One of the many questions that first-time owners and prospective owners of German shepherds ask is if these dogs can stay in apartments. We know of dogs that find it difficult to live in apartment-style homes as this can be a bit constraining for them.
In this article, we are going to explore the German shepherd breed and their openness to living in an apartment.
If you have a German shepherd or you are thinking about getting one, but you’re skeptical about whether they’ll be able to live in the small house you own or the apartment-style home you are moving to this article is going to solve your concerns.
Can German Shepherds Live In A Small House?
Yes, a German Shepherd can live in a small house. While they are not ideally suited for living in small apartments, a few things can be in place to ensure your dog lives in a small house comfortably. For instance, with the right training and proper socialization, you can have a German Shepherd that won’t have issues with staying in your small space.
Furthermore, we will discuss some other things that should be in place for your German Shepherd to live comfortably in a small house or your apartment-styled home.
How to Ensure Your German Shepherd is Comfortable in a Small House?
Here are the key steps to ensure your German Shepherd is comfortable living in a small house:
Provide Ample Exercise
Whether you live in a small house or not, a German shepherd requires extra exercise to stay happy and fit. It only becomes more important when you are living in a small house because, without the exercise and the physical and mental stimulation that comes from it, your dog is going to feel clustered frustrated and unhappy.
Also, if you must keep your German shepherd in a small house, you should be prepared to commit to taking it on multiple walks or trips to the dog park each day to burn off the energy.
Create Its Space Within The Space
Another important thing to do when you want to make your German shepherd feel comfortable even in a confined space is to create a haven even in the small space. It wouldn’t take so much to create a little space for your dog to sleep, rest, and have their belongings like a bed, toys, and water/food bowls.
Utilize Crate Training
Utilizing crate training is another way to make your German shepherd feel comfortable even in a small house. The reason is because it gives them a safe, cozy space of their own even in the available space. What you should do is you should choose a crate that is large enough for them to stand, turn around in, and lie down comfortably.
We understand that you still have space concerns but there will definitely be crate sizes that will be suitable enough for your German shepherd that wouldn’t take up so much space in your home.
Get Mental Stimulation Equipment
Another way you can get your German shepherd to be comfortable even in your small house is to provide them with interactive toys, puzzle feeders, and other enrichment. The goal of these enrichment activities is to mentally stimulate your dog when they can’t be physically active outside.
These enrichment tools can keep your dog easy all day without getting bored. It is also confirmed that interactive toys and puzzle feeders help make GSDs smarter.
Maintain a Routine
German shepherds are very smart and enjoy intelligent dogs which means that everything you do around them has to be precise and structured. Hence, you should stick to a consistent daily schedule for feeding, exercise, and rest to help your GSD feel secure and avoid stress or anxiety.
The moment your German shepherd becomes anxious you’re not going into the place out of it and it’s the problem for you if you are ready in a clustered space.
Create Outdoor Time
No matter how much we try to make your dog feel comfortable in a small house you still need to take it outside. If your house has a yard, you can utilize it to give your dog a feel of the outside environment.
Otherwise, you’d have to take it to parks or open species regularly where you can run freely and play.
The key is ensuring your GSD gets all their needs met through ample exercise, mental stimulation, and comfortable personal space, regardless of the home’s square footage. With the right approach, a German Shepherd can thrive in a small house.
FAQs
Can a German Shepherd be an indoor dog?
Yes your German shepherd can be an indoor dog provided it gets to be with people while it is indoors. Also, if it gets regular outdoor activities which will keep it excited and feeling energetic then you have no problems with it being an indoor dog.
Can a German Shepherd be left alone during the day?
No. We did not recommend leaving your German shepherd alone all day because they can become anxious and destructive if they’re left all by themselves. The recommended time to leave your dog alone should not be up to 8 hours.
If you have to be away from the home without your dog, it is best to take your dog to a dog daycare or get somebody to come take care of it for you.
Do German Shepherds like cold rooms?
It is not clear whether German shepherds like cold rooms. But one thing is certain: they are built to withstand harsh cold conditions. This is based on their dense, double-coat feature which helps them stay warm even in harsh weather conditions
Why do German Shepherds follow you around the house?
A German Shepherd will follow you around the house because it loves and adores you. German Shepherds are typically one-people dogs. This means your German Shepherd will be inclined to love one person more than other people in a family.
Final Thoughts on Can German Shepherds Live In A Small House?
If you have a small house or apartment, you might be discouraged from getting a German shepherd. This is because German shepherds require a lot of space as they are very active and energetic dogs. However, following the points explained in this article I believe that you now see the possibility of owning a German shepherd even though you do not believe in a large space.
Ole Dog House began in 2000 and was officially incorporated in 2004, strengthened by a technical partnership with Samantha Straub of Von Der Burg Loisenthal Kennels in South Africa. Over the past two and a half decades, our kennel has established itself as a leader in Nigeria’s canine industry, producing top-quality German Shepherd Dogs that strictly adhere to WUSV standards.
We are proud members of WUSV, the German Shepherd Dog Federation of South Africa, and the International Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the East German Shepherd Dog. Our commitment to excellence has taken us to GSD specialty shows and elite kennels across South Africa, Europe, and the Americas, expanding our knowledge and refining our breeding practices.
At Ole Dog House, our mission is to nurture a community of ethical breeders and passionate dog enthusiasts who are committed to preserving the integrity of the German Shepherd breed. Whether you are an experienced breeder, a first-time owner, or simply an admirer of this exceptional breed, we are here to provide valuable insights and expert guidance.
Thank you for visiting OleDogHouse.com—your trusted source for all things German Shepherd. Welcome to a world where excellence and passion for the breed unite!
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