Having a large dog in a small apartment can be quite challenging. Not only do you have to worry about space, but also the safety of your pet and the quality of life it will have in such cramped quarters. Here are four reasons why large dogs and small apartments are not the best combination.

Consider the physical needs of your pet

Dogs need space to roam, explore and live their lives comfortably. Keeping a large dog confined to a small space can be detrimental to their physical and mental health. It can lead to anxiety, depression, and other behavioral problems. Dogs need space to move around, play, and explore in order to stay healthy. Confining them in a small area can cause them to become restless and frustrated, leading to destructive behaviors or even aggression. Additionally, being confined can lead them to become overweight due to lack of exercise which can lead to other health issues. It is important for owners of large dogs to provide them with adequate space where they can move around freely and have access to the things they need for a happy life.

Consider your apartment style and neighbours

Oftentimes, dog sizes are restricted in buildings with common area hallways, stairwells and elevators. For many small children, seeing a large dog can be an intimidating experience. This is especially true if the child has never seen a large dog before. The size of the animal can cause fear and anxiety for them. On the other hand, if the child has been exposed to dogs before, they may feel excited or curious to see the dog. Even if you think your pet is good which children, there is no guarantee on how your dog will react to the squeals and unsolicited touching.

Consider your lifestyle and schedule

To ensure the needs of your pet are met to maintain their mental and physical well-being, a large dog would need to be walked on average three times a day. If your schedule does not permit for morning, evening and mid-day walks, this can cause your dog to become restless leading them to be disruptive and destructive. Not meeting the needs of your pet’s activity requirements can also cause your pet to become physically unwell.

Consider the rules of the apartment complex

If your large dog becomes restless from living in a small space, they may become disruptive. All apartment buildings have zero tolerance for dogs barking. If your pet becomes a nuisance to your neighbours, it’s likely that you’ll be served with a warning and/or an eviction notice. Restless and bored dogs may even cause damage to your unit from excessive scratching or chewing on things like door frames and baseboards which can lead to taking a loss on your deposit as well as an eviction if the behaviour is reoccurring.

While many pet-rental properties have a justified size restriction, there are some properties that allow for more space for pets to live comfortably such as ample square footage, a yard or no common areas. We welcome dogs of all sizes at these properties knowing that you, your pet and your neighbours can live in harmony!