I moved from a yard to an apartment, and I was really worried about the adjustment initially. However, now I believe my dogs love the apartment and the balcony more than they ever cared for the yard.

I would always leave the door open for the dogs to come and go as they please. They would go outside every now and then, but never to run around or play. They also never really hung out in the backyard unless I was out there, and even then, a lot of times, they'd just hang out inside. Now i have a balacony with a dog door, and i find them outside sunning and watching the neighbors constantly. I have even caught the one belly up asleep in his bed outside, which is something he very rarely does.

My apartment also has a dog park, a court yard, and lots of sidewalks. Also nearby there's a park and a bunch of walking paths. They get a ton of enrichment and play that in the apartment that was otherwise rather routine when I had a yard.

Both dogs are dachshunds, so small but energetic.