Dogs and apartments have not always meshed well. However, modern apartment complexes have begun to implement amenities as the number of dog-owning tenants has increased. Goldendoodles consistently dwell at the top of the list of breeds that align well with apartments.
When asked, “Are goldendoodles good apartment dogs?” a few quick answers come to mind: They’re quiet, don’t shed much, and are lovable enough to share small spaces with their owners.
However, preparation is key to living in an apartment with a goldendoodle, especially for first-time dog owners. If you plan properly, you and your doodle can be pretty comfortable in an apartment.
What Is a Goldendoodle?
A goldendoodle is a poodle and golden retriever crossbreed. Doodles are often used for service and therapy purposes because they’re very intelligent dogs. They’re also often categorized as hypoallergenic dogs because of their coats.
This breed adapts to new situations easily and catches on to new routines quickly. These attributes make them excellent apartment dogs.
Goldendoodles come in three sizes: miniature, medium and standard. Miniature and medium are ideal sizes for apartment dogs because they don’t require as much dedicated space as a standard-sized goldendoodle.
Are Goldendoodles Good Apartment Dogs?
A goldendoodle is an optimal apartment dog, especially if you’ve chosen an adult dog over a puppy. Goldendoodles bark only when they feel threatened, which is a plus for apartment dwellers who have neighbors on all sides. Because goldendoodles bark more rarely than other dog breeds, they’re better apartment dogs.
Check Your Lease for Info About Your Apartment’s Pet Policy
Some apartments only allow certain dog breeds, and while goldendoodles aren’t usually found on the unacceptable list, it’s best to double-check before bringing your new puppy home.
Your lease should outline the rules of owning a dog and how they’re expected to interact around the building or complex. If your lease doesn’t contain any language about pets, don’t make any assumptions.
Request Your Apartment’s Pet Policy in Writing
Call or email your property manager and ask them directly about the pet rules of your apartment complex. If this information isn’t provided in writing, consider requesting an addendum to your lease to protect you and your doodle.
Being proactive will avoid any misunderstanding that might result in conflicts with your property manager once you’ve brought your goldendoodle home.
Choose the Right Goldendoodle Size
Of the three goldendoodle sizes, mini goldendoodle puppies are the most ideal for apartment living. Mini goldendoodles simply don’t require as much space as their standard counterparts and may adjust easier to their crates, which is essential in smaller apartment spaces.
Mini goldendoodles measure 17 inches or less, whereas medium-sized goldendoodles measure between 17 and 21 inches. A miniature Goldendoodle typically weighs no more than 35 pounds, while the medium goldendoodle weighs no more than 50 pounds in most cases.
Because standard goldendoodles can measure more than 21 inches and weigh 51 pounds or more, they may not be quite as comfortable in an apartment as mini goldendoodles.
Find Space for a Doodle Den
No matter the layout of your apartment space, your goldendoodle needs a place to call its own. A doodle den should have your pup’s crate, bedding and toys. The doodle den is likely to be its safe space, which means it should be all its own.
Comfort is vital to your doodle, so create a cozy doodle den with soft blankets, plush pillows and anything else you think might help your doodle feel more at home.
For new goldendoodle pups, the doodle den is best situated where you spend much of your time, such as in your bedroom or living room. This allows your doodle to spend as much time as possible by your side while still carving out its own spot in your apartment.
Scout the Surrounding Neighborhood for Dog-Friendly Amenities
One of the defining aspects of having a goldendoodle companion is its seemingly endless energy. It enjoys its playtime and is constantly hankering for more time in an outdoor space.
Before bringing your doodle home to your apartment, scout dog-friendly amenities around your neighborhood. Check for a nearby dog park where your doodle can socialize with other dogs.
Goldendoodles typically require at least three long walks a day, but you’ll have one happy doodle on your hands if you can get it outside even more.
Find a Vet Who Specializes in Goldendoodle Care
Before you decide on a doodle, find a vet specializing in care for this dog breed. During your consultation, let the vet know you live in an apartment and ask for any advice or guidance they may have to offer.
The more information your vet has about your doodle and its living environment, the more informed their decisions can be about care for your pup.
Are Goldendoodles High-Maintenance?
In the most fundamental ways, goldendoodles are actually low-maintenance dogs. They’re mild-mannered, they’re always willing to give up cuddles and they’ll adapt to any environment as long as you’re by their side.
Goldendoodles require daily brushing to keep their coats in good condition and regular grooming by a professional specializing in caring for this dog breed. If you schedule visits with a professional groomer, your doodle’s non-shedding coat and skin will be that much healthier.
Hire an Effective Goldendoodle Trainer
Training is recommended for doodles living in apartment complexes. A good dog trainer will help you get your doodle accustomed to the rules required for living in an apartment and minimize the number of accidents your doodle might experience when you bring it home. They may also be able to help with crate training.
It may be helpful to work with a dog trainer on potty training for your doodle puppy, as apartment buildings tend to be strict about any damage done to the property by your dog.
Can Goldendoodles Be Left Alone All Day?
One of the challenges of having a goldendoodle in an apartment is that it may not relish being alone all day if you spend long hours away from home. This is especially true if your pup has acute separation anxiety.
However, living in an apartment may become an issue if your doodle chooses to vocalize its separation anxiety through excessive barking, angering your neighbors and causing noise complaints.
Opt for Doodle Daycare
Consider finding daycare for your goldendoodle if you live in an apartment. This is a win-win because you don’t have to worry about a lonely apartment dog, and it’ll get plenty of socialization and interaction with other people and dogs.
Daycare also provides your dog with the mental stimulation it needs each day. It’s as imperative to exercise your doodle’s mind as to work out its body.
Your Doodle Will Enjoy Interacting With Other Apartment Dogs
The fact that they’re high-energy dogs where other pets are concerned is another reason goldendoodles do well in apartment settings. The semi-communal living environment means you’re likely to encounter other dogs when coming or going.
A goldendoodle will enjoy these interactions and be extremely friendly towards your neighbor’s pets, whereas other dog breeds may not.
Home is Where You and Your Doodle Make It
In determining “Are goldendoodles good apartment dogs?” it comes down to this: With the right amount of preparation and care, your goldendoodle will be happy wherever you are.
The concept that home is where you make it certainly applies here. You and your goldendoodle can be perfectly happy in an apartment, especially if you plan ahead.
Any changes you need to make in your apartment to accommodate your doodle will be well worth it for the love and companionship you’ll receive from your doodle in return.
