My large dog is moving to a small apartment. How to exercise him?

Moves are stressful for everyone. Some things you can do to help Jimmy transition are to keep him busy and try to create and stick to a schedule. The schedule helps because it creates routines and Jimmy will know what is going to happen during the day, even in new surroundings. If you don't already have one, I would establish one before you move and try to stick to it during the transition. Giving Jimmy as much exercise as you can manage will be helpful, Getting out for even short walks frequently would be good, but also getting him out for a good walk or dog park for a run would be ideal. Utilize walks as much as you can to burn off energy. Walking generally isn't enough for strong breeds. Adding obedience, getting him to jump up on things (like benches and walls) will help drain his energy more. If you're not feeling up for a walk due to your health try to keep him busy inside with mental games. Lots of chews, enrichment toys like food dispensers, or even hiding treats and food around the house and having him search will help his mental stimulation and keep him busy. This will reduce the need to as much exercise temporarily, reduce stress and keep him out of trouble. I'd also recommend checking out a day care 1 day a week if he is good with out other dogs, and if your budget allows the dog walker would be very helpful too.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Alley is adorable! I think it is nice to have somewhat of a schedule. I think dogs are less anxious when there is a predictable routine. For example, when you are off work those are the park days/hikes/extra long walks. Work weeks vary from a few days a week of doggie daycare to quick walks after work. I wouldn't get too wrapped up in the schedule being strictly set because that is impossible. Keep feeding and walking schedules strict and the special exercise a bit flexible. I hope this helps and you are a great dog owner!

King is gorgeous! Thank you for including a picture! I think the answer to your question really depends on your lifestyle and King's personality. If you are an active person who can take King for regular walks/runs and King will have the opportunity for regular play daily, then living in an apartment may not be a problem at all. However, if you will not be able to offer King enough opportunity to run and play while living in the apartment, he certainly might develop some bad habits from being bored and not getting enough activity. Does King like to go to the dog park or doggie day care? There are plenty of large dogs that live in apartments and get more activity than those that live in a house with a yard, so I wouldn't use that as my deciding factor, but you may need to make some lifestyle changes to make sure that King gets the exercise that he needs. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

All dogs need space to exercise and access to both physical and mental stimulation, unless you are able to take them out at least 4-6times a day a fenced garden really is recommended for any medium-large breed in order to limit boredom and destructive behaviors. I really would not recommend any retrieving/herding breeds (labradors/spaniels/collies etc) for such an arrangement but an older sight hound such as a retired greyhound which has been used to a kenneling routine and limited periods of controlled exercise would be expected to adapt quite well as long as you have the time for daily exercise and frequent toilet breaks

Move-in can always be both fun and stressful for humans and pets are like. The most important thing for you to do is to make sure that both pets get daily exercise. Even though they don’t spend a lot of time outside, they have always had the option to burn off energy if they need to. Making sure this is done routinely every day and at the same time will help the anxious dog to feel more secure. Dogs are creatures of habit and they do best when they know what to expect. Establish a routine for exercise, feeding and training early and try to stick with it. If your pets have trouble in the beginning, you may ask or hire someone to come over mid day to take them for a walk. If they are going to be crated in the new apartment, go ahead and start getting them used to that now.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! How many times he needs to be walked outside depends on the dog. If once a day works for him and he is at a healthy weight then that is fine. If you think he may need to lose some weight then more frequent walks such as twice or three times a day would be better. Best of luck!

As long as your neighbor can be sure he gets some type of exercise even if that's just running around the backyard that should be fine. You may try using toys to encourage exercise such as tennis balls, Kong's, or even rope toys. I would recommend trying this out with your neighbor in the backyard before you leave to make sure everything goes smoothly.