Large dog in small house?

[Anonymous]

We will soon be taking in our friend’s two year old lab when they relocate. We had a similarly sized dog years ago in an apartment, but we had more space there. Our townhouse is small and narrow, and there isn’t much unclaimed space. Thankfully the dog will be attending a doggy daycare M-F during the work day. We also have a small backyard space, fenced off. We are also active people.

But I’d love any and all tips for having a dog in a small space, plus any new gadgets or things that might be helpful to someone who hasn’t had a dog in nearly two decades. Thanks

*And please spare us the lecture. The alternatives for this dog weren’t great, and we stepped up. We embrace his addition and will take great care of him.

[Anonymous]

This is fine. One good walk a day, day care, a couple of "sniffs" just to dawdle around outside, and some intellectual stimulation for inside and you'll be fine. Here are some good brain game ideas: https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/ways-to-keep-dog-mentally-stimulated I can vouch for the Outward Hound toys and puzzle feeders (they're not indestructible; use with supervision)

Labs get fat easily, so I'd suggest using mealtimes as part of your mental stimulation. Get a slow-feeder and a couple of puzzle feeders and rotate them so your dog doesn't get bored. Hide kibbles in a rolled-up rag towel and loosely tie it so your dog has to sniff and paw and do some work to get to the food. Kong makes a wobbling feeder that's pretty indestructible (but I still don't leave my dogs unattended with it): https://www.kongcompany.com/wobbler/ Freezing food and/or treats in water or salt/allium-free broth is a good enrichment activity in summer, maybe best enjoyed outside.

Teach the dog to "load up" and take him in the car. Almost all the labs I've ever known have really enjoyed car rides. Bonus if you can drive to a trail or somewhere new to sniff.

Two is still young for a lab; most are still puppies until they're about 3. I strongly suggest crate training; labs can be destructive af. Expect the transition and the first year or so to be a little bumpy, but after that, you'll have a great dog. Good on you for taking him in.

[Anonymous]

Big dogs do not sit around counting square footage. They care about exercise, routine, and where the good couch is. If they did worry about space, every happy lab I know would look like a fat guy in a little coat trying to squeeze into whatever room their people are in.

A lab with weekday doggy daycare, active humans, and a fenced yard is living a better life than most dogs with “more space.” Square footage is wildly overrated.

Practical small-space tips from someone who’s done big dogs in tight quarters:
• One great dog bed > multiple random ones. Dogs like assigned seating.
• Mental work beats hallway laps: snuffle mats, puzzle feeders, frozen Kongs.
• Routine matters more than room. Predictability = calm dog.
• Post-daycare behavior will be either chaos gremlin or full Victorian fainting couch. Both are normal.
• Rotate toys. Two out, the rest in hiding.
• Baby gates aren’t mean. They’re crowd control for large bodies with zero spatial awareness.

And honestly, thank you for stepping up. Sometimes the option isn’t “perfect home,” it’s “good humans vs. not-great alternatives.” Dogs know which one they got.

[Anonymous]

NP. Regarding baby gates, due to living in a small townhouse, we liked using a roller shade style gate instead of a hard plastic gate. These are less common so if you haven't seen this style take a look. Probably better for an older, trained dog than a puppyish dog that chews.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/BABY-PROOF-ME-Baby-and-Pet-Retractable-Safety-Gate-Mesh-71-in-W-x-34-in-Tall-BPM-SG71-GRY/339547516?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&fp=ggl&srsltid=AfmBOoqOedZdukx052KffwYyTlH_mFx4fOZnvSetV50Yi0tAgsMq9x43aDo

[Anonymous]

Thank you for taking that dog any, very nice of you!
I just have couple of suggestions - think about your space and plan designated area near entrance for all dogs things (leases, poop bags, tennis balls/fetch launcher, towels for wet paws).
Think about designated "place" to send the dog to when you need him out of the way - so they're not a tripping hazard lol. Make sure to train the dog to go there on command. Will help when you have people over.
Large crate (bigger then needed for potty training) - and all messy chews/lick toys go there, not all over the place. Again, dog also better go there on command

As for toys and exercises - fetch launcher was/still is best $10 spent on dog toys.

[Anonymous]

Thanks so much, everyone. I was honestly so worried everyone would jump down my throat! And thank you so much for for the great advice!

Anonymous wrote:Thank you for taking that dog any, very nice of you!
I just have couple of suggestions - think about your space and plan designated area near entrance for all dogs things (leases, poop bags, tennis balls/fetch launcher, towels for wet paws).
Think about designated "place" to send the dog to when you need him out of the way - so they're not a tripping hazard lol. Make sure to train the dog to go there on command. Will help when you have people over.
Large crate (bigger then needed for potty training) - and all messy chews/lick toys go there, not all over the place. Again, dog also better go there on command

As for toys and exercises - fetch launcher was/still is best $10 spent on dog toys.

Speaking of towels for paws, do you recommend anything in particular? Do they make disposables for dogs?

[Anonymous]

Our 45lbs dog lives in about 800 sq ft of cluttered house space, because he doesn't go upstairs or downstairs, but stays on the main level. He does not attend doggy day care. He has three walks a day. We do not have a fenced in yard.

I don't see what the problem is, OP.

[Anonymous]

As someone who had a great dane in a small house with a not small but barely medium yard, I don't think you should be worried about a lab in that setting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks so much, everyone. I was honestly so worried everyone would jump down my throat! And thank you so much for for the great advice!

Anonymous wrote:Thank you for taking that dog any, very nice of you!
I just have couple of suggestions - think about your space and plan designated area near entrance for all dogs things (leases, poop bags, tennis balls/fetch launcher, towels for wet paws).
Think about designated "place" to send the dog to when you need him out of the way - so they're not a tripping hazard lol. Make sure to train the dog to go there on command. Will help when you have people over.
Large crate (bigger then needed for potty training) - and all messy chews/lick toys go there, not all over the place. Again, dog also better go there on command

As for toys and exercises - fetch launcher was/still is best $10 spent on dog toys.

Speaking of towels for paws, do you recommend anything in particular? Do they make disposables for dogs?

No, I'm just using old towels for this purpose and even flannel sheets. It just should be big enough to cover the dog (picture large wet dog shaking off in the narrow entrance hall).
With large young active dog you'll be out a lot, in any weather, better be prepare for it.

[Anonymous]

I don’t think the size of the house matters at all. It’s how much exercise they get.

[Anonymous]

Labs are AWESOME!! I also recommend crate training for when you’re out of the house, especially until they’ve settled in enough that they can be trusted and you know what type of shenanigans they get up to and what to expect from them (eg, my lab counter surfs, so we have to make certain counters are clean).

Also, lots of exercise. Lots and lots of work on leash, puppy play dates, etc. You’ll have a great time with your new friend!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don’t think the size of the house matters at all. It’s how much exercise they get.

"Yards (and houses!) Don't exercise dogs. People do."

I think some of the most fulfilled and happy dogs live in small places with committed owners.

[Anonymous]

How small is small? If he’s not a puppy it really shouldn’t be an issue. My lab lives in our 1500 sq fr bungalow and usually just hangs out in the kitchen. He does this to avoid our 2 pekes who need more space than him. They’re super hyper.

[Anonymous]

Outdoor exercise matters more.

I’m surprised people pay for doggy daycare daily! It’s so pricey! I have a little dog who cried nonstop when we tried it. She absolutely hated being around other dogs and just wanted adults. She wished we’d dropped her at the nursing home with humans who would pet her all day instead.

[Anonymous]

We have an 80lb dog with 3 adults (young adult DS living at home after college) in 1400 sq feet. Believe me when I tell you it is not the dog who is cramping DH's and my style LOL.