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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.
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Choose the right dog for city life
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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
Bichon Frisés: Sturdy and playful, this dog makes a great companion and has lower exercise needs than some other breeds.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: Mainly due to their compact size, adaptability and calmness.
Greyhounds: A calm temperament and quieter nature make Greyhounds easygoing in cities.
Papillons: Known as the ‘butterfly dog’, these dainty pups can make great city pets.
Shih Tzus: These feel at home in the city thanks to their “velcro” nature, small size and affectionate personality.
Breeds that may struggle in cities
Border Collies: Typically not a good fit for cities due to their high-energy, strong need for consistent mental stimulation, their high sensitivity to noise and their love of open spaces.
Dalmatians: Seen as a poor fit for city living, especially apartments and flats, due to their very high energy levels, need for consistent face-to-face time and high exercise needs.
Huskies: Don’t adapt to city living as well as other breeds due to their high energy and working nature, as well as their dislike of limited space and noise.
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
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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:
Keep your dog on a short lead when on pavements. This is outlined in Rule 56 of the Highway Code, which states you must keep your dog on a short lead when walking on a pavement, road, or on a path shared with cyclists.
Walk with your dog on the inside and you on the outside. This will prevent them stepping out onto the road.
Teach basic commands like “heel” and “stay”, which will help you and your dog prepare for anything expected.
Try not to use retractable leads on busy streets as they have less control if things get a bit stressful.
The RSPCA has good advice on dog walking, and our guide on how to lead train your puppy can help if you’re a new pet parent.
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:
Gradual exposure training to traffic with a leash. Start in quiet areas, positively reinforce when they’re calm and build up over time.
Don’t “throw them in the deep end” - it just increases anxiety. Steady, stable increases in exposure are best.
Don’t shower your dog with praise or treats when they’re anxious. For example, as pet parents, we sometimes want to calm our dogs down or distract them. But if they’re anxious, this can end up positively reinforcing the “wrong” behaviour instead.
Back your training up with sound desensitisation at home. You can use audio that features traffic sounds, gradually increasing the volume over time.
See a behaviourist if you’re struggling to stop reactive behaviour on your own.
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:
Check local Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) rules: PSPO will state if a park allows dogs to be off-lead. Some parks require dogs to be on a leash the whole time or in certain areas.
Make sure your dog is trained: We highly recommend making sure your dog knows basic recall and is comfortable with being off the lead in urban spaces. Don’t walk them off-leash if they’re not ready
Stay aware: Be very aware of other dogs, cyclists, joggers and people walking.
Finding green space in the city
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Thankfully, most cities in Britain have ample green space. Here’s how to find them:
Use apps like Sniffspot or DogWalkingUK to find off-lead areas
Most UK cities have designated dog exercise areas, which you can find on your council’s website.
Search for big parks, as most big cities have them. Places like Hyde Park, Victoria Park, Bute Park and Cannon Hill Park aren’t just tourist destinations; they’re great places to exercise your pet.
Keep an eye on seasonal restrictions, like nesting birds, livestock or shorter hours in the winter.
If you fancy heading out of the city, you can read our best hikes for dog walkers in the UK here.
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
| Hazard | Risk level | Why (and where) it's a risk | How to avoid or manage it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot asphalt | High (Summer) | Concrete retains heat longer than grass. | The "7-second rule". |
| Antifreeze | Fatal | Common in city gutters/driveways in winter. | Immediate vet visit; it tastes sweet to dogs. |
| Noise pollution | Moderate | Sirens, construction, and heavy buses. | Desensitisation training with audio loops at home. |
| Street litter | Moderate | Chicken bones, gum (Xylitol), and masks. | Master the "Leave it" command. |
What should I do if my dog is hit by a car or injured on a walk?
What to do immediately
Move yourself and your dog out of traffic, but this needs to be handled carefully if you suspect they have a back or neck injury. If this is the case, check with a vet how best to move them. You may need a large blanket or a stretcher.
Try to keep your dog warm and still.
Call your vet as soon as you can. If they’re not available, call an emergency vet.
Do not give them food or water.
Handle injured dogs with care, as they can understandably become aggressive.
If safe to do so, apply gentle pressure to any wounds using a clean cloth and check their breathing and gums. Pale gums, for example, can mean they’re in shock.
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:
Harmful debris: Cities can have more chemicals, debris and glass which can hurt our pet’s paws.
Summer and winter hazards: The seasons bring unique challenges. In summer, watch out for hot pavements (if you can’t put your hand on it for seven seconds - known as the 7-second rule - it’s too hot) and winter carries grit and road salt.
Stay proactive and look for hazards on walks, and keep on top of grooming. Things like paw balm and boots for your dog can help, and keep your dog indoors if it’s too hot or too cold.
How do I socialise my dog in a city?
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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:
Controlled desensitisation: Desensitise them to other dogs and experiences slowly; don’t throw them in the deep end.
Positive reinforcement training: Positively reinforce your dog’s “good” behaviour with praise or treats. Never use negative reinforcement.
Practice greetings: Practice face-to-face time with other dogs and people. Dog parks in cities are good for this. Use the three-second rule, where greetings are capped at three seconds - this usually prevents things escalating.
Use proper training: Our socialisation training guide can help with this.
How do I manage my dog meeting other dogs on city walks?
Ask before allowing dogs to greet each other; not every dog is dog-friendly.
Keep greetings brief and controlled on busy streets.
Don't force greetings; watch for stress signals in your dog.
Practical city dog ownership tips
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Get the right kit for walking a city dog
Short, fixed-length lead (not retractable) for busy areas.
Harness or collar with ID tag (legally required in the UK)
Poo bags, always.
Collapsible water bowl for longer walks.
Reflective lead or light for evening walks.
What to do when you’re at work
Find a dog walker: Finding a reliable dog walker can mean your dog gets their much-needed exercise while you’re away.
Consider dog daycare: For some dogs, a daycare is a suitable choice, particularly if they like other dogs.
Use a camera: Installing an at-home camera can mean you can keep an eye on things.
Change up your work schedule: Change up your schedule so you can work from home or head back during your lunch hour to see your dog.
We don’t recommend leaving a dog alone for more than four hours at a time.
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Common questions about city dog ownership
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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.
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