Do you have a large breed of dog and you live in a small living space such as an apartment? Are you wondering how to make it work so both you and your big dog are happy? Well this article is for you! Here are some great tips:

Exercise your big dog.

Proper exercise is essential to having a happy, and healthy big doggo in a small space, whether it be a studio apartment or a small house. In short a tired dog is a good dog, and a well adjusted one at that. Veterinarians are in agreement that most large dog breeds are happy to live in any square footage as long as you satisfy their exercise needs.

How much exercise is enough for your big dog? It varies per dog, and as your dog's keeper and closest personal companion, you're the best person to know exactly how much that is. Some doggos require a daily heart pumping hour of vigorous activity, while others are content with a leisurely stroll through the park and a chew toy waiting at home. Many large breeds tend to be inactive during their adult years. Most adult dogs sleep about 12-14 hours a day.

Taking your dog outside to do his doo isn't exactly a heart pumping activity. True cardiovascular exercise means going for a run, taking a long walk, or maybe a fun session of fetch. A wide open space for some off leash run and fun is also great exercise, perhaps at the dog park. If your dog must remain on leash consider getting them a 20-30 foot lead that allows them the freedom to romp around. If you're unable to meet these needs consider hiring a dog walker or a running service that can exercise your doggo for you. Another option is doggy daycare, where your dog can get in some scheduled vigorous playtime.

Keep your big dog occupied indoors.

Exercise isn't limited to the great outdoors. Encourage your dog to play indoor games such as hide and seek or some scent and nose work games. If you must leave your dog at home alone, supply toys that will keep them busy for extended stretches of time. Rawhide chews, extra durable rubble toys, noise making or moving toys, or treat dispensing toys are great options. Avoid toys or treats that can be quickly consumed, ripped up or destroyed easily.

Create a routine and stick to it.

Dogs are creatures of habit. Set up a schedule that includes outside time, feeding, exercise, and playtime. Keep the same schedule every day. Soon your dog will catch on. Once they understand the routine, your dog will be far less likely to leave messes on the floor. If work keeps you away most of the day, come home midday to take your dog outside for a potty break. If you're unable to do so, have someone come by and do it. Nine or more hours is too long to ask your doggo to hold it.

Make sure your big dog has their own space.

Your dog's crate can fit the bill. If you cover it with a blanket or quilt their crate will feel like a den and feel more secure. You can put your dog's bed in the corner and place a box of their toys near it and make that corner your dog's personal space. Or if you're willing, designate a chair or the end of the sofa in your apartment or home as your dog's space. Use a furniture cover or dog blanket to protect it. Allowing your doggo on the furniture will help them to feel less confined.

Have a plan in regards to housebreaking.

You will need to consider your options if getting from doorstep to outdoors takes time ( or down a flight of stairs, which can be problematic for dogs with a fear of stairs.) Housebreaking is a process that depends on consistency and quick action. Think about a housebreaking routine when bringing a dog into your apartment, even if you're adopting an adult dog.

Choose a big dog breed that adapts easily to a small living space.

If you implement the strategies listed here, most large dog breeds can happily live in a small living space. However some breeds are more adaptable than others to life in a small apartment or home. These include dogs in the guarding and sighthound categories such as the mastiff and the greyhound. Developed to work in short bursts, they are content mainly to relax for most of the day. The greyhound actually has a reputation as a low energy dog occasionally referred to as the "40 mph couch potato". City folk sometimes choose a large breed dog like the mastiff for their intimidating appearance ( even tho they are often big softies), also for their inclination to curl up happily at the feet of their beloved human.

The best guard dog breeds for apartment life are alert but quiet.

Having a loud dog, especially a big one in an apartment is not the best choice. If you're interested in a dog to alert you to visitors or intruders, consider getting a quiet yet vigilant dog breed. You'll also want to consider the safety of any neighbors and visitors. With that in mind an alert, social, trainable breed that's a companion first is an ideal watchdog. Find a breed that's suitable to your location's climate. For example the Siberian husky thrives in colder climates so getting one if you live somewhere hot like Arizona or Texas isn't the best choice. Here are a few good options for an apartment guard dog:

The Standard Poodle. While they can be vocal, they are easily trained to bark only in response to certain things such as a person approaching your door.
Great Dane. They are generally quiet, with a protective instinct.
Saint Bernard. They are calm and quiet, and will bark to alert you to someone at the door. However they are usually content to sleep the day away as long as they receive sufficient exercise.
The Keeshond. This breed was developed as a river barge watchdog. They can be trained to bark only to alert. Then once they have completed their guard dog duty, these social doggos will happily greet your guests.

Consider a low maintenance dog breed.

If regular grooming, or high energy clingy dogs aren't your thing, consider getting a low maintenance breed. Basset hounds and bulldogs are laid back, short haired breeds that adapt well to apartment life. If a bit of brushing and a bit of drool don't bother you, chows are quiet couch potatoes that far prefer the joys of air conditioning to outdoor life.

Have realistic expectations regarding life with a big dog in a small space.

When living with a big dog in a small space, navigational hazards are going to happen. A good example of this is when your big doggo starts enthusiastically wagging that baseball bat of a tail of theirs, the can easily knocks cups and such off coffee tables or vases off of end tables. Some large dog breeds are simply not suited to apartment life or need more exercise than they can receive in crowded city life, such as the giant schnauzer and border collie. Vocal and territorial dogs don't tend to do well in apartment life as they have basically no distinction between the private apartment and the public hallways outside of the apartment.

All in all with the proper planning, implementation of these strategies, and careful breed consideration, you can live a very happy, healthy and fulfilling apartment life with your large breed dog.

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