Golden retrievers are some of the best dogs you can find. They’re caring, loyal, cuddly, and full of energy. While these are all great traits to look for in a dog, you might be wondering if golden retrievers are good apartment dogs. The good news is that yes, golden retrievers are good apartment dogs.
However, there are some things you need to consider to ensure that you and your furry companion can make the most out of your time. Read on to learn everything you need to know about having a golden retriever in your apartment.
Things to Consider When Having a Golden Retriever in an Apartment
Golden retrievers have many traits that make them more challenging than some other dogs to live within an apartment. That said, golden retrievers are still good apartment dogs as long as you consider their temperament and how to deal with it.
Below we list some facts about golden retrievers to be aware of before moving into an apartment with one:
- Weight: They’re heavy dogs and can knock things over if you’re not careful
- Temperament: Golden retrievers are lovable and affectionate, so you shouldn’t have any issues there
- Coat: Golden retrievers need to be groomed often to prevent shedding – once a month if possible
- Height: Golden retrievers can be more than 20 inches tall, so keep this in mind when leaving items around the apartment.
- Bark: Golden retrievers aren’t necessarily dogs that bark at everything but they can be vocal.
Keep some of these factors in mind before reading about our tips for living with a golden retriever in an apartment.
5 Tips to Get Your Apartment Ready for a Golden Retriever
Golden retrievers aren’t great apartment dogs by default. So, you’ll have to provide them with enough space, exercise, and even a certain degree of training. Learn about some of our top tips to make a golden retriever a good apartment dog below.
1. Walk, Walk, Walk!
Golden retrievers are some of the most energetic dogs you can find. They love to play, walk, run, and socialize with other dogs.
While you can live with a golden retriever in an apartment, you’ll need to walk them often. So, if you live in a smaller space it’s important to walk them often. In fact, some trainers even suggest walking them more than once per day. If possible, walk them at least twice per day for 30 minutes.
2. Train Your Golden Retriever
Training is essential if you want your golden retriever to be happy in your apartment. Make sure you focus on training techniques that keep their barking to a minimum, this way their barking doesn’t annoy your neighbors.
You’ll also want to train your golden to avoid damaging the walls or any items that come with the apartment. We recommend obedience training and leash training for the best results.
3. Optimize Your Space
Golden retrievers are big dogs. They can be as heavy as 60-80 pounds depending on how much they eat and exercise. When you combine this with their high energy levels, having too much clutter will end in disaster.
Therefore, make sure you remove clutter and give your golden retriever as much space as possible. Keep couches against the wall and hang televisions on the wall when possible to reduce the amount of furniture you have.
4. Establish a Routine
A routine will help your golden retriever remain calm when you’re not home or prevent them from getting rowdy when it’s time for a walk. Have specific times when you feed and walk with your golden retriever. Additionally, stick to a consistent routine of leaving and coming home when possible.
5. Consider an ESA Letter
Not all apartments are pet-friendly. That said, laws like the Fair Housing Act (FHA) state that landlords can’t discriminate against someone based on disability. This means that you can have an emotional support animal live in your apartment if it treats your disability. You’ll need a doctor’s note and an ESA letter to make this happen.
Thankfully, getting an ESA letter is a breeze. Online ESA letter providers like US Service Animals make getting an ESA letter simple. Start by filling out some information about you and your golden retriever and then schedule a call with a licensed mental health professional to get started.
Following these tips can help you get a golden retriever in an apartment, keep your golden retriever safe, and make the experience better for both of you.
Get Your Golden Retriever Apartment Ready Today!
Golden retrievers are full of love, energy, and even a little bit of curiosity. While you may think an apartment is too small to contain a happy golden retriever, that’s not the case at all. As long as you take your golden retriever on walks, bring them to dog parks, and play with them, you shouldn’t have any problems.
That said, always make sure you have enough space. Golden retrievers can get big, so maybe shy away from smaller studios.
