City life isn’t just for humans – with the right care, our dogs can love it too. Here’s how to make urban living a walk in the park for your pup.

With more couples swapping strollers for paw prints, dogs are fast becoming the much-loved “fur children” of inner-city homes. But, from bustling cafés to busy train platforms, city life can be a sensory overload for our dogs.

According to accredited dog behaviourist, expert force-free trainer and bestselling author, Sarah Rutten, the good news is that with the right training and lifestyle choices, dogs don’t just cope – they flourish.

“You can absolutely give a dog a wonderful life in the city. You just have to go about it differently than if you lived in the suburbs.”

Sarah Rutten, Dog Behaviourist

Lessons from Europe

Sarah explains that urban living can be enriching if introduced early and uses one of the world’s most famous European cities as a prime example of this.

”Take places like Paris, for example, where dogs are taken everywhere from a young age. They’re desensitised to busy environments because it’s part of their normal world from day one. And that healthy association with city life is something you can build if you start early, introducing it gradually and in a way that keeps the puppy feeling safe and confident.”

Sarah Rutten, Dog Behaviourist

Meeting their needs differently

Sarah explains that city dogs still have the same exercise, stimulation and social needs as their suburban or country cousins, it’s just about finding new ways to meet them.

“The key is being proactive. A dog in an apartment might not have a big yard to run around in, but they can still enjoy a rich, active life with regular outings and enrichment. Multiple daily walks, regular access to dog parks and frequent opportunities for play and exploration are non-negotiables for any dog, no matter where they live.”

Sarah Rutten, Dog Behaviourist

The upside of urban pups

Interestingly, Sarah has noticed that many city dogs are often better socialised and toilet-trained than some of their rural counterparts.

“City dog owners tend to be very aware of their dog’s needs, and they make the effort to meet them. Urban living naturally encourages more frequent walks for toileting needs and varied social interactions, and these structured routines can work in the dog’s favour.”

Sarah Rutten, Dog Behaviourist

Top 5 tips for happy city dogs

Practical advice for raising confident, well-adjusted pups in the city includes:

• Start young – Gradually and safely expose puppies to a variety of city sights, sounds, and smells early on to build confidence. Keep in mind, it’s important not to overwhelm them off the bat, so start slow.
• Make outings part of daily life – Incorporate multiple short walks, cafe visits, and trips to the park into your dog’s routine.
• Seek variety – Mix up walking routes and environments to keep things stimulating and prevent boredom.
• Prioritise off-leash time – Regular access to safe spaces where dogs can run and play freely is essential for physical and mental health.
• Train for real life – Use force-free, reward-based methods to teach calm behaviours in highly stimulating environments, like on public transport.

Are you raising a dog in the city? We’d love to hear your experience in the comments below!