Do you remember the famous, Marley & Me movie? From puppy stage to adult stage – Marley stayed with the family, troubled them, but loved his parents and siblings unconditionally. A family starts when a dog comes home – you don’t really need children if you have a dog, especially a lab.
Labradors are one of the friendliest and cutest dogs on the planet. Their heart is filled with love and affection for all the family members.
Since most people have embraced apartment living, there are prospective pet parents who wish to know whether labs are good apt dogs.
Labradors are excellent apartment dogs. They don’t need a backyard or a large space to be happy. As long as you are letting them walk, play, and prance around, your fur balls will be happy.
Wish to know more about your lab? Here’s an elaborate post that sheds light on the subject – are labs good apartment dogs? We’ll also unravel how you can raise a lab in an apartment. Let’s get started!
Can a lab live in an apartment?
Of course! Labradors can adjust in an apartment. It’s not like they are running around throughout the day. They’re not hounds or guard dogs. As long as you love them, they’ll be happy.
Labradors adjust in any kind of home – small apartments, larger apartments, villas, farmhouses, and more.
A walk or run at the local park is more than enough for them. However, you need to ensure that they are getting regular walks and not just once a day.
Perhaps take them out thrice a day as they would need to relieve themselves.
Labs are extremely affectionate, so you will have a gala time with them. In case you are a working individual, you can keep a part-time help or someone to walk your lab.
This could be helpful for those who have long working hours and can’t find time to frequently walk their lab and take them out often.
Are labs apartment-friendly or do they need a bigger space?
Since Labradors are a larger breed, many dog lovers think they would need more space. That’s a myth!
Labs don’t need larger space or a lavish house. They’re very simplistic and adorable creatures. If you are giving them love, food, shelter, and water – they will be happy.
Labs are always happy as long as their parents are around them. It would be nice to take them out for a little swim or a short road trip.
“But labs are such big dogs! How will they fit in a small apartment?’’
We’ve seen many pet parents who have healthy and happy Labradors at home.
Raising them in an apartment is possible. We’ll tell you how – it’s not very challenging.
Before you jump to the next section, check out a quick YT video on whether labs can live in an apartment.
Raising a Lab in an Apartment: Dos and Don’ts
If you want to raise a lab in an apartment, there are some dos and don’ts that need to be followed.
Now that you are aware that labs can be happy in an apartment, it doesn’t mean that your job is over.
You need to ensure that the home is suitable for your lab. There are some other things to note, so dive right in.
1. Check with the neighbors if it’s okay to keep a Labrador
Labradors don’t bark aggressively like others, but there are days when they get moody or simply reply to other dogs in the neighborhood.
If they do this, you would need to handle your neighbors. Since you are living in an apartment, make sure your neighbors are okay with it.
Neighbors can cause a lot of trouble if your Labrador makes too much noise. Moreover, some apartment buildings don’t allow Labradors; thus, you should ensure they are allowed.
After all, labs are easily excited when they see you after a long lonely day. Your neighbors might not be lab lovers like you. And labs are vocal; not as vocal as huskies, but neither as subtle as chihuahuas.
2. Make sure they walk twice or thrice a day
Your Labrador is going to need lots of play time and walks. This is the time they can relieve themselves.
Since your lab is living in an apartment and there’s no backyard, keep a dog walker or take out some time in a day to walk your dog.
Labradors tend to get obese and have the tendency to overeat. Thus, you should ensure they get lots of exercises.
Take them to a dog park and let loose. There are some places where you can find dog-friendly beaches as well.
Don’t leave your dog alone for hours without walks or play time. This could actually lead to destructive behavior.
A lonely lab can develop clingy possessive behavior and separation anxiety. And that might not be good for the cushions and shoes.
3. Potty Training
Potty training is done at an early stage. If you are thinking of keeping a lab, make sure you train them to pee and poo outside and not inside the home.
Since you are living in a confined space, the smelly pee and poo will be an issue. That’s precisely why you need to take them out often.
You can also invest in pee pads. Many lab parents get pee pads as they’re good for training.
Note: You need to understand that this stage will pass, but you have to be patient.
As a pet parent, you will get through this stage sooner or later but invest in pee pads till your lab learns to control their pee or poo till you’re back.
Check out these pee pads:
4. Regular Veterinary Appointments
You must ensure that your little lab goes to the vet regularly. If there is any sign of laziness, discomfort, or sluggishness, your lab would need a little trip to the vet.
The vaccinations should be up-to-date. Since your lab will be living with kids, older people, and others, you need to protect your loved ones and your little one as well.
What about separation anxiety? What does it mean? The next section highlights what separation anxiety means and how you can take care of it.
Dealing with Separation Anxiety: Leaving Your Lab Alone in an Apt
Separation anxiety is when you leave your lab alone and they start missing you. Labs get anxious when you leave the house and won’t return for 9-10 straight hours.
This could lead to bad behavior like chewing everything that is within sight. They might stop eating and will try to do something to release their stress.
If your lab is living alone in an apartment for 5-6 hours, you need to follow certain tips to deal with separation anxiety. Take a quick look!
1.) Some lab parents invest in a crate. You can keep the lab in the crate and put some toys inside. When a lab is in a crate, they feel safe. They don’t have to feel alone inside an apartment.
2.) Before putting them in a crate, you need to ensure that you tire off your lab. Make sure they go out for a run or a long walk before you leave for work. This way your Labrador will sleep peacefully and won’t have to miss you for long.
3.) Give them lots of chew toys to your lab. This way they won’t chew your shoe, socks, clothes, and furniture pieces.
4.) How about playing treasure hunt with your lab? Leave a treat trail behind so that your puppy can find the reward. This will keep them busy for a few hours.
5.) The best way of all is to keep two dogs (or more) at home. When your lab will have a play buddy, both your dogs will remain very happy.
Perhaps you can also hire someone to take care of your lab while you are away.
A dog walker can visit your home thrice a day and take them out for a little walk. This way your lab won’t be alone for too long and will also get some exercise.
FAQs
1. Can you leave a Labrador in your apartment?
Labradors can live in apartments as long as they get a good dose of exercise on a daily basis.
Since Labradors have a lot of energy, they need to expend it somewhere before you walk out the door.
2. Can you leave your Labrador alone in an apartment?
Absolutely! Separation anxiety is common, but when the lab gets plenty of exercises, they catch rest throughout the day.
Leave water, food, and take them out for a walk or a run before you step out for work.
3. Is a Labrador retriever a good house dog?
Labradors are good house dogs. They are very friendly with all members – young and old.
Labs are large-breed dogs, but they can live in any indoor space. These fur balls love to play and will be very happy as long as the family is around. Labs are the best friends your kids could ever have.
4. How to raise a Labrador retriever in an apartment?
You would need to invest some time to potty-train them. Spend as much time with your lab and make sure they get at least three walks a day.
Raising a lab in an apartment isn’t as overwhelming – they are friendly, easy to train, and extremely loving.
Obesity is quite common in labs, so make sure they get plenty of exercises. Besides, the more you pamper your lab, the more it will love you.
5. What are the best dogs for apartments?
Labradors are excellent apartment dogs. They are friendly, loving, and easy to train.
They won’t bark unless there is tension and some form of danger. Labradors are great for apartments and families that have children.
6. Are Labradors good indoor dogs?
Labradors are large-breed dogs, but they can be happy in an apartment as well. Labs will love to spend time with your family. They’re perfect friends for your little children.
7. Do Labradors need a backyard?
It’s not necessary for your lab to have a backyard. However, you would need to take them out for a walk at least 3 to 4 times a day.
Labradors have a lot of energy; thus, you need to ensure they get to expend it daily. Don’t keep them constrained in a closed space. As long as they’re getting plenty of play time and walks, they will be happy.
8. Are Labs happy in an apartment?
Labs will be happy in an apartment. You can train them to be alone for a few hours (in case you’re working).
Labs need plenty of play time and human interaction. Make sure they get a long walk 3-4 times a day. This will keep them active and they will be able to expend their energy.
If you don’t have kids or other members in your family and you spend a lot of time outdoors, it’s better to not get a lab or get two dogs.
Whether or not it’s a lab, dogs shouldn’t be left alone for hours and hours. They have feelings and they too have to relieve themselves. If you can’t care for them, don’t bring them home.
Concluding Thoughts
Labs are great family dogs and they can live happily at any place. Whether it’s an apartment or a castle, your Labrador is going to shower lots of love for you and your family.
Make sure you spend enough time with them and take care of their exercise needs. Once this is taken care of, your lab will be a happier pupper!
