When we think of large dogs, we imagine them in spacious yards or country houses. Despite the stereotypes, many of them perfectly adapt to life in a limited space, provided proper care and attention from the owners. In this article, we will consider in detail how to organize a space for a large dog in an apartment, which breeds are better suited for such conditions, and what you should pay attention to.
The best large dog breeds for an apartment
Not all large breeds are equally suitable for apartments. A calm character, lack of excessive indoor activity and good adaptation to a limited space are of great importance. If you want to get a large breed for living in an apartment, pay attention to these beauties:
Labrador retriever, weighing 25-36 kg, is considered a family dog that needs regular walks. Friendly and gentle, he easily finds a common language with children and other animals.
The golden retriever, weighing 27-36 kg, is easily trainable, and its intelligence allows it to quickly adapt to the rules in the apartment. Like the Labrador Retriever, it is friendly, suitable for families with children and needs regular walks.
The Great Dane, weighing up to 70 kg, is known for its quiet and leisurely behavior. He does not need excessive activity and should take care of a large area for his rest.
The Irish Wolfhound, weighing 40-70 kg, has a balanced and restrained character. Like the Great Dane, he needs space to rest and minimal physical activity.
The Bernese mountain dog, weighing 35-50 kg, is an ideal family dog due to its strong attachment to the family, calm and gentle character. He adores walks in the fresh air in the company of close people.
How to organize space for a large dog in an apartment?
Dogs like to have their own corner where they can rest. This is their safe zone. Therefore, taking into account the size of a large breed, it is necessary to take care of arranging his personal space in advance. First of all, you need to pay attention to the absence of drafts, direct sunlight, sources of increased noise, such as TVs, washing machines or dryers, etc. in the potential corner. When you find a couple of options, analyze whether the pet will not interfere with the movement of other family members around the apartment and at the same time have the opportunity to observe everything that is happening. Make sure there is enough space for the dog to lie down at full length. Finally, buy a quality lounger made of durable material that will be easy to keep clean thanks to removable covers. If your pet has or is prone to hip dysplasia, a shape memory filler will help take care of their joints.
Physical activity for large dogs
Large dog breeds have powerful muscles and often come from working or hunting breeds that are used to an active lifestyle. However, maintaining the physical activity of a large dog in an apartment is quite realistic and necessary. This will help not only to keep the body in good shape, but also to reduce the risk of obesity, hip dysplasia, anxiety and aggression.
So how can you keep your dog active?
Regularly walk with him in parks and special playgrounds. Two walks a day for 40-60 minutes with active games or running will be enough. If possible, periodically get out into nature for longer hikes.
In the apartment, you can play such games as “Bring a toy”, “Tug of war”, “Hide and seek” with your pet. To keep the toys safe, make sure there is a free area without fragile objects. Rugs or non-slip surfaces are ideal to avoid paw injuries.
Training is also a way to stress the dog mentally and physically. Learn the basic commands with him and use them systematically.
“Sit” and “Lie down” will help control behavior at home and on the street.
“To me” guarantees safety, especially in public places.
The “place” will let the dog know where he can rest.
“Don’t” allows you to prevent unwanted behavior, for example, picking up food from the floor.
“Quiet” controls barking.
Grooming of large dogs from apartments
The issue of regular grooming for large apartment dogs is especially acute in connection with living in the same house with other people. Neighbors can complain about an unpleasant smell, hair in the entrance, claws clicking on the floor, howling during bath procedures, and this does not contribute to maintaining good relations with them.
It is better to visit the grooming salon once every few months to bathe your pet and dry it properly. The groomer has in his arsenal professional cosmetics and the right techniques to make the dog’s coat soft, docile and clean, and the whole procedure takes much less time compared to home grooming. You will not need to clean the entire bathroom from wool for several days, you will save your hair dryer from overheating and your neighbors’ nerves.
Other grooming procedures can be easily performed by yourself if you have the desire and skills. If you are in doubt or have more important matters that need your attention, contact the groomer. He will make everything perfect.
Grooming includes not only bathing and drying the coat, but also combing it, trimming the claws, cleaning the ears, and wiping the eyes.
So that the wool does not fall out and does not occupy the entire apartment, comb it several times a week with the help of a slicker, a silicone brush, and a comb. The choice of tool depends on the type and length of the dog’s coat.
Nails should be cut once every two weeks with scissors. Carefully monitor whether the vessel is visible when cutting the nail, so as not to injure it. In grooming salons, the master also dusts the nails to prevent them from splitting.
Ears and the eye area are cleaned using cotton pads and special lotions. These simple manipulations allow you to prevent inflammation, infections and other unwanted health problems.
Although at the beginning we talked about the fact that grooming will help to avoid conflict situations with neighbors, it is still important to understand that grooming first of all takes care of the health of the dog, and only then about the cleanliness of the premises and comfortable stay near the animal.
Socialization of large dogs for living in an apartment
Socialization is the process of teaching a dog to properly interact with people, other animals and the environment. For large breeds that live in apartments, socialization is especially important, because they have a loud voice and their barking can cause complaints. In addition, their games, running or jumping can create noise, especially for the neighbors below.
With successful socialization, the dog will not be afraid of new situations and will behave calmly in public places, including in corridors or elevators of buildings. He will know the rules of behavior at home and will not create unnecessary inconvenience.
It is best to start socialization at an early age, when the dog is open to new experiences. Introduce the puppy to different sounds, people and objects and make sure that the introductions evoke only positive emotions. Get used to walking in different places: parks, streets with busy traffic, playgrounds.
If you have adopted an adult dog, socialization is also possible, but will require more time and patience. Start by introducing small groups of people or animals and follow a gradual approach so that the dog does not feel stressed. Use treats to reinforce positive experiences.
So that you do not have conflicts with your neighbors, maintain friendly relations with them. Introduce the neighbors to your pet, explain its character and behavior. Emphasize that you are able to control the dog’s behavior. Always ask other people if they are comfortable riding in the elevator with you and demonstrate the dog’s obedience. Then your life and the life of your neighbors will be calm and stress-free.
Conclusion
Large breeds of dogs perfectly adapt to life in an apartment, provided they are properly cared for, organized and given attention from the owner. If you are ready for responsibility and care, feel free to choose a lucky one for yourself, do educational work among the neighbors and do not be afraid to contact a dog trainer if you suddenly do not succeed in socializing and training the dog very well.
