Golden Retrievers are large, energetic dogs, so it is natural to wonder if they can be happy in apartments.
Golden Retrievers do very well in apartments, as long as they get plenty of daily exercise outdoors. These dogs are sociable and friendly, and very easy to train. They make courteous and well-behaved apartment dogs. Separation anxiety can be an issue if the dog spends long hours alone at home. Then your pet can vocalize and even become destructive at home.
It is important to choose the right apartment for you and the dog, too.
What Makes Golden Retrievers Great For Apartment Living
Goldens Are Easy To Train
One of the reasons these dogs are so popular is that they respond very well to training. Golden Retrievers are among the five breeds that have the highest working intelligence, according to the famous canine psychologist Stanley Coren.
Your dog will learn the rules of behavior of living near neighbors. So, if there is a problem with barking, for example, training is usually very effective in addressing the issue. Potty training is not usually challenging with this breed, which becomes important if there is not a yard available a few steps away.
Golden Retrievers Get Along With Other Dogs And Strangers
You might have to take an elevator or walk several flights of stairs with your dog. That means the pup will encounter other pets and your neighbors daily.
Luckily, Golden Retrievers are a very friendly breed. It is one of the reasons, among a few others, that Goldens are a very popular breed. As long as the dog has had appropriate socialization while growing up, there is usually no issue with behavior around strangers. Goldens also have a good reputation as a breed, so strangers are not usually afraid of these dogs.
POTENTIAL CHALLENGES WITH GOLDENS IN APARTMENTS
Separation Anxiety
Golden Retrievers are very sociable and owner-oriented pets. They like company and interaction, which makes these pups prone to separation anxiety and boredom, in general.
Dogs of all breeds can show a variety of behaviors if they develop separation anxiety. Some of the common behaviors include barking, howling, pacing, scratching the door or furniture, and even inappropriate soiling in dogs that are generally potty trained.
Depending on the particular behavior, solutions might be different:
- Focused training to address the behavior is usually helpful, as well as finding things to do to keep the dog entertained.
- When it comes to keeping the dog occupied, a dog walker’s visit is great, if it is an option.
- Goldens love chew toys and puzzles for smart dogs, too. They love variety, so it is good to rotate toys – remove them for a few weeks and then give them back, to prevent habituation.
- Unless part of the issue includes barking at passers-by, dogs love to watch the outdoors from your balcony or a window, so that could be a way to keep your pet entertained.
If The Dog Has Mobility Issues:
This is not specific to Goldens but as the dog ages, problems with mobility and pain, due to arthritis, for instance, are common.
If the building you live in has an elevator, then this is not much of an issue. Having to come up and down several flights of stairs three times a day, however, can be difficult for a dog that has bad joints or other problems with his or her health.
APARTMENT FEATURES TO CONSIDER
Dog Walking Area
Not all properties that technically allow dogs are particularly dog-friendly. Here, in Seattle, dogs are regarded with reverence, so amenities for canines are becoming essential features for many apartment complexes. Many apartments incorporate a dog walking area of their own.
Goldens do need physical exercise, and they need more than just a few brief potty breaks outside. However, it is nice to have a dog-walking area available nearby for the times when you are not able to take your pet to a park, for example.
Deck Or Patio
A feature that is important for most dogs is either a balcony or a patio.
A balcony is a great option because dogs love to spend their leisure time with a view and fresh air. A patio is lovely and practical: it could help an aging large dog get outside quickly and easily as needed.
Stairs Or Elevator
If your dog is old, has issues with joints or other health concerns, or if you intend to live in the apartment long enough for your pup to mature, it is good to have an elevator or live on the ground or second floor.
Floor Type
Carpets are not ideal for most pets, because accidents happen and shedding is a part of life, and that is true for Golden Retrievers. So, carpet might be fine, more or less, but hardwood or linoleum are preferred.
To Conclude
As a breed, Goldens do well in apartments and compact spaces in general. Yes, it is nice to have ample room and a yard but that is not essential. It is much more important for your dog to have your attention and an opportunity to go on walks and hikes and to have some toys to play with and chew at home.
