While it is true that most apartment complexes do not allow dogs, some do allow small, lap-sized dogs like poodles or cocker spaniels. If you are considering getting a small dog, you need to understand that they are a lot of responsibility and keeping an animal like that in a small apartment means that you will be responsible for making sure they get enough exercise. Here are a few helpful tips.

You will be required to take your dog for walks multiple times per day, but make sure you do more than just walk him. Unlike a cat who usually has enough room to get exercise in an apartment, your dog will need to run around quite a bit. See if your apartment complex has a nearby green space that you can use to throw a ball or to play so that they get the exercise they need. Obesity in dogs is very common, especially in dogs that are forced to dwell in such a small space, and it can lead to a multitude of health problems.

Make sure you dog also has plenty of toys to play with inside of your apartment. Of course, you don’t want him running around crazy inside of the apartment disturbing your neighbors, but your dog must have some form of entertainment to choose from. Also, make sure that he has low fat or reduced calorie dog food to eat so that he doesn’t get too big for his own good.