Are Suburbs the Hardest Place for Dogs to Thrive?

Lessons from NYC: How Environment Shapes a Dog’s Behavior

Are Suburbs the Hardest Place for Dogs to Thrive?

I’ve been mulling over a theory for years: Dogs in the suburbs struggle more than those in cities or rural areas.

I see fewer cases of extreme fear and reactivity in dogs living in big cities or the countryside compared to suburban dogs. And after a recent trip to New York City, this theory solidified even more.

In early January, I had this really cool opportunity to fly a puppy from his breeder in Dallas to his new owner in NYC. Since I’d never been, I made a weekend out of it!

The first thing I did Saturday morning was take a walk through Central Park. On weekends, it’s a legal off-leash area, and I saw all kinds of dogs—big, small, mixed breeds, purebreds, doodles, and bird dogs. Some were on-leash, some were off-leash, but they were all in motion. Unlike typical suburban dog parks—where people stand around while dogs awkwardly figure things out—these dogs were moving, engaging, and just…thriving.

Later, as I walked through the city, I saw even more leashed dogs navigating the chaos of NYC— every street had honking horns, crowds, busy sidewalks, maybe some construction or other oddities. Most dogs were not in a perfect heel, but almost all of them seemed calm, present, and more or less engaged with their owners.

These dogs don’t have backyards!

Every time they go outside, it’s with a purpose: to go for a walk, go to the bathroom, or exercise. There’s no option to just be let out into the yard unsupervised to entertain themselves. Instead, they’re constantly exposed to the world—other dogs, people, cars, movement—making city life their norm.

Of course, suburban life has its benefits—having a backyard is a luxury that makes potty breaks easier. But if all a dog knows is a house and a yard, even a big one, it can start to feel likeliving in a fishbowl. Dogs still need to get out and do things—with their person. Maybe that’s just a walk around the block, or maybe it’s a hike nearby, but that shared experience is important.

I often find myself reminding my clients: “Exercise in the backyard doesn’t count.”

Dogs need to leave the house, experience the world, and build confidence in different environments. I know this can be tough if a dog pulls on the leash, is reactive, or doesn’t come when called (and that’s where training comes in 😉). But when I look at the dogs I work with, the ones who struggle most with boredom, frustration, and behavior issues tend to be suburban dogs with limited exposure to the outside world.

Anyway, I just wanted to share that little story. Getting to see dogs thrive in NYC was absolutely fascinating.

If you’ve traveled somewhere and noticed how dogs behave differently in a new environment, I’d love to hear about it! Tag me, The Composed Canine, and share your story. 😊

Are Suburbs the Hardest Place for Dogs to Thrive?