This has to be done daily . When the retriever is a puppy, then it feels an even bigger problem. In those initial months when he is a puppy, he will not understand the need to wait for you to take him out. Thus, understanding these requirements and commitment from your side is important.
Due tothis single reason, many people around the world dont like to have a dog in theirfamily. I do have a solution for this below:
Read Also: House Training Golden Retriever
How Much Exercise Does A Labrador Retriever Need Daily
This situation depends on the age and health of the dog.; If the Labrador retriever is youthful and full of life, they will generally need a minimum of an hours worth of exercise a day.; This exercise can be broken up into various activities or time slots.
A walk in the morning for fifteen minutes, a trip to the dog park for a half-hour in the afternoon, and another walk in the evening for fifteen minutes can be an excellent way to expel their energy.; More, of course, will be better with this breed due to their energy level.
They Have Less Space To Move Around
Your retrievers diet becomes important in an apartment. Since there is going to be less movement for him due to the limited space, controlling his diet becomes important for you. High calories food is going to make him fat and lazy. This further attracts diseases as the dog grows up.
I do have a list of action points that you can follow to control the obesity of your retriever dog.
Recommended Reading: How To Properly Groom A Golden Retriever
Noisiness & Energy Level:
Be considerate of your neighbors. The last thing anyone wants in an apartment building is a dog that barks all day. This can be worked on with positive reinforcement training, exercise, and providing your dog with entertainment. ;
Golden retrievers also get something golden owners call “Zoomies”. When a golden gets the zoomies, they run back and forth all over your house or apartment. This can be loud if you live in an apartment that is not well sound proofed.;
Golden retrievers are moderate barkers. With proper positive training and adequate amount of regular exercise, you can minimize the amount of barks coming from your golden. ;We recently wrote an article on this on “Do Golden Retrievers Bark A Lot?” I recommend you check that out if you you want to learn more about barking habits of golden retrievers.;
How Long Can A Golden Retriever Live
Most Golden Retrievers live to be between 10 and 12 years old.
Genetic factors play a large role in how long a particular canine lives.
Genetic factors likely play a role in a pets susceptibility to cancer, which can decrease their lifespan considerably.
Hip and bone problems can also factor into a dogs quality of life as they age.
Genetic factors also play a role in these disorders, though being overweight is also a big factor in Golden Retriever lifespan.
Do you have a Golden Retriever?
Let us know how old they are in the comments below!
Don’t Miss: How To Cut A Golden Retriever’s Hair
Are Golden Retrievers Good Apartment Dogs
Its simply impossible to walk past a fluffy Golden Retriever without wanting one of your own. These charmers with their handsome fur coat, heart-capturing smiles and gorgeous eyes have earned a reputation of being the ultimate house dog.
And, if you always wanted to get a Golden Retriever but havent yet worked up the courage to bring one home because you live in an apartment, then it may be time to think again. While you may shy away from the thought of bringing home a Golden Retriever because you think that your apartment may be too small to accommodate the powerful and energetic personality of the pooch, then its time to let go of all your doubts.
In this article, we will discuss all there is to know about Golden Retrievers and how they can be great apartment dogs. Golden Retrievers are very popular dogs because of their intelligence, charming and friendly personality. They are highly energetic dogs and their excellent temperament makes them among the most beloved dogs in the world. Apart from having a great attitude, Golden Retrievers are very easy to train and are great family dogs.
However, before you decide to bring a Golden Retriever home, you must ask the question, are these dogs good for apartments? There are many factors to consider before you decide to bring home a Golden Retriever; well take a look at the most important ones below.