Big dogs in small apartments – 6 must-haves
As a mom to a 75lb Rhodesian Ridgeback mix, I constantly hear about how big my dog is. To me, he is simply “Cooper”, a part of my family, and he will move in with me regardless of where I land. Then we moved from a city that required a 45-minute commute to get the job done (hello, carbon emissions) to a fancy new apartment in an exciting suburban city, Birmingham, MI.
This meant that our large space became a small (yet beautiful) space. With this move, Cooper’s backyard was shunned for a new lifestyle. I’ve compiled six things you must do to keep our big dogs happy and healthy even in the smallest of dwellings!
- Make the little walks with your dog count. Receiving the mail is an opportunity to stretch. In fact, take the long way. Think of it the same way you could park in the back and get the extra steps.
- Give your dog (or her) his own space. Even your little bed is a place to call your own. She will make you feel more at home.
- Choose an apartment complex with a patio. City life doesn’t often offer a backyard or a park across the street. Even if he did, he wouldn’t be as inclined to visit as he would be if he were literally outside his door. I chose an apartment complex with an almost completely enclosed yard, allowing Cooper room to run around and fetch a ball. (Fortunately, Cooper’s memory was trained. Never let a loose dog run without this critical skill.)
- Sew an apartment on the first floor. The mornings are early. Do not fool yourself. Keep slippers by the door and eliminate falls down the stairs before breakfast.
- Play throw. Toss games don’t require a lot of space and can wear your big dog down without freezing you (or getting sunburned if you’re not here up north).
- Keep chewables around. Although there is some controversy surrounding rawhides, be sure to keep chew toys around for those fidgeting moments. You will avoid losing your favorite shoes and keep your dog-human relationship happy.