First time dog owners questions

Hi everyone! My partner and I are thinking about adopting a dog. We each have had our own family dog but never one of our own. We live in a big city in a third-floor apartment with no elevator. I’m curious how others have navigated similar situations. If you’ve gotten a puppy for the first time, especially in an apartment or a city setting, what was that experience like for you? I know one of the biggest adjustments for us will be the daily routine. How often were you taking your puppy out during the early stages, and how did you manage that without an elevator? How did your puppy handle potty training in that type of setup, and did the city environment (noises, traffic, crowds) affect their behavior or confidence?

Also, curious what was the most rewarding part of those early days for you And what was unexpectedly difficult? If you went through this with a partner, I’d love to hear how you navigated it together. How did you split responsibilities like nighttime potty breaks, training sessions, or handling those extra challenging moments? Did it bring you closer or test your patience a bit?

Any tips, relatable stories, or "wish I had known this sooner" advice would be super appreciated. Thank you!