As the mom of a 75lb Rhodesian Ridgeback mix, I constantly hear about how big my dog ​​is. To me, he is just “Cooper”, a part of my family, and he will move in with me regardless of where I land. We then moved from a city that required a 45-minute commute to get work done (hello, carbon emissions) to a fancy new apartment in an exciting suburban city, Birmingham, MI.

This meant that our big space became a small (albeit beautiful) space. With this move, Cooper’s backyard was rejected for a new lifestyle. I’ve compiled six things you must do to keep our big dogs happy and healthy in even the smallest of dwellings!

1. Make little walks with your dog count. Receiving the mail is an opportunity to stretch. In fact, take the long road. Think of it the same way you could park in the back and get the extra steps.
2. Give your dog (or her) her own space. Even your little bed is a place to call your own. She will make you feel more at home.
3. Choose an apartment complex with a courtyard. City life doesn’t often offer a backyard or a park across the street. Even if you did, I wouldn’t be as inclined to visit you as I would if you were literally outside your door. I chose an apartment complex with a nearly fully enclosed courtyard, allowing Cooper room to run around and fetch a ball. (Luckily, Cooper’s memory was trained. Never let a dog run loose without this critical skill.)
4. Sew a first floor apartment. The mornings are early. Do not fool yourself. Keep slippers by the door and eliminate falls down the stairs before breakfast.
5. Play throw. Tug games don’t require a lot of space and can wear out your big dog without freezing you up (or getting sunburned if you’re not up north here).
6. Keep chews around. Although there is some controversy regarding rawhides, be sure to keep chew toys for fidgety times. You will avoid losing your favorite shoes and you will keep your dog-human relationship happy.