The idea of owning a German Shepherd intrigue you, but you live in an apartment. GSDs are huge and dominant. There’s no doubt about that. But, due to their size and activity, you may wonder if they can live happily in your small apartment.
Assuming your apartment complex allows big dogs, a German Shepherd can live in an apartment provided they are cared for and provided with basic necessities. However, keeping a German Shepherd in an apartment without exercise, crate training, and stimulation, you can end up with an unhappy and destructive pet.
A German Shepherd’s suitability for an apartment should be considered. But, it comes down to how the owner manages big energetic dogs in small spaces. In this article, you’ll learn how to correctly house a GSD in an apartment.
Tips on How to Make a German Shepherd Happy in an Apartment
Engaging your dog’s mental faculties (stimulation) and physical bodies is equally important to create a truly tired dog each day. Therefore, an activity schedule that combines both is ideal.
These tips will help you ensure your dog gets all the mental and physical exercise needed in an apartment setting.
- Make daily walks shorter by dividing them into smaller ones
- Begin by practicing commands
- Every week, teach new tricks to your dog
- Take your dog to a dog park or a dog-friendly beach.
- Jog at your local track or visit an outdoor sports arena
- Enroll your dog in canine sports
- Volunteer with your dog to visit the childcare center or the elderly
- Go swimming in local ponds, rivers, bayous, or lakes – GSDs love it
- Make a scavenger hunt at home with treat dispensers, snuffle mats, and other toys
One of my personal favorites is hide and go seek! Besides being a classic kid’s game, this one is fantastic for playing with your dog. Until you find a place to hide and give your dog a treat, all he needs to know is “Stay.”. When you hide, call your dog’s name. Keeping distance short and hiding in easy places is a good way to start.
As the dog gets better and understands the game fully, try getting more creative with your hiding places and see how far you can hide. Your dog must be able to hold their excitement until you are hidden, so be careful not to give in to them.
What to Consider When Getting a German Shepherd for a Small Apartment
There are things to consider when you are bringing a German Shepherd into a home, such as how much noise they make, which can be a problem if neighbors are close by. You will also need to check if the space is adequate and whether or not you have permission to bring a dog into the home.
Apartment Hunting
A German Shepherd is a large dog, so make sure your apartment allows such a dog. If you are renting an apartment, please check with your landlord or property manager.
It is best to find an apartment with an outdoor area friendly for dogs so the dog can go outside even just to get some fresh air.
How Much Space Has Your Apartment Got?
In addition to being large dogs, German Shepherds can sometimes be challenging to keep in an apartment. Considering your dog’s crate, food, treats, toys, and supplies, a room at least 5×5 feet may be required.
Take Into Account the Noise They Make
Dog breeds like German Shepherds have a reputation for being very vocal. It is common for them to make sounds like whining, growling, and howling, and also the common barking. Therefore, you should consider living in a dog-friendly area to minimize complaints about your dog’s behavior.
Talk to the owner of the complex and those living around the area. See how many are pet owners and who would be unhappy with you living there with a german shepherd.
How Can an Apartment Space Be Safe for Play?
Due to inclement weather, personal health, or simply for the sake of having fun together, you may have to stay inside. Ensure that your apartment unit allows German Shepherds to play safely when you cannot go out. Climate might play a role when you can and can’t go outside or on days when you are sick. You might need to spend some days inside, and your dog must have a happy and safe place to play.
You will still need to provide your dog with the same level of daily exercise to ensure that he can live comfortably in such a small area. For instance, you may throw a ball inside your apartment or play tug-of-war with your dog.
An assessment of your apartment’s layout and rooms will help you determine whether your German Shepherd will be able to play safely and comfortably inside.
Living In A Small Home With A GSD
German Shepherds need basic necessities while living in small houses or apartments. If you fail to provide them, you might be in for a big shock. When your German Shepherd is not stimulated mentally and physically, he will seek to satisfy his basic needs on his own. The absence of these essentials may lead to destructive behavior.
The result may be torn-up shoes when you get home. After an exhausting day at the office, your couch might get ripped open. No good outcomes exist in any of these scenarios, but it repeatedly occurs among negligent apartment residents.
It is not easy to live in an apartment with a German Shepherd. These animals can, however, thrive in a wide range of living conditions. You’re the one who has to be able to motivate them to do what they can to maximize their potential.
Conclusion
German Shepherd Dogs are beautiful examples of well-bred dogs. These dogs possess intelligence, loyalty, and strength. GSDs have retained these traits over time.
German Shepherds are not used for herding much now, but their high activeness has never changed. German Shepherds need to be exercised frequently.
While these dogs are easy to train, they can develop undesirable behaviors if improperly trained or allowed to develop bad habits. Play outside frequently and consistently with your dog if you live in a small apartment.