Can Finnish Lapphunds Live in Apartments? 🏙️🐾

It might surprise people to learn that many Finnish Lapphunds live happily with their families in apartments across Australia. With their adaptable and affectionate nature, they can absolutely thrive in apartment living, but it does take more effort and careful planning from their owners, especially during the puppy months.

Let’s walk through what apartment life with a Lappie really looks like, and what you’ll need to consider to help your furry friend live their happiest, healthiest life.

Setting Up the Puppy Pen

Puppies are curious little creatures, and for the first year of their life, chewing is completely normal behaviour. In a house with a yard, you can pop them outside for a bit when you can’t supervise. But in an apartment, you’ll need to create a safe space indoors.

A heavy duty metal puppy pen with vertical slats (so they can’t climb out) is a must. Expect to invest around $200 for a sturdy one that will last through puppyhood. Be careful to not place in direct sunlight and focus on making the area enriching by rotating toys daily, using puzzle feeders or Kongs, and leaving the radio on for some gentle background noise.

Tip: The Canine Enrichment Facebook Group is a fantastic resource for ideas.

Toilet Training Without a Yard

Young puppies can’t hold on for long, so you’ll need a plan for toilet breaks.

Options include:

• A fake grass tray, cleaned daily

• A grass subscription service, where fresh turf is delivered to your door (yes, really, it’s a thing in Sydney)

We find use of the paper puppy pads to not be so successful, often owners will find they simply get chewed.

Once your puppy is older, they can hold for longer, but patience and consistency in the early stages are key.

Managing Apartment Temperatures

Lappies are double coated, which helps them stay comfortable in both cold and warm conditions, but indoor temperature still matters.

Consider:

• How hot does your apartment get during summer days

• Are you comfortable running the air conditioning while you’re out

• What’s your plan for power outages or unexpectedly hot days

A cool, shaded, well ventilated space is essential for their wellbeing.

Daily Exercise and Walks

Living in an apartment means you’ll rely entirely on walks and outings for your Lappie’s exercise. Aim for two walks a day, morning and evening, even if they are short walks.

If you use a dog walker, interview carefully. Find out how many dogs they walk at once, and ensure the dogs are well matched in temperament. A single bad experience at a young age can lead to long term reactivity issues.

And here’s a big one: don’t let your puppy greet other dogs on leash. It might seem harmless, but it often leads to frustration and barking as they grow older. From day one, teach calm walking and focus on you instead of other dogs.

Dog Parks: Proceed With Caution

Dog parks can look like puppy paradise, but they’re often overwhelming for young dogs. Lappies in particular can easily be misunderstood by other breeds due to their upright ears, plumed tails, and fluffy coats. These traits can make other dogs think your Lappie is being dominant, even when they’re just saying hello.

Follow this advice before heading to a dog park:

• Wait until your dog is emotionally mature (around 18 months)

• Ensure they have a solid recall and are bonded to you

• Go only during quiet times or meet with a few known, friendly dogs

Otherwise, stick to on lead walks, obedience training, and games like nosework or fetch in secure areas.

Remember, Lappies should never be trusted off leash in unfenced areas. Their adventurous spirit means recall training only goes so far.

Dog Day Care: The Good, the Bad and the Bouncy

Some daycare centres are brilliant, others can cause more harm than good.

Before signing up, visit in person and ask:

• How big are the play groups

• Are the dogs supervised at all times

• Can dogs take breaks or rest away from the group

Lappies play with gusto, often tackling, body slamming and playing bitey face games. It’s harmless fun between Lappies, but can be too much for smaller or more sensitive breeds. A negative experience at daycare can have lifelong behavioural consequences, so choose carefully.

Mental Stimulation Matters

Apartment living means less natural stimulation from exploring a yard, so you’ll need to provide daily brain work.

Try:

• Two or three short training sessions a day (even two minutes counts)

• Nosework or treat finding games

• Trick training or online obedience classes

A mentally tired dog is a happy, quiet dog.

Barking: What to Expect

Even the quietest Lappie pup will bark. It’s part of who they are. Puppies bark to get attention, when they’re bored, or when something exciting happens.

During the early months, you’ll need patience and tolerant neighbours. Avoid reinforcing barking by giving attention. Ignore it where possible, and reward calm behaviour instead. Barking usually eases with age, training, and sufficient enrichment.

Choosing the Right Gender for Apartment Life

Through years of experience and supporting hundreds of owners, I’ve noticed a clear pattern. Females generally adapt more easily to apartment life, especially in city environments.

Males are slower to mature (up to two years), stronger physically, and more likely to attract unwanted attention from other dogs because of their proud posture and mane. There are exceptions, but often our recommendation will be to select a female puppy for apartment living.

The Honest Truth

Raising a Lappie puppy in an apartment is possible, but it does require dedication, time, and patience. You’ll be doing more walks, more training, and more creative enrichment than a typical dog owner.

Those who commit to it, though, often find it incredibly rewarding. With consistency and care, your Lappie can absolutely thrive, even in a high rise setting.

If you’re considering adding a Lappie to your apartment life and want to chat through whether it’s the right fit, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our goal is always to match each puppy with the home and lifestyle that will give them the very best life possible. 🌿🐾