If you're a Great Dane parent, you must read this
What's the story
Sharing your apartment with a Great Dane may sound intimidating because of their colossal size, but with the right approach, it's totally doable!
This guide will tackle key aspects like smart space utilization, meeting their exercise needs, and beyond.
These steps will help guarantee your Great Dane experiences a happy, healthy life even within the limitations of apartment living.
Space
Space management for your gentle giant
Despite their giant size, Great Danes are surprisingly low-energy indoors and can adjust pretty well to apartment living.
However, they do require space to stretch out.
You may have to rearrange some furniture to ensure open areas where your dog can lie down comfortably without feeling squeezed.
A comfy corner with their bed away from the hustle and bustle will give them a sense of security and ownership.
Exercise
Daily exercise is key
Great Danes require 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise to maintain their health.
Morning or evening walks are ideal to prevent exposure to the heat of the day.
Indoors, they enjoy interactive play that keeps them mentally stimulated.
Because of their large size, it's important to discourage rough play that may lead to injuries.
Feeding
Nutrition matters
It's crucial to provide your Great Dane with a balanced diet specifically formulated for them.
Due to their large size, they need food that promotes bone and joint health while also preventing obesity—an issue prevalent in larger breeds that can significantly contribute to health complications.
Use a proper measuring tool for their food and maintain a feeding schedule as opposed to free-feeding to effectively manage their weight.
Training
Training for apartment living
Training is key to making apartment life with a Great Dane work.
Start with basic commands: sit, stay, and come. These are essential for managing tight spaces without knocking things over or causing injury.
Crate training is also a good idea. It gives them a secure spot and helps prevent any potential destructive behavior when you're not around.
Healthcare
Regular health checks
Regular vet visits are crucial to keeping your Great Dane healthy, especially in an apartment where they may not get as much exercise as they would in a house with a yard.
Keep a keen eye out for symptoms of hip dysplasia or heart problems—these are unfortunately common in big dogs—and make sure they're current on all their shots and parasite prevention stuff.