I live in a 900 SF apartment in NYC. When I told my friends and family that I wanted a Siberian Husky, they called me crazy. They said it would never work because I don’t have a big backyard for the dog to run around in. I remember searching for tips on how to keep big active dogs happy in an apartment and even reaching out to people on social media who have Siberian Huskies living in city apartments. I’ve learned apartment living with a Siberian Husky is not impossible. It’s a huge challenge and requires a lot of commitment.
You must ask yourself if you’re prepared to commit to the city living apartment life with your Siberian Husky. Are you able to spend much of your time with this active breed? Are you willing to adjust your entire lifestyle to suit the needs of a Siberian Husky? Deep down for most people, I bet the answer is no. That’s why you see so many Huskies in shelters. For those who are willing to truly commit, they’ll be rewarded with an amazing companion.
Here are 7 tips for apartment living with a Siberian Husky based on my experience:
1. Make sure your apartment allows the Siberian Husky breed
Did you know that some apartments do not allow specific breeds? We learned that some landlords have Siberian Huskies listed as an aggressive breed. (Why, I have no idea. With proper training and their needs met, they are the sweetest dogs.)
2. Provide physical exercise
A 10-minute walk for potty breaks won’t cut it for such an active breed. We take 45-minute to 1-hour walks and jogs in the morning and evening. We go on multiple mini walks through out the day. Don’t just take your dog to an empty dog park and let them roam around. Exercise together!
3. Provide mental stimulation
4. Make cleaning a daily routine
Siberian Husky shedding is no joke. They shed 365 days of the year! If I don’t brush Gatsby daily to remove any loose hair, it’s all over my apartment. You’ll be breathing and eating Husky hair. Then you also have flea and tick season. Cleaning every day will prevent a flea infestation in your apartment. If you want to know how to keep your home clean with pets, you can read about that here.
If you’re going to live in an apartment, you’ll need a powerful vacuum! Watch our YouTube video for the Best Vacuum and Grooming Kit for Husky Hair.
5. Don’t try to teach your Siberian Husky how to howl if they don’t
I’ve seen so many people in Facebook groups saying it’s cute and funny to teach their husky how to howl. It won’t be funny when your landlord evicts you for excessive noise complaints.
6. Make every effort to house train your Siberian Husky puppy early
Since you won’t have a backyard to relieve your puppy when they need to go, take your puppy out for potty breaks on the hour, every hour. I live on the 11th floor and had to do this all day when I brought Gatsby home for the first few months.
If you need help on potty training, read about how to potty train a husky puppy.
7. Get a dog sitter or consider doggy daycare.
To me, it’s not cool leaving a large active dog home alone in a small apartment if you’re away for 8-10 hours a day. That’s animal neglect! Spend the money to keep your dog occupied with daily interaction and mental stimulation. It’s the only responsible thing to do.
Are you someone moving to NYC with a big dog? If so, I have a post here that lists out what you need to know so that you’re well prepared to make that transition!
If you want a successful life with a husky, you’ll have to shape its world to be as well-suited to its instincts as possible.
Blair Braverman
Other articles you may be like:
Best Food for Siberian Huskies
How to keep your home clean with pets
Living in NYC with a Big Dog: What You Need To Know
