Labradoodles and Apartments.

[Apartment Dwelling Doodles]

Hey, everyone. My fiance and I are purchasing a labradoodle in the near future, but are curious with how well they do in apartments. We are set on a standard size labradoodle and know that isn't the best size for apartment living. Our apartment is 1,300ish square feet while the nearest dog park is five minutes away. Is that enough? Of course we'll be getting our doodle plenty of toys to play with, but we wouldn't want her or him to not have enough room and start destroying things because of it.

[Adina P]

Your pup (and grown adult dog) will be fine.  (My house is not any bigger and we have two standard doodles).  
Dogs don't care about square footage.  Unless your home is so crowded there's no path/space for your dog to fit in to get from place to place, 1300 sq feet is really not too small.  Plus I imagine you'll be taking your dog outside for exercise, walks, etc.  As long as dogs get enough exercise, it's hard to find a home that's too small...again unless physically the dog can't fit and you're walking on top of each other.  After all you probably don't want your dog running laps in your house ;-)

[Adina P]

P.S. dogs start destroying things for a few reason (that are not house size related):

-- Boredom
-- They happen to be dogs that are soothed by chewing and tearing
-- No appropriate chewing materials for them TO chew on
-- Stuff isn't put away and is right there where it can be destroyed
-- Left alone unconfined before they are mature enough to do better
-- Separation anxiety

[charlotte bednarsh]

Hi,

I live in Lower Manhattan in a 600 square ft studio and have an 80 lb labradoodle named Paz who is perfectly happy and well adjusted; he's also a registered therapy dog who accompanies me to work twice per week.  It's really not about the space, as much as ensuring your doodle has adequate exercise and socialization, which is not a problem in NYC where there are plenty of dog parks and places to walk.  Also, when your puppy is young make sure they are crated as well as restricted to safe areas in the apartment when you are out.  I also suggest getting a really good trainer when the puppy is young because the guidance of a good trainer will help pave the way to having a dog that behaves well in elevators as well as other apartment situations.  I'm not sure where you live but I have an incredible trainer who is really great with understanding the needs of dogs living in apartments and their owners.