When I moved out of my childhood home and headed for my first, grownup apartment, one of the things on my must-have list was that any future apartment I would call my own would be pet friendly. In particular, I wanted my future apartment to be dog friendly.
The reason? I was leaving home with a dog whom I loved (and still love) like she is my human child. There was no way I was going to move anywhere and not take her with me. So I vowed that whatever apartment I ended up in would welcome my furbaby with open arms.
What I wasn’t considering was whether my dog would welcome an apartment with open paws. After years of working with dogs of all breeds, sizes, and personality types, I look back on that time and think about how I had it all backwards. Or maybe I just had it a little bit zig-zaggy.
If I could go back and tell my young(er) self one thing about moving from a home to an apartment with a dog, it would be to consider the dog first.
Because consider this: what would have happened if I found my dog-friendly dream apartment and my dog wasn’t apartment friendly? What if I jumped in head first trying to shove my dog into a human-shaped hole, expecting her to adapt to small spaces, less daily exercise, and strange noises all around us, when it wasn’t actually in her nature to do so?
I got lucky. It just so happens that my dog, a six pound Maltese Poodle mix, is the perfect apartment companion. She’s easy going, quiet, doesn’t require lots of exercise, and can be trained to go potty on a puppy pad.
She transitioned (somewhat) easily to apartment life, but there are some dogs that can’t, and it would be unfair of us to expect them to unless we were really willing and able to commit to making sure they get everything they need to stay happy and healthy while living in a confined space.
The good news is that our furry companions come in all sizes and energy levels, so you don’t have to be sans-dog just because you live in a studio.
Look, I get that nothing makes a house feel like a home better than a dog. And if you’re ready to make that apartment feel like your sanctuary by adding a furry little friend to the family, then I want to help.
That’s why we are going to talk about the best dogs for apartment living. Of course, if you don’t see your dream dog on this list that doesn’t mean your dream dog won’t do well in an apartment. There are plenty of dogs who do well in apartments with the proper exercise and mental stimulation.
With that being said, before we dive into our list of 15 of our favorite apartment dogs, let’s talk about some of the most important traits you should look for in an apartment-friendly dog.
Keep reading.
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What Traits Should You Look For In An Apartment-Friendly Dog?
Most apartment friendly dogs are dogs who adapt well to smaller spaces.
The list below deals with purebred dogs, but we know that many dogs are mixed breeds and mutts. We also know that you, like me, may already have a dog and are looking to move into an apartment and are just hoping your dog and that apartment will mesh.
So, how do you know if your dog is an apartment friendly dog? Better yet, how do you know what traits to look for in your dog or future dog for apartment living?
Here are a few things to keep in mind when considering bringing a dog into an apartment.
- Apartments are smaller than most homes
- Most apartments don’t have backyards
- Apartments may have strange, unpredictable noises from neighbors and traffic
- Some apartments don’t have elevators and only have stairs
- Many dog-friendly apartments will have lots of dogs coming and going with owners
- Most apartments are rentals, which means any doggy damage could be on you
All dogs are great, but not all dogs do well in small spaces. Dogs like Huskies, for example, would make for pretty terrible apartment dogs to owners who don’t have super flexible schedules or who are unable to get them out and about several times a day for exercise and mental stimulation.
In fact, many working breeds like Huskies require plenty of exercise and outdoor time. This is why these types of dogs need yard space to run and play and plenty of walks throughout the day to keep them exercised and healthy. This is also why these dogs may not be best suited for apartment living.
It’s also important to keep in mind that many dogs suffer from noise phobia. Make sure your dog is well-socialized or counter conditioned to different sounds throughout the day and night.
Although my dog is small and is perfect for apartment living, she does have some noise phobias. Moving from a quiet home in the suburbs to a small apartment in the city was tough for her. It took her a good year and lots of training to adapt to the unpredictable sounds of apartment life.
Something else you should consider is the age and size of your dog. A larger, senior dog living on an upper floor apartment without an elevator could make life difficult for both you and your pooch.
Last but not least, remember that most dog-friendly apartments will have a number of dogs coming and going at different times of the day.
If you have a dog that isn’t well socialized or doesn’t do well with other dogs, then coming and going with him could be stressful.
With that being said, some of the best traits for an apartment friendly-dog will be:
- A dog who only requires moderate amounts of exercise
- A dog who has been well socailzied
- Small or medium sized dogs who fit well in smaller spaces
- Dogs who get along well with other household pets and people
- Dogs who are adaptable, eager to pelase, and easy to train
Before bringing a dog into your apartment, you should also consider your lifestyle. Are you able to:
- Provide your dog with the adequate amount of exercise he needs?
- Offer your dog the proper training and socialization he needs to live in a small, noisy space?
- Willing and able to spend the money it may take to cover doggy damages in a rental?
If you answered yes to these questions, then you’re probably in the market for an apartment dog.
But what are the best dogs for apartment living? We are about to find out!
1. The Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise is small, hypoallergenic, and perfect for apartment living.
Weight: 12 – 18 Pounds
Hypoallergenic: Yes
Temperament: Inquisitive, outgoing, fun-loving, spunky
Lifespan: 14 – 15 Years
Common Health Issues: Allergies, patellar luxation, hyperadrenocorticism, cataracts,hip dysplasia, Legg-Perthes, and liver disease.
Pros: Bichon Frise dogs are happy, outgoing, and intelligent little dogs who get along with both children and other household pets. They are sweet and family-oriented, and need only moderate exercise.
Cons: The Bichon Frise can be high maintenance when it comes to grooming requirements and can be somewhat of a challenge to potty train. Bichon Frise dogs may also suffer from separation anxiety.
Let’s Learn More About the Bichon Frise!
The Bichon Frise was made famous in France, getting their start as pampered and loyal lap dogs to nobles. Later, they used their adorable expressions and personalities to perform as circus dogs and street performers.
Tiny lap dogs at heart, the Bichon Frise is known for both his charm and his beauty, but is beloved most for his loyal, friendly, and funny nature.
The Bichon Frise makes an excellent apartment dog as he is very family oriented and enjoys being with his people. He will love nothing more than to snooze beside you when you are home and will be calm and content in tight spaces so long as his family is near.
But while the Bichon Frise is eager to please and easy to train in most ways, he can be tough to potty train.
He would do best with families who are home often or have flexible schedules and who can offer him a brisk walk and plenty of play time each and every day.
2. The Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is perhaps one of the most famous of apartment dogs, beloved for his teensie size.
Weight: 6 pounds or under
Hypoallergenic: No
Temperament: Spunky, spirited, human-like, loving
Lifespan: 14 – 16 Years
Common Health Issues: Hypoglycemia, tracheal collapse, dental issues, and luxating patella.
Pros: Chihuahuas require very little exercise and are loyal, easy-going companions so long as they are the apple of their human’s eye. They are intelligent, scrappy, and cuddly.
Cons: Chihuahuas can be prone to snapping and do best in homes where they are the only dog. They will also do best with older children or in homes with no children at all. Chihuahuas can also be difficult to housebreak due to their very small size.
Let’s Learn More About the Chihuahua!
Chihuahua dogs come in two different types. As well as short and long haired Chihuahuas, we also have the unofficial Deerhead Chihuahua, who’s large ears and endearing face makes him look like a young doe, and the officially recognized Applehead Chihuahua, who’s large forehead and buggy eyes give his cranium somewhat of an apple shape.
Should any of this matter to you, dear apartment dweller? Well, not unless you plan on showing your Chihuahua. Official breed clubs only accept the Appleheaded Chihuahua for show.
Still, regardless of their head shape, the Chihuahua makes for an ideal apartment companion due to his super small size, loyal nature, and cuddly persona. However, the Chihuahua will need to be well socialized at an early age and supervised around other pets and children.
A potential owner should keep in mind that the Chihuahua can be prone to injury due to his small size and may also be difficult to potty train.
3. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is both adorable and the perfect apartment companion.
Weight: 12 – 18 pounds
Hypoallergenic: No
Temperament: Sweet, Adoring, Playful
Lifespan: 12 – 15 Years
Common Health Issues: Canine Hip Dysplasia, entropion, deafness, epilepsy, weakened immune system, patellar luxation, syringomyelia, and ear infections.
Pros: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is an affectionate dog who is eager to please and loves his family. He is easy to train and quiet.
Cons: The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel may bring with him expensive health issues, especially if he is not gotten from a reputable breeder.
Let’s Learn More About the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel!
Cavalier King Charles dogs are intelligent, sweet, and eager to please. They love their families and make wonderful apartment dogs because they are both small and sturdy.
This is a wonderful and adaptable companion to apartments with children as they are playful while gentle and will love following little ones around.
Of course, any potential owner should supervise their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and any small dog really around younger children to ensure the play is safe for all.
We should note that the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a heavy shedder and isn’t best suited for those who suffer from allergies.
4. The Dachshund
The Dachshund makes for a great apartment companion due to his small size
Weight: 12 – 16 Pounds
Hypoallergenic: No
Temperament: Inquisitive, Playful, Loyal, Affectionate
Lifespan: 12 – 16 Years
Common Health Issues: Patella luxation, hip dysplasia, obesity, eye issues, intervertebral disc disease.
Pros: Dachshunds are social little dogs who get along well with families of all ages. They also enjoy playing with other household pets and are perfect for apartment living due to their small size. They also require only moderate exercise.
Cons: Dachshund dogs can be prone to excessive barking, especially if they are anxious or under-exercised. And while they do get along with children they should be supervised with younger children as they can be prone to nipping if handled too roughly. The Dachshund is also hardheaded and can be difficult to train.
Let’s Learn More About the Dachshund!
Coming in long haired, short haired, and wire-haired, the diverse Dachshund is famous for his “weenie dog” appearance and fun-loving personality.
However, due to his long torso and short legs, the Dachshund can be prone to suffering from spinal and back issues. In spite of that, this is a small and active little dog who does well in small spaces so long as he is properly exercised and played with.
The Dachshund is so playful, in fact, that many experts suggest having another furry family member in the home with him so he has someone to run around with and play with when you aren’t home.
And while the Dachshund does get along well in families, he does best with older children who will handle him gently.
We should also note that this is an intelligent and spirited little breed who can be stubborn and hardheaded at times. He should be trained using positive reinforcement methods like treats and praise to get the best results.
5. The Shih Tzu
The adorable, affectionate Shih Tzu makes for the perfect apartment companion.
Weight: 9 – 16 Pounds
Hypoallergenic: Yes
Temperament: Affectionate, Gentle, Sweet, Playful
Lifespan: 10 – 18 Years
Common Health Issues: Hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, ear infections, eye issues, collapsing trachea, patellar luxation, intervertebral disk disease, allergies, and hypothyroidism.
Pros: Shih Tzus are low maintenance dogs all the way around when it comes to exercise and training. They love nothing more than to cuddle and are known to be quiet, gentle, and sweet little lap dogs.
Cons: Shih Tzu dogs may have a bit of a jealous streak when it comes to other household pets, especially if those other pets are getting more attention than they are. Furthermore, they are prone to developing serious health issues as they age, meaning senior Shih Tzus may require extensive care.
Let’s Learn More About the Shih Tzu!
The Shih Tzu may be the perfect apartment companion to families with no children or older children. These little pooches require very moderate exercise and their favorite things to do during the day include sleeping and snuggling.
With that being said, Shih Tzu dogs do have a playful streak and will still need a quick walk once a day and lots of playtime and attention from their owners.
They do well with older children and other household pets so long as they have been well socialized at an early age. Otherwise, Shih Tzus may be jealous and demand all your attention.
6. The English Bulldog
The English Bulldog is a surprise Apartment dog favorite!
Weight: 40 – 50 Pounds
Hypoallergenic: No
Temperament: Calm, lazy, loving, friendly
Lifespan: 8 – 10 Years
Common Health Issues: Brachycephalic syndrome and other respiratory issues, heatstroke, skin allergies, fold dermatitis, eczema, acne, arthritis, cancers, degenerative spine disease, cherry eye, hip dysplasia, joint and ligament injuries, idiopathic head tremors, digestive issues, and heart disease.
Pros: English Bulldogs are courageous, loving, and super calm, making them excellent apartment companions.
Cons: English Bulldogs suffer from a number of serious and expensive health issues and suffer from a high cancer rate and a chronic breathing disorder known as brachycephalic syndrome.
Let’s Learn More About the English Bulldog!
To the surprise of many dog enthusiasts, the English Bulldog is an ideal compartment companion! This medium sized breed is all things calm, relaxed, and courageous.
He won’t be startled by loud noises and isn’t keen on over-excitement. He is a loving, adoring companion pet who will enjoy laying around on something soft and snuggly while watching you from afar.
Unfortunately, the Bulldog suffers from a number of serious health issues and is pretty high-maintenance when it comes to care. He can suffer from serious skin allergies and needs a unique diet, skin care, and exercise routine to help keep him as healthy as possible.
7. The Toy Poodle
The Toy Poodle’s size and intelligence make him a wonderful apartment dog!
Weight: 4 – 6 Pounds
Hypoallergenic: Yes
Temperament: Intelligent, athletic, friendly, confident, entertaining
Lifespan: 10 – 18 years
Common Health Issues: Epilepsy, addison’s disease, hip dysplasia, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, and Luxating Patella
Pros: The Toy Poodle is small, agile, intelligent, and family friendly. He is eager to please, easy to train, and perfectly adaptable for a small living space!
Cons: The Toy Poodle may be small but he is athletic and will require a moderate amount of exercise every day. He may also be high maintenance when it comes to grooming if a prospective owner lets his hair grow long. His small size makes also him more prone to injury.
Let’s Learn More About the Toy Poodle!
Hailing from Germany and beloved by the French, the Toy Poodle is the tiny clone of his Standard Poodle counterpart.
All things that you love about the Standard Poodle has been miniaturized, from size, to spirit, to spunk. This little pooch is an ideal apartment mate due to his tiny size, intelligent nature, and ability to learn quickly.
Toy Poodles are both cute and clever and will enjoy learning new tricks. They are eager to please but can be prone to mischievous and destructive behaviors if not properly exercised, socialized, trained, and kept mentally stimulated.
For brainy dogs like Poodles, many experts agree that doggy puzzle toys and mental exercises will help keep your dog healthy and happy and your apartment clean.
We should also note that, due to the Toy Poodle’s very small size, he can be prone to injury if handled or played with too roughly. Like all very small dogs, he should be supervised during play around small children and other household pets.
8. The French Bulldog
The Frenchie is famous for his unique look and personality.
Weight: 28 pounds and under
Hypoallergenic: No
Temperament: Funny, entertaining, curious, playful
Lifespan: 10 – 12 years
Common Health Issues: Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, skin fold dermatitis, spinal issues, allergies, heat stroke, eye disorders and disease, joint disease, and heart issues.
Pros: The French Bulldog is a fun-loving, funny companion who does well in small spaces and is adaptable to different living situations. He gets along with children and other household pets.
Cons: French Bulldogs may be stubborn and difficult to train. They should be trained using positive reinforcement methods like training treats and praise. Frenchies are also prone to a number of serious and expensive health issues, so a potential owner should prepare and do plenty of research before committing to this dog breed.
Let’s Learn More About the French Bulldog!
French Bulldogs are popular apartment companions and it’s easy to see why. They are both unique looking and have unique personalities that make them attractive to many different families. Best of all, they are small in size and require only moderate amounts of exercise, making them great companion dogs for apartment dwellers.
And while Frenchies do get along well with children and other household pets, their “bullish” personalities mean they will need plenty of training and socializing at an early age and should be trained using positive reinforcement methods.
A potential French Bulldog owner should also be prepared for a dog who may suffer from a number of serious and expensive health issues.
9.The Miniature Pinscher
Miniature Pinschers are small, sweet, and wonderful apartment pets.
Weight: 8 – 10 Pounds
Hypoallergenic: No
Temperament: Courageous, Playful, Proud, Outgoing
Lifespan: 12 – 16 Years
Common Health Issues: Legg-Perthes Disease, hypothyroidism, patellar luxation, Mucopolysaccharidoses, heart defects, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy.
Pros: MinPins are intelligent dogs who are loyal to their families and are eager to please and quick to learn. They are playful and cuddly and enjoy a good snuggle session.
Cons: Miniature Pinschers may be stubborn and have known to be tiny escape artists. They are not best suited for small children and are impatient and can be prone to excessive barking and destructive behaviors if left bored or under-exercised.
Let’s Learn More About the Miniature Pinscher!
Hailing from Germany, the Miniature Pinscher, or MinPin, as fans call him, is in fact not a miniature Doberman Pinscher and instead believed to be a mix between the Dachshund, the German Pinscher, and the Greyhound.
This small, intelligent dog is a wonderful apartment companion for those who have active lifestyles, but we should note that the Miniature Pinscher should certainly get microchipped and be kept with ID tags on at all times as he is known to be a tiny Houdini.
The MinPin may also be prone to destructive behaviors if left to his own devices, so prospective owners who live in apartments should ensure they properly train and exercise their Miniature Pinscher.
Miniature Pinschers should also be properly mentally stimulated throughout the day with puzzle toys, playtime, and mental exercise games to help keep him happy and healthy.
10. The Pembroke Welsch Corgi
Corgis are a favorite of Queen Elizabeth ll
Weight: 28 – 30 Pounds
Hypoallergenic: Yes
Temperament: Loving, intelligent, outgoing, friendly
Lifespan: 12 – 13 Years
Common Health Issues: Hip dysplasia, Von Willebrand Disease, eye issues, obesity, Cutaneous asthenia, degenerative myelopathy, intervertebral disc disease, and epilepsy.
Pros: They are intelligent, outgoing, and athletic. They love to learn and enjoy their families.
Cons: Pembroke Welsh Corgis require lots of training, exercise, and mental stimulation. They can be prone to destructive behaviors if not properly trained and exercised and are very heavy shedders.
Let’s Learn More About the Pemborke Welsh Corgi!
The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is a popular dog not just with us regular peasants, but also with the Queen! That’s right, Queen Elizabeth ll has a special place in her heart for the Corgi dog and has owned several through the years.
Perhaps it’s due to the Corgi’s incredible intelligence, eagerness to please, adorable nature, or ability to learn, but it’s easy to see why this dog is such a beloved breed amongst royalty.
However, they are super smart which can be both a pro and a con. Highly intelligent dogs and dogs who are working breeds at heart require a little extra TLC.
Corgi’s will need lots of mental stimulation, daily exercise, and plenty of playtime and training throughout his lifetime.
Still, he does make a good apartment dog for those who have flexible working schedules and are able to offer him the proper exercise and training he needs.
11. The Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies are both beautiful and brainy.
Weight: 7 – 8 Pounds
Hypoallergenic: Yes
Temperament: Spritely, Adoring, Outgoing, Scrappy
Lifespan: 11 – 15 Years
Common Health Issues: Tracheal collapse, Hypoglycemia, portosystemic shunt, luxating patella, Oral issues, Eye disorders, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.
Pros: The tiny Yorkshire Terrier has a big personality that fits well with bold, outgoing owners. He loves his people and is a spirited, intelligent, and funny companion.
Cons: Yorkshire Terriers are very small and can be prone to injury easily. They are best suited for homes with older, more respectful children.
Let’s Learn More About the Yorkshire Terrier!
The Yorkshire Terrier, often called the Yorkie, is a wonderful companion for apartment dwelling families due to his small size and outgoing personality.
He has a big dog personality and can sometimes be difficult to train due to a stubborn disposition. However, with positive reinforcement, treats, and praise, he should be quick to learn and will enjoy showing off new tricks.
Yorkshire Terriers should be supervised around other dogs and younger children since he can be easily prone to injury due to his petite size.
12. The Maltese
The sweet Maltese is a born companion dog.
Weight: 7 Pounds
Hypoallergenic: Yes
Temperament: Sweet, Loving, Family-Oriented, Clever
Lifespan: 12-15 Years
Common Health Issues: Obesity, heart problems, joint issues, metabolic disorders, digestive disorders, back issues.
Pros: The Maltese knows no stranger. They love families of all ages and get along well with children and other household pets.
Cons: Because the Maltese is a born and bred companion dog, he can become very attached to his people and has been known to suffer from serious separation anxiety.
Let’s Learn More About the Maltese!
The sweet and loving Maltese is everything you would want in an apartment-friendly dog. He is small, compact, adoring, calm, and hypoallergenic.
However, this adorable little white dog can suffer from some serious separation anxiety and should be trained and properly socialized at an early age.
13. The Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is a medium sized, ancient breed from Japan.
Weight: 17 – 23 Pounds
Hypoallergenic: No
Temperament: Athletic, happy, spirited, loyal, intelligent
Lifespan: 13 – 16 Years
Common Health Issues: Patellar luxation, canine hip dysplasia, eye issues, and allergies.
Pros: These dogs are highly loyal and emotionally intelligent. They are also very healthy and suffer from only a few genetic health issues.
Cons: The Shiba Inu can be quite stubborn and learn bad habits that are difficult to break. They are vocal dogs who do not always get along well with other canines.
Let’s Learn More About the Shiba Inu!
There is a reason that the Shiba Inu is currently considered the most popular dog in Japan! This ancient, intelligent dog is described as almost human-like in his ability to intuitively know what his people need.
He is loyal and loving, although he is not as affectionate as many of his other canine counterparts. He will also do best in single dog households as he don’t always get along well with other dogs.
The Shiba Inu should be trained and socialized at an early age and potential owners should note that this is a vocal breed who can be prone to “screaming” as opposed to barking or growling.
On the flip side, when trained consistently and exercised properly, the Shiba Inu makes a wonderful, adaptable companion and does well in apartments.
14. The Pug
The Pug life is one that is ideal for an apartment.
Weight: 14 – 18 Pounds
Hypoallergenic: No
Temperament: Mischievous, affectionate, funny, charming
Lifespan: 13 – 15 Years
Common Health Issues: Pug Dog Encephalitis, canine hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, elongated palate, stenotic nares, Legg-Perthes disease, brachycephalic airway syndrome, stenotic nares, Legg-Perthes disease, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, entropion, hemivertebra, dental issues, allergies, and obesity.
Pros: Pugs are charming, sweet, and endearing companions who do well in small spaces and enjoy cuddle time with their families. They get along well with children and other pets and are happy as can be in both homes and apartments.
Cons: Pugs suffer from a number of serious and expensive health issues.
Let’s Learn More About the Pug!
The Pug is a family favorite all across the US and it’s easy to see why. This pint-sized pup is both funny and fun. He loves children and adults and other household pets. He is an ideal companion dog who is eager to please and easy to train.
He loves to play and is patient when well trained and socialized. He does very well in apartments and is in fact adaptable to a number of living situations.
15. The Pomeranian
Pomeranians are famous for their beauty, but they are also great little apartment dogs!
Weight: 3 – 7 Pounds
Hypoallergenic: No
Temperament: Curious, Spunky, Brave, Adoring
Lifespan: 12 – 16 Years
Common Health Issues: Tracheal collapse, dental issues, hypoglycemia, luxating patella, eye issues, and hypothyroidism.
Pros: Pomeranian dogs are intelligent, entertaining, and loving to boot. They are adaptable to apartment living and make for wonderful companions to families with older children.
Cons: Pomeranians are prone to being vocal and known to do a lot of barking. Their independent nature means they can be a challenge to train.
Let’s Learn More About the Pomeranian!
Pomeranians are loving and social while also being independant. These adorable dogs enjoy their alone time so they are great for apartment dwellers with somewhat active schedules.
Of course, they will still need plenty of commitment, time, attention, and love. With that being said, they will enjoy having their own space in your apartment where they can retreat when they are ready for a break with all their favorite things.
And while Poms are independent in nature, they will enjoy pleasing their people and should be trained using positive reinforcement methods as opposed to harsh training or punishment, which will make them shut down.
Pomeranians require moderate exercise and can be high-maintenance in grooming, so a prospective owner should prepare for that.
Is A Dog Right For Me And My Lifestyle?
Are you ready to commit to a dog?
A dog may seem like the icing on the cake to your fantasy apartment-living lifestyle, but it’s important to know that all dogs require a good amount of commitment regardless of their size, personality, or activity level.
Experts recommend you do plenty of research on the dog you are thinking about getting and make sure to consider your lifestyle and whether or not you are emotionally and financially prepared to care for a dog before bringing one into your home.
Are you ready to bring a dog into your apartment? We hope so. As we said above, there is nothing that makes a house a home like the presence of a dog.
Madison Guthrie (also known as Sonny Mackenzi) is a pet care specialist and positive-reinforcement trainer who works most closely with anxious and reactive dogs. Born and raised in Littleton, Colorado, Madison developed a love for animals at an early age and spent most of her childhood outdoors rescuing stray pets and helping to rehabilitate injured wildlife. Along with animals, Madison also developed a love for writing and music. Over the past five years, she has worked to use her passions to help the pets and pet parents in her community build stronger bonds and live happier, healthier lives together. Currently, Madison lives in South Pasadena, California where she owns and operates Miss Madison LLC, a marketing company that focuses on helping privately owned veterinary establishments and pet care companies grow and thrive. She also works as a dog trainer at My Dog Spot, which is an award-winning pet care and training establishment in Pasadena, California.