Thinking about sharing your apartment with a Lab? Not sure if it’s a good idea? Find out the 3 reasons Labrador Retrievers are good apartment dogs.

When you own a Labrador Retriever, you tend to think twice before moving your faithful friend into an apartment. Labs are so energetic, they’d never be happy in an apartment, right?

Actually, that’s not the case. Labrador Retrievers are good apartment dogs. They can live—and thrive—in an apartment setting—as long as their owners can meet their needs.

3 Reasons Why Labrador Retrievers Are Good Apartment Dogs

There are three key reasons why Golden Retrievers are good apartment dogs.

Friendly Temperament

Labradors are famous for their friendly, docile temperament. When they’re with you at home, there’s only one place they want to be, and that’s beside you!

Wherever you live, you’ll likely find your Lab asleep at your feet or curled up beside you. They want to be close to you at all times. So, living in a confined space like an apartment isn’t a problem.

Easy to Train

Another reason why Labradors can live in apartments is that they’re easy to train. They’re intelligent and have one goal: To please their owners. As long as you provide consistent training that helps a Lab adapt to life in an apartment, there shouldn’t be a problem.

Good with Neighbors

A third reason why Labradors are good for apartments is that they’re a sociable breed. In an apartment building, where you live close to other people, this is an important trait.

Labrador’s love interacting with people—particularly children. They will display their sunny personalities for all to see.

Questions to Ask Before Living With a Labrador In an Apartment

Before you think about living with a Labrador in an apartment, consider these five questions.

1. Are Labradors Allowed to Live in the Apartment?

The first question you need to answer is, can a Labrador live in the apartment building? Not all apartments welcome dogs. There may be a policy in place that prohibits pet ownership. So, make sure you’re certain that your apartment allows Labs before you move in with your pet.

2. Will Your Lab Get Enough Exercise?

Labradors are active, energetic dogs and they need plenty of walks. A full-grown Labrador needs at least an hour of exercise every day—and sometimes more.

If it doesn’t get enough exercise, your Lab may become boisterous and difficult to train.

3. Are There Walking Routes Nearby?

Your Lab needs enough exercise. Consider the walking opportunities near your apartment. Is there a park nearby? Are you close to a hiking trail? Is there a good walking route in the neighborhood?

If there are no suitable walking routes close to your apartment, keeping a Labrador may not be a good idea.

4. Can You Give Your Lab Enough Attention?

You need to consider whether you can give your Lab all the time and attention it craves and deserves. Labs are sociable creatures. They crave company and dislike being left alone for long periods.

If you must leave your Lab alone sometimes, ensure the dog has been adequately exercised before you leave. Also, ensure it has use of a ‘bathroom’ area. If you think you’ll be leaving your Lab alone on a regular basis, this may not be the breed for you.

5. Where Can You Potty Train Your Lab?

This leads us to the issue of potty training. Before you bring a Labrador to live in an apartment, you need to think about how you’re going to approach this issue. Is there a garden or green space outside your apartment you can train your dog to use? Do you have access to a terrace or patio for this purpose?

You’ll need to clean up after your Lab afterward, especially if the space you’re using is communal.

4 Tips for Living With a Labrador in an Apartment

Use these four tips to help ensure your Lab is a good apartment dog.

Tip 1. Ensure Your Lab Has a Daily Routine

Labradors love to have a daily routine. So, to keep your Lab happy in your apartment, try to keep exercise and feeding times consistent. Aim to get up and go to bed at roughly the same time.

Tip 2. Give the Dog Its Own Space

Even in a small apartment, it’s important to give your dog its own space. So, put your dog’s bed and toys in a particular area that your dog can call its own. This will help your Lab feel settled in its environment.

Tip 3. Brush Your Lab Regularly

Labrador Retrievers tend to shed a lot. To control shedding, brush your Labs daily. Also, keep a vacuum cleaner close by to get rid of the hairs you’ll find on the carpets and soft furnishings in your apartment.

Tip 4. Introduce Your Lab to the Apartment Gradually

Finally, Labs can get nervous and anxious—just like their owners! To avoid overwhelming a Lab, introduce it to your apartment and its environment gradually.

So, on day one, let your Lab get used to the inside of your apartment. On day two, allow it to spend some time exploring the outside space.  On day three, introduce it to a neighbor. The key point is, don’t introduce too many new stimuli at once, as it can be stressful for the animal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions that are relevant to apartment-living Labs:

• Is a Labrador suitable for first-time owners? Labs are a great choice for first-time owners. They’re friendly, loyal, easy to train, and love kids.
• How big do Labs get? A male Lab can weigh up to 80 pounds and grow to be 24.5 inches tall. A female can weigh up to 70 pounds and grow to a height of 23.5 inches.
• How long do Labs live? The average lifespan of a Lab is between 10 and 12 years.
• Do Labs eat a lot? Labs do eat a lot. They’ll usually eat anything they’re given and are prone to over-eating
• What health issues do Labs have? Labs often suffer from hip dysplasia, heart problems, and obesity.

Final Words

Labs are good apartment dogs and can live happily in them. As long as their owners take care of them and are attentive to their needs.

Your reward for living with a Labrador? A loyal, playful, bundle of fun who’ll do its utmost to please you. So, if you live in an apartment and want a Lab as a companion, my advice is: Go for it! You won’t be disappointed.