Dogs require plenty of exercises to remain happy and healthy.
Without it, they can become anxious or even depressed which is the last thing we want to happen to them. However, we also don’t want to leave our little friends behind when we go to college. College can be stressful enough and a dog is a perfect companion to help unwind. Unfortunately, a small apartment is the norm for college living and it is not the ideal space to have a dog in.
Here are some ideas on how you can help your dog exercise when living in an apartment:
Walk Around the Building: Whether the apartment complex is indoors or outdoors, take the time once a day to walk your dog around the building. Aside from allowing the dog to do his business, taking him outside will provide him with fresh air and possibly even some friendly interaction with other dogs. In an indoor complex, using the staircases can be a great way to give your dog exercise. Take him up a few flights of stairs before going back to your apartment to tire him out.
Create an Obstacle Course: Use pillows, chairs, stools, and anything else you can find to create a fun and challenging obstacle course for your dog. You can create bridges and tunnels and even hide treats for him to find. This can be a great way for your dog to exercise not only physically but mentally as well.
Play Fetch: This could prove to be more difficult depending on the size of the dog, yet still doable. Clear the room of anything breakable and use a soft chew toy. Throw it lightly or roll it on the floor away from your dog so that he has to chase it. It’s not the same as going to the park, however, your dog will enjoy it nonetheless.
Hide and Seek: This is another game that can challenge your dog mentally while tiring him out. Simply tell your dog to sit where he is, quietly hide somewhere, then call out his name so that he will try to find you.
Tug of War: Engage your dog with a game of tug of war. This game requires little space and a lot of effort for both your dog and you.
Any of these can help in ensuring your dog remains healthy and feels right at home with you in your new apartment. In addition, if you do not live on the first floor of an apartment building, make sure you have some kind of carpeting and even an extra rug so that your downstairs neighbors do not complain. The last thing you need is a complaint that could get your dog kicked out.
About the author:
Aniqa Chowdhury is a third-year Communications major at San Diego State University with a growing passion for creative writing. Aside from writing, she also enjoys taking public speaking classes and reading fiction novels. Her hope is to work in the entertainment industry when she graduates.
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