Matt Bostic – Embora Pets

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 don’t 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 don't 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. Are Labs good apartment dogs? Are Labs good apartment dogs? Yes, the Labrador retriever can make an excellent apartment dog under the right conditions. While their size can make it seem like they wouldn't be a good fit for apartment life, this may not always be the case. Their size and active nature can make it a bit more challenging for specific individuals and families but still doable. The Labrador retriever is a dog that needs a lot of activity that stimulates their body and mind. This activity can come in the form of outings with their loving family or chasing bugs in the backyard. If the owner or family is active, this is unlikely to be a problem. The owner and dog companion go on many adventures and return home to a cozy apartment to chill out of a long day. If, however, the owner or family is relatively sedate and inactive, apartment life may not be the best choice since the Labrador retriever is unlikely to have enough physical outlets to exhaust inside a small apartment. For those potential owners that keep busy, this breed of dog will be a perfect companion! The Labrador retriever was initially bred to be a companion and helper for fishing and other outdoor sport, making them a robust and active dog breed that needs a lot of stimulation and exercise. Since they are a bit larger, weighing in at anywhere from 50 – 90 pounds, they need lengthy training to feel satisfied and fulfilled. This situation comes from their background as a helper and working dog. What are some ways to ensure my Labrador is getting enough exercise if they live in an apartment? There are multiple ways that the Labrador retriever can receive adequate exercise that can be both fun and exciting for them and their family. Apartment life can mean not having access to a backyard but depending on where the family lives. There are still plenty of places to go for the activity. If there is a common area or yard shared by apartment dwellers, this can be a great place to take the Labrador retriever (on a leash, of course!) to enjoy some exercise and perhaps some socialization. A walk in a local neighborhood park or around the block can provide exercise and again fulfill the need for both family and Labrador retriever to socialize and make new friends. If there is a dog park in the neighborhood, this is an even better place for the Labrador retriever to socialize and be active. The thrill of running around with other dogs, playing games, and being off the leash can provide great happiness and fun. Depending on the apartment size and the family, a room could also be devoted to the Labrador retriever. They could have their own space where they can romp around and play with toys. -This area can be just dedicated to them and fun and active when the weather is terrible. Creativity is the key to finding ways to burn your Labs energy when you live in an apartment. Many dogs with extra power and are bigger can live quite happily in an apartment, providing their owner or family is creative and fully invested in providing them with the exercise they need. No day would be complete without mental exercise, which can come in the form of playtime and toys that are designed to exhaust and entertain their mental capacities. Is there any time that a Labrador retriever wouldn’t be good for apartment life? Yes, there are certain times when a Labrador retriever wouldn't be good for apartment life. If the Labrador retriever isn't properly socialized or trained, this can make it more difficult for them to acclimate to a smaller area or one that doesn't have a yard outside. Proper socialization and training will ensure that the Labrador retriever knows what is expected of them is this situation, which limits conflict and problems. Another time that apartment life will not work for the Labrador retriever is when the apartment complex has rules about dogs, including size. It is always essential to consult the landlord or leasing company before selecting a dog breed if it already lives in an apartment. For those Lab owners who are moving into an apartment, it best wise to consult first before selecting to prevent confusion and problems at move-in time. Some, but not all, landlords can have strict rules about a dog's size and breed type. Certain dog breeds are not permitted in apartments due to the proximity to neighbors. Thankfully Labrador retrievers are not usually on this list as long as they are well behaved, socialized, and not aggressive. What are some ways that I can ensure that my Labrador will behave in an apartment? Some things can be done to help a Labrador retriever behave well while living in an apartment. The first step is ensuring that they are adequately trained and socialized. Training should include teaching the Labrador retriever understanding what is acceptable and not acceptable for apartment life. Minimizing barking, learning to talk on a leash, and not jumping on people or other dogs are standard social skills that every dog should know. Apartment life can make these more of an issue if your dog gets out of line and a neighbor complains. Depending on the Labrador retriever's personality, these skills may have to be reviewed repeatedly or daily to ensure that it becomes a part of their daily ritual. Thankfully the Labrador retriever is a breed that is obedient, loyal, and intelligent, making training and socialization easier to accomplish. Creating a schedule is also crucial for the Labrador retriever to feel happy in an apartment. Without the ability to just come and go out a door and see what is going on outside, a Labrador retriever is at the mercy of their owner for bathroom breaks and outdoor stimulation. Creating a schedule for owner and dog will ensure that the Labrador retriever's needs are being met regularly as part of the owner's day. This idea may seem strange, but it is no different from scheduling breakfast or going to the gym. The owner must also be fully committed to regularly providing this stimulation and outdoor fun for their Labrador retriever. Fitting the beloved pet's needs into the day can sometimes be hard with all the business. With a backyard, families and owners take for granted how simple it can be to open the back door and let a well-behaved dog out for a bathroom break and some running around. For those dogs that live with owners and families in apartments, it can mean that the owner or family is committed to paying attention to the Labrador's needs and wants. The daily schedule that is created should be fair to both dog and owner and take into consideration the dog's physical and mental needs. Labradors have an abundance of energy, which can require multiple trips outside. If this isn't possible for a potential dog owner, then perhaps another breed needs to be selected for everyone's happiness. Is every size apartment acceptable for a Labrador retriever? Yes, a Labrador retriever can learn to adapt to any size apartment, but if the apartment is on the smaller size, it can get too cramped and crowded for them. 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 hour's 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. In Conclusion Apartment life isn't for everyone, dogs included. Thankfully, the Labrador retriever's temperament and personality are easy-going by nature, making life easier. Meet their needs for activity and fun, help them burn off energy, and they will be more than happy to curl up on a couch anywhere!