Does the Puppy Apartment Work? Real Results for Apartment Dog Owners

Living in an apartment with a dog presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to potty training. I’ve spent countless hours researching solutions for this common problem, and the Potty Training Puppy Apartment (PTPA) frequently comes up as a potential answer. But does the puppy apartment actually work? Let’s dive into the real facts, reviews, and alternatives to help you make an informed decision.

What Exactly Is the Puppy Apartment?

The Puppy Apartment is basically a specialized crate divided into two sections – a “bedroom” area where your dog sleeps and a “bathroom” area with a potty pad The concept is built around dogs’ natural instinct not to soil where they sleep, creating a designated space for both sleeping and eliminating.

According to Modern Puppies (the company that makes it), the PTPA has successfully potty-trained over 100,000 dogs It’s marketed as an indoor doggie bathroom that continues to be useful even after training is complete.

The system includes

• A divided crate with separable sections
• Special PTPA potty pads
• An instructional DVD
• Optional accessories like playpens and bedding

How the Puppy Apartment Training Works

The PTPA training methodology follows these basic levels:

1. Level 1: Your puppy stays in the Puppy Apartment with all doors closed when unsupervised
2. Level 2: Puppy is confined to a small area with access to the open Puppy Apartment
3. Level 3: Puppy has free roam of the house and knows to return to the Puppy Apartment to eliminate

Users are instructed to reward their puppies with treats and praise whenever they use the bathroom section correctly. The company claims most puppies catch on quickly, often within days or weeks.

What Real Users Say About the Puppy Apartment

Positive Experiences

Looking at the reviews on the Modern Puppies website, there are plenty of success stories. For example:

• “She took to the Puppy Apartment right off the start. While we are at work we have all three doors closed. When we arrive home we leave her Bedroom door open and she uses the Bathroom at her leisure.” – Ken & Debbie about their Chihuahua Nina

• “Bella is now 14 weeks old. She loves her Puppy Apartment so much! It gives her privacy and she knows that it’s just for her. She is now in Level 2 of the potty training process.” – Brady and Stephanie about their Yorkie

• “Within a few days my puppy knew exactly what to do. It was the easiest house training experience I have ever had.” – Lauretta about her Shih Tzu

Many users specifically mention the benefit of not having to take small dogs outside during bad weather or in the middle of the night.

Critical Perspectives

However, when researching on independent forums like DogForums.com, some concerns emerge:

• Some users worry about encouraging indoor elimination long-term
• The price point is high compared to regular crates
• Questions about whether it’s just a fancy version of a typical crate with a potty pad
• Concerns about size appropriateness for larger dogs

As one forum user noted: “It’s just a crate with a divider and some pee pads. You could do the same thing with an x-pen and save yourself a lot of money.”

Is the Puppy Apartment Right for You?

The PTPA might be a good fit if:

• You live in a high-rise apartment with limited outdoor access
• You have a small-breed dog (most success stories involve dogs under 20 pounds)
• You work long hours and can’t let your dog out frequently
• You live somewhere with extreme weather conditions
• Your dog is too young to go outside (prior to complete vaccinations)

It might NOT be ideal if:

• You prefer outdoor potty training exclusively
• You have a large-breed dog
• You’re on a tight budget (the PTPA starts around $150-200 depending on size)
• You have space limitations in your apartment

Alternatives to the Puppy Apartment

If you’re hesitant about investing in the PTPA, the American Kennel Club suggests these alternatives for apartment potty training:

1. Indoor Dog Potties

There are many types available, including high-tech “litter boxes” and potties specifically designed for male dogs that lift their legs.

2. Regular Pee Pads

Standard pee pads are more affordable and can be placed near the door to eventually transition your dog to outdoor elimination.

3. Grass Patches on Balconies

Several companies make patch of sod or artificial turf for your dog to use on patios or terraces, which may feel more natural to your dog.

4. DIY Solutions

Some apartment dwellers create their own setup using:

• A regular crate with a divider
• An exercise pen with a sleeping area and potty area
• Gated kitchen areas with designated potty spots

Making Your Decision: Factors to Consider

When deciding if the PTPA is worth it for your situation, consider:

1. Dog Size and Breed

The Puppy Apartment seems most successful with small breeds like Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Shih Tzus, and other toy breeds. Larger dogs may outgrow even the XL size.

2. Your Long-term Potty Training Goals

Do you want your dog to eventually eliminate exclusively outdoors? Or are you comfortable with indoor potty options long-term?

3. Your Budget

The complete PTPA system with accessories can cost $200-300, whereas DIY solutions might be under $100.

4. Your Schedule

If you work long hours or have mobility issues that make frequent trips outside difficult, an indoor potty solution becomes more valuable.

Tips for Success With Any Indoor Potty Training Method

Whether you choose the PTPA or an alternative, these tips from AKC experts will help:

• Consistent supervision is key to catching accidents before they happen
• Watch for signs your puppy needs to go (sniffing, circling, suddenly running to a corner)
• Never punish for accidents – it teaches dogs to hide when eliminating
• Reward immediately after successful potty behavior
• Use a command like “go potty” to help create association
• Clean accidents thoroughly with enzymatic cleaners to remove scent markers

My Take: Is It Worth the Investment?

After reviewing dozens of testimonials and forum discussions, my conclusion is that the Puppy Apartment CAN work, particularly for specific situations. It seems most effective for:

1. Small to medium dogs
2. Apartment dwellers with limited outdoor access
3. Owners willing to follow the training method consistently
4. Situations where indoor potty options are necessary long-term

But I gotta be honest – you could probably create something similar for less money if you’re handy. The real value seems to be in the complete system and training method rather than the product itself.

For many owners, especially those with small breeds in apartments, the convenience factor alone might justify the cost. As one reviewer put it: “When I see other dog owners walking their dogs out on the street when it’s cold and rainy…I love it even more, believe me!”

The Bottom Line

The Puppy Apartment isn’t a miracle product, but it does provide a structured system that works with dogs’ natural instincts. Success depends largely on:

• Consistent application of the training method
• Your dog’s individual temperament
• Your living situation

If you decide to try it, the 30-day trial offer mentioned in some reviews might provide peace of mind. Alternatively, you could experiment with a DIY version first to see if the concept works for your dog before investing in the official product.

Have you tried the Puppy Apartment or a similar setup? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!

The 10-10-10 rule for puppy potty training involves taking your puppy to their designated potty spot for 10 minutes, in a 10-foot area of the yard, while supervising them for 10 minutes. If the puppy eliminates, you offer praise and a treat.

To stop a puppy from peeing inside, establish a consistent schedule for frequent potty breaks, supervised by you and followed by positive reinforcement (treats and praise) when they eliminate outside. When caught in an accident, interrupt the puppy with a sound, immediately take them outside to finish, and clean the spot thoroughly with an enzymatic cleaner.