6 Must-Do’s for a Big Dog in a Small Place

Posted by Shauna | Filed under Apartments Birmingham MI, UrbaneApts, pets

As the mom of a 75 lb Rhodesian Ridgeback mix, I’m constantly hearing about how big my dog is. To me, he’s just “Cooper,” a part of my family, and will be moving with me regardless of where I land.

Bored Cooper

Bored Cooper

Then we moved from a town requiring a 45-minute commute to get work done–hello carbon emissions–to a swanky new apartment in an exciting suburban city, the Urbane Apartments in Birmingham, Michigan. This meant our big space became a small (albeit gorgeous) space. With this move, Cooper’s backyard was nixed for a bit of a new lifestyle. I’ve compiled six must-do’s for keeping our big dogs happy and healthy even in the smallest abodes!

  1. Make the small walks count. Getting the mail is an opportunity to stretch. In fact, take the long route. Think of it the same way you might a store–park in the back and get the extra steps in.
  2. Give him (or her) his own space. Even his small bed is a place to call his own. It’ll make him feel more at home.
  3. Chose an apartment complex with a courtyard. City life doesn’t often offer a backyard or park across the street. Even if it did, you wouldn’t be as inclined to visit as you would if it were literally outside of your door. I chose an apartment complex with an almost completely enclosed courtyard, which allows Cooper running space to fetch a ball. (Thankfully Cooper’s recall trained. Never let an unleashed dog run without this critical skill.)
    4. Cooper playing tug

    Cooper playing tug

  4. Chose a first floor apartment. Early mornings are early. Don’t fool yourself. Keep slippers by the door and eliminate falling down stairs before breakfast.
  5. Play tug. Tug games don’t require much space and can wear your big dog out without giving you frostbite (or sunburn if you’re not here in the North).
  6. Keep chewies around. Though there’s some controversy regarding rawhides, makes sure to keep the chewable toys around for restless moments. You’ll avoid losing your favorite shoes and keep your dog-human relationship happier.

What tips can you offer to dog owners in small spaces? What makes your mutt happiest?

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Permalink | December 8th, 2009

2 Responses to “6 Must-Do’s for a Big Dog in a Small Place”

  1. Ashley Says:
    December 13th, 2009 at 5:47 pm

    Dogs don’t like frostbite. Put the angry picture of Cooper up.

  2. Jeremiah Staes Says:
    January 9th, 2010 at 1:12 pm

    Great tips - my blackmouth cur needs a lot of exercise too, and if at all possible, she gets daily walks. A little less so in the biting cold, but it’s important.

    Instead of rawhides, I give my dogter buffalo knuckles - they’re actual bone and it cleans their teeth. But I feed her a raw diet in general.

    I’ve not had to brush her teeth - and the vet thinks I do every day! One a week, I usually let her start on it frozen then halfway through (since she’s only 40 pounds) re-freeze and bring it as a whole new treat a couple days later! Get the stress out, and no matter how crazy things are around her, if she has that knuckle, she’s oblivious to the world.

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