If you have a dog, you know he needs regular exercise. People living in a house with a big yard don’t have to wonder where and how to exercise their dogs, but if you live in an apartment it requires a little more thought and coordination. Check out these tips for exercising your apartment living dog and keeping him healthy and happy.
Exercising Your Apartment Living Dog
Go for Plenty of Walks
Dogs needs plenty of exercise and certain breeds need more than others. Plan to take your apartment living dog for a walk about 2-3 times a day, but be ready to make more trips up and down the sidewalk if your dog seems especially hyper every day.
Make Use of Dog Parks
If there’s a dog park nearby, schedule regular visits to the park so your fur baby can run and get some exercise. This is also a great way to give your favorite four-legged buddy plenty of socialization with other dogs.
Plan Regular Play Time Inside
Even if you can’t get out for walks or visits to the dog park, your dog can get exercise while inside your apartment. Play active games such as fetch or chase to get him moving.
Look for Extra Times for Exercise
Just like you, he needs to get up and move so look for opportunities to get him up and going. Hook up the leash and take your buddy with you to the mailbox when you go or let him go with you when you have to make a trip to your vehicle. If you have stairs to your apartment, both of you can benefit from trips up and down.
Hire a Dog Walker or Send Your Pooch to Daycare
If your schedule makes it tough to squeeze in plenty of regular walks, play time and general exercise, consider hiring a professional dog walker or sending your dog to day care. Ask around in your area and amongst your friends and neighbors for a reliable person to make sure your dog gets his walks every day while you are working.
If there’s a doggie daycare in your neighborhood or in close proximity to your apartment complex, enroll your apartment living dog. While he is in daycare, the workers there will make sure he gets plenty of exercise and attention and he should be settled down and calm when you pick him up and head home for the evening.
Making sure your apartment living dog is getting plenty of exercise may seem like a tough chore, but a little bit of planning and action can make it happen. Look for opportunities to get your dog up and moving and schedule regular walks and trips to the dog park. If you don’t have the time to make it happen, hire someone to help you out. Exercise helps keep your pooch healthy, but also happy and content.
Do you have any tips on making sure your apartment living dog gets enough exercise? Share in the comments!
