If you’re living in an apartment and dream of owning a Cavapoo puppy you might be wondering if Cavapoos make good apartment dogs? Cavapoos (also known as Cavoodles) are compassionate, loyal dogs that enjoy spending as much time with their owners as possible.
While Cavapoos have moderate energy levels and do need daily exercise, with the proper knowledge and resources a Cavapoo can most certainly be an apartment dog.
Read on to learn more about owning a Cavapoo while living in an apartment.
Cavapoo Personality and Size
The Cavapoo is an intelligent, playful, and devoted dog that enjoys love and attention. A mixed breed of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a Miniature or Toy Poodle, the Cavapoo makes a great family dog due to its affectionate nature.
Most Cavapoo height ranges from 9 to 14 inches. With male height ranging from 11 to 14 inches and female height ranging from 9 to 11 inches.
Typically, Cavapoos weigh around 8 to 17 pounds, but males can weigh up to 20 pounds.
Cavapoo height and weight vary and are dependent upon whether the Poodle parent was a Miniature or Toy Poodle.
A Cavapoo doesn’t require a large home or excess space to be comfortable. They are content to be wherever their family is. So they are well worth considering if you live in an apartment.
Cavapoo Exercise Needs and Energy Levels
Cavapoos are considered medium-energy level dogs, which means they do require daily exercise but still enjoy lounging around the home.
Typically, 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day is recommended for Cavapoos. But this can vary based on the dog.
There are a couple of ways to provide Cavapoos with the exercise they need when living in an apartment. You can take your Cavapoo out for long walks or let them run and play in nearby dog parks. You can also throw a ball or play tug-of-war indoors with your Cavapoo for some quick playtime!
Related: Do Cavapoos Like Swimming? | Can I Take My Cavapoo Hiking? Answered!
Apartment Regulations
Before adopting a Cavapoo, it’s important to understand your apartment’s rules and regulations around owning a dog.
Some apartment complexes do not allow pets at all. Adopting a dog may leave you at risk of a possible eviction notice.
If you want to buy or already have a Cavapoo, check the apartment lease before you sign it. If you already live in an apartment, review your lease and apartment regulations.
Fortunately, most apartments do allow pets. Most commercial apartment complexes allow a maximum of two pets, and some may have dog breed or weight restrictions.
The Cavapoo will almost certainly meet these restrictions. Because the Cavapoo typically weighs 20 pounds or less and is a non-aggressive mixed breed.
Despite this, be sure and confirm any weight or breed restrictions ahead of time.
Additionally, many apartment complexes that allow pets also require a pet deposit and monthly pet fee. Ask your property team about these fees and factor them into your Cavapoo budget when considering if you should live in an apartment with a Cavapoo.
Walking Schedule for Cavapoos in Apartments
When looking to own a Cavapoo while living in an apartment, you will need to develop a walking schedule and stay consistent.
The schedule and consistency will help your Cavapoo know when they can expect to go to the bathroom next.
Dogs respond well to routine, typically enjoy walks, and will appreciate the structure.
A recommended walking schedule to start with would be to take your Cavapoo out on a walk when you first wake up. Again around lunchtime. In the early evening (after work if your work schedule coincides with typical business hours), and once more before bed.
If you walk for ten minutes during each walk, your Cavapoo will already have received 40 minutes of exercise for the day. Just during bathroom walks!
If you are buying a Cavapoo puppy, or a Cavapoo that isn’t potty trained then you may need to increase the number of walks provided. Increasing the number of walks will help to avoid accidents. As well as increases opportunities to praise Cavapoos for going to the bathroom outside.
Some apartments have yards available. If this is the case then a walking schedule is not as crucial since the dog has access to a yard to go to the bathroom.
Cavapoos still enjoy the stimulation, exercise, and bonding time associated with walks. So even with a yard, it is generally recommended to take your Cavapoo out on walks, if possible.
Dog Park and Socialization of Your Cavapoo
Some apartment complexes offer communal dog parks. Anyone living in the complex can take their dog to the dog park. As long as they are socialized and non-aggressive.
If your apartment complex has a dog park, take advantage of it! Apartments with dog parks make owning a Cavapoo while living in an apartment even easier. Because they provide an additional way for your Cavapoo to exercise and socialize with other dogs.
So if available, make it routine to take your Cavapoo to the dog park. Where they can run around and play with other dogs. Cavapoos are social dogs and will enjoy being off-leash and playing.
Potty Pad Training for Cavapoos in Apartments
Some owners prefer to train smaller dogs (like the Cavapoo) with potty pads like these. That way their dog can use the bathroom without leaving the apartment.
This can be done either out on a balcony, patio or indoors in a specific area. Potty pads are simply laid down in the same spot. And your pup learns where to go. You can also use a portable dog potty like this one.
I have a similar grass mat potty for my dog. We keep it inside her night sleeping space. Now that she’s no longer a puppy, she doesn’t actually use it anymore but it gives me peace of mind to know she has a place to potty if she needs to.
As with all training, be consistent with your Cavapoo. And reward him when he goes to the bathroom on the potty pad or portable potty.
Training with potty pads or a potty inside the apartment allows a Cavapoo to use the restroom anytime. They are especially good if an owner is away for a longer period of time.
Keep in mind, training your Cavapoo to use potty pads or the potty does not replace the exercise that comes from daily outdoor walks. Your Cavapoo will still need some type of exercise, even if that means longer morning and evening walks.
Additionally, Cavapoos are very devoted to their owners and do not enjoy spending significant periods of time alone. So if there is a high probability your Cavapoo would be alone for frequent, significant amounts of time then this may not be the pet for you.
Home for Lunchbreaks
If you are away for long periods of time during the day but would still really like to own a Cavapoo, one option is to stop by your apartment during lunch to walk your Cavapoo.
This depends on how far your workplace is from your apartment. So be realistic on commute times when considering this option.
Related: Guide To Leaving A Cavapoo At Home For 1–8 Hours
Hire a Dog Walker
Hiring a dog walker is another option to ensure your Cavapoo receives exercise and a bathroom break while you’re away during the day. There are a variety of apps that connect you with local dog walkers. Many of whom have completed background checks and are experienced in taking care of dogs. Some of the more well-known apps include Rover and Wag.
This allows you to remain at the workplace while knowing your Cavapoo has received exercise and a bathroom break.
Typically, the dog walker sends over a daily photo and update. So you know your Cavapoo is in good hands while you’re away!
Doggy Daycare for Cavapoos Living in Apartments
Doggy daycare is another option to provide your Cavapoo with stimulation, exercise, and bathroom breaks while away from home.
This usually involves dropping off your Cavapoo before work and picking them up after work.
Doggy daycare is a great option when you must be away from home for long periods of time. They allow your Cavapoo to socialize, exercise and play instead of sitting at home alone.
Barking and Training Cavapoos in Apartments
When living in an apartment, it’s important to realize your Cavapoo can be exposed to more noise than when living in a house.
There may be neighbors to your right or left, above or below you, or across from you. There may also be more noise in general from nearby parking lots, balconies, and hallways.
Your Cavapoo will adjust to this noise but be patient and willing to train your Cavapoo on when to bark. Cavapoos can be prone to excessive barking if untrained (and especially if left alone). So start your training regimen as soon as possible.
This will help your Cavapoo remain calm when they hear neighbor noises. And help you avoid receiving noise complaints from neighbors!
Cavapoo Safety in Apartments
Taking safety precautions is important no matter what type of home you live in. But there are specific considerations to keep in mind for Cavapoos living in apartments.
If you have a patio or balcony, do not leave your Cavapoo unattended outside. The dog may see another animal (or any trigger), attempt to escape and injure themselves.
When walking your Cavapoo around the apartment building, be mindful of other dogs. Most dogs are friendly, but some dogs may not be socialized. You will want to avoid close contact with dogs that seem aggressive or unsocialized to protect yourself and your Cavapoo.
Conclusion
Cavapoos are loving, friendly dogs with a playful nature and gentle demeanor. They require a moderate amount of exercise, which can be met with multiple walks around the apartment complex each day. While they do not enjoy being left alone, enrolling a Cavapoo in doggy daycare or hiring a dog walker can help reduce time spent alone if you need to be away from your apartment for significant periods of time. With the proper care, Cavapoos can be excellent apartment dogs.
