Urban dog pet parenthood: tips on owning & walking your dog in the city

Dogs are adaptable, and most will live happy lives in cities without much issue. But urban areas do bring their own set of challenges, from traffic and loud noises to busy streets and litter. Walking your dog in the city, for example, is completely different to taking them for a stroll through some woodland. Here, you’ll find a practical toolkit on owning a dog in the city, from the best breeds to pick to city hazards you should avoid. Choose the right dog for city life Some breeds are better-suited to city life than others. A smaller, low-energy Whippet, for example, will have a better time on busy London streets than, say, a working dog like a Border Collie. Size isn’t everything, though - it’s more to do with a breed’s adaptability, temperament and, more importantly, a dog’s individual personality. Breeds that do well in cities Breeds that may struggle in cities Choosing the right breed for you is a personal choice, though. Just make sure to do your research first, checking that their exercise and mental stimulation needs can be met on a daily basis. The wrong breed choice could lead to a lot of stress and behavioural problems, so be sensible about your decisions. If you’re living in a small city flat, then our best breeds for apartments and flats can help. Can large dogs live in cities? Yes. Most dogs can live long, happy lives in cities, as long as they get all the things dogs need: enough exercise, mental stimulation, the right nutrition and lots of face-to-face time with their pet parent. Some bigger dogs may struggle in a smaller home, but otherwise, as long as you’re paying attention to your tailmate, then we’re sure they’ll be happy in the city. If you can, try to live somewhere near parks or urban forests if you’re getting a large breed. They’ll appreciate the space (and all the new smells). Walking safely in the city Urban areas have their own set of hazards, but don’t worry too much - a bit of planning and proactivity goes a long way. How do I walk my dog safely on busy streets? A lot depends on the dog. A nervous, anxious pet, for example, will see it as more of a challenge than one which is calmer or more extroverted. For very anxious pups, we recommend getting away from the busy street safely. Choose a less-crowded route instead of taking the faster walkway, for example. It is also worth working on any issues, such as noise phobias, to help them feel more comfortable with busy traffic. Sound desensitisation training can help with this. You should also: How do I stop my dog reacting to traffic and city noise? Here are some proven methods to stop your dog reacting in public the right way: What should I do if my dog is off-lead in a city park? Some dogs, even if they’re leash-trained, simply love being free. Who can blame them? Here are a few non-negotiables before letting your dog become the ruler of their local: Finding green space in the city Thankfully, most cities in Britain have ample green space. Here’s how to find them: How much exercise does a city dog need? There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer for this. It depends on your dog’s breed, health, personality and preferences. But it’s essential you don’t under-exercise just because green space is limited. There are more ways to exercise a dog than just walking. You can try sniffaris (hiding some nice-smelling treats around your garden or home), teaching them tricks and using puzzle toys in addition to their daily walks. Getting a licensed dog walker, organising your work schedule to come home at lunch and focusing on mental stimulation in the evenings can help keep your dog exercised and entertained. City-specific hazards to watch out for What should I do if my dog is hit by a car or injured on a walk? What to do immediately Remember: if a dog is hit by a car, legally the driver must report it. Are city pavements bad for dogs' paws? Generally, they’re fine, but you’ll need to keep your eye out, particularly in summer and winter: How do I socialise my dog in a city? Socialising your dog is a little more difficult in a city, mainly due to all the noise and stimulus that can happen during training. But on the flipside, a city can give them a lot more exposure to socialisation opportunities. Here’s how to do it: How do I manage my dog meeting other dogs on city walks? Practical city dog ownership tips Get the right kit for walking a city dog What to do when you’re at work We don’t recommend leaving a dog alone for more than four hours at a time. Common questions about city dog ownership Is it fair to have a dog in a city? Of course. Many dogs live long, happy lives in the city. While some breeds may struggle to adapt as fast as others, they can still thrive provided they are looked after. Can dogs be happy living in flats? Yes, but some bigger breeds and those who are high-energy, like Border Collies, may struggle. How do I exercise my dog when I live in a city? You can take them on daily walks to local parks, exercise them at home and focus on mental stimulation, like sniffaris. What do city dog owners do in bad weather? It’s fairly similar to what countryside dog owners do in bad weather! They choose to exercise indoors, exercise at different times or use mental stimulation instead. How do I keep my dog safe from traffic? You should use gradual exposure to traffic with a leash. Start in quiet areas and use positive reinforcement when your dog behaves safely. Make sure you’re standing on the outside of the pavement, and always use a leash. What are the rules for dogs in London parks? It varies by park and London Borough, but they’re typically for your dog to be on a leash in specific areas, to clean up your dog’s poop, exclusion from certain areas (like a children’s park) and, sometimes, a limit on the number of dogs you can bring. Can I take my dog on the London Underground? Yes, you can take your dog on the London Underground. All dogs travel for free, too.

Urban dog pet parenthood: tips on owning & walking your dog in the city

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