Apartment Living for Big Dogs

There is a great debate about large dogs living in apartments. Some people are against it, some people are for it. The truth is, some larger dog breeds are content with staying home and biting a Kong toy by the TV. Some dogs are far more energetic and need more than a daily walk. Like Benji, a working-dog breed. 

I know dogs are adaptable and Benji can adapt to apartment living. Where his masters are, he is happy. We have about 700 square feet and a backyard and we are close to 5 parks. Additionally, we are two active young adults so Benji will be spending the summers hiking, camping up North, swimming and going on long walks in the City. I can certainly imagine he will be tired out! Further more, perhaps a day when I will not be home all day he can be in a Doggy Daycare and/or I can hire a dogwalker. Benji is going to be a very energetic dog and he is going to be a big dog, but if he can be active outside he can relax inside with a favourite toy.

BENJI IN THE BACKYARD

BENJI EXPLORING THE SNOW

CHEWING HIS FAVOURITE DUCK TOY

If he is still very unruly I will have to put him in agility or some other "job" for working dogs, if "fetch" won't do. I don't think I can ever trust him alone in the house. He will likely ruin something that we would have to pay for. He would have to be crated. He would eat the walls, the tables--everything if we aren't watching. But he would likely eat the walls in a house too if left alone! If we are going anywhere--work or school or to a social outing--Benji would need adequate exercise beforehand so when he is home he is already tired out. I can't wait until he gets his shots so he can go for a walk and get tired out side!