Are Labs Good Apartment Dogs?

Are Labs good apartment dogs? If you went around town and took a poll on how many people think Labrador Retrievers are apartment dogs, it would probably be a resounding ‘No’. This is simply due to the fact that people see the larger-than-life Lab to need a lot of space to roam around, and being confined to an apartment might seem like a personal prison to the Lab. But is it really?

So, are Labs good apartment dogs? Sure! The loving, sweet, and caring Labrador has no problem relaxing right next to his owner day in and day out. As long as you take your Labrador outside for at least 45 minutes to an hour or two of playtime and exercise, he should have no problem living in an apartment. Make time for plenty of potty breaks, too.

If you have to relocate into an apartment or simply have your eyes on an adorable Labrador at the shelter, you are likely wondering whether or not it’s a good idea. We are going to discuss why Labradors can be great apartment dogs, and how to make sure that your Lab stays healthy and happy while occupying your apartment.

Can a Labrador Retriever be Happy in an Apartment?

So many people will be under the impression that the big ole’ Labrador Retriever shouldn’t have to be ‘forced’ to the confines of an apartment.

But this isn’t true, at all!

As long as you do it the right way, Labradors are actually very receptive and can easily become great apartment dogs.

But how do you know if you’re doing it ‘the right way’? Follow these simple tips and tricks…

1. Make Time for Exercise and Playtime

Perhaps the biggest issue with having a Labrador inside an apartment is that there is nowhere for your Labrador to expel his energy.

Well, the good news is that even in a three-story, 5,000 square foot home, your Labrador would still prefer to be nestled right next to his owner when he is inside. 

However, that does not mean that your Lab will be completely content staying in a smaller space for several days on end. In fact, Labradors require a certain amount of activity each and every day.

For the most part, you should expect to spend at least 45 minutes outside with your Labrador to make sure he gets the right amount of exercise in his day.

So how can you make sure that he’s happy and exercised while staying in an apartment? Well, you can do a lot of different things:

• Take your Labrador Retriever for a walk around the apartment complex.
• Find a nearby park to play fetch or simply run around and enjoy himself.
• Find a nearby dog park so he can play with some other dogs and enjoy some dog-specific play equipment.

As long as he is getting outside and expending his energy for at least 45 minutes (although an hour to two hours is ideal), he will have no problem being nice and calm while staying inside of the apartment.

2. Crate Him While You are Away

Some people are also concerned about what to do with their Labrador Retriever when they are in an apartment and have to go to work.

When you have a home, it’s easy to put your Lab in the backyard and let him roam- but Labs should never be left to roam when they are inside of a home or apartment.

They can get into mischief fairly quickly!

The best thing to do is to put your Lab in a crate. This will be easiest if you start crate training at a young age. However, that doesn’t mean you should let him sit there for 8 to 9 hours at a time. 

You will need to find some time during the day to come home or have a family or friend come to the apartment and take the Lab out to go to the bathroom. He should also be able to ‘stretch his legs’ with a bit of exploration outside.

You should also make sure that there are several toys inside of the crate to occupy your Labrador while you are away.

This will ensure he doesn’t become lonely or bored. You may also want to place a few blankets inside the crate for comfort. Don’t forget food and water for your precious pup, either.

3. Get Him Used to Apartment Living

One important aspect of apartment living is that your dog will be surrounded by new smells and sounds that he might not be used to in a home. With closer quarters, he will also have to deal with being around strangers a lot more than usual.

So what should you, the owner, do to help your Labby get used to his new surroundings?

• Train your dog not to bark. Since he will be around new people and sounds frequently, it is important that your dog doesn’t become the ‘annoying yappy dog’ of the apartment building that drives all of your neighbors crazy.
• Train your dog to be social. Again, there are a lot of people in apartment complexes- including children and elderly individuals. There may also be other dogs and cats nearby. For this reason, it’s important to ensure your dog is trained to be friendly and social with all types of people and animals.
• Get your dog used to his surroundings in small doses. There are going to be a lot of changes moving into an apartment. The best thing to do is start off slowly. Take him to different areas around the complex and let him get used to the new area so he will feel more comfortable.

4. Don’t Forget Potty Breaks

You won’t be able to simply open the screen and let your Lab run into the yard for his potty business.

You will need to always make sure you set aside time to take your dog out for restroom breaks.

More than likely you will need to place the Lab on a leash and pick up after your canine, per apartment rules and regulations.

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