When you adopted your dog, you probably soon learned that you adopted some
unexpected responsibilities along with the fun of pet parenthood. Having a
canine companion is a joy, yet it also requires some reconfiguring of your
lifestyle.
As you search for a new apartment, keep these considerations in mind to
ensure that you and your dog thrive in your new home.
Dogs are sociable creatures, and they don't enjoy being left alone for long
periods of time. If you move to a small apartment, being alone can be more
trying for a dog. When you're looking for an apartment, consider how long
you'll leave your dog during an average workday. Also, consider whether you
plan on having a dog walker come while you're gone.
If you plan to leave your dog home alone and aren't receptive to the idea of
dog walkers, you may want to rent a small house with a yard instead of an
apartment. That way, you can use a doggie door, and your canine companion can
go outside whenever they please during the day. That also empowers them to come
back inside whenever they want.
Some floors may be better suited for dogs than others. If the apartment has
wall-to-wall carpeting, yet your dog isn't trained to use the bathroom outside,
you may have a difficult time cleaning up after your pet as you work on
training them. Choose apartments without carpeting if you have a dog who often
has accidents with their pee or poo.
Some dogs are better suited for apartment dwelling than others. If you have
a dog who is not very active, a small apartment may suit them well. Their
activity level is more of a concern than their size, which surprises many
first-time dog owners. Dogs who live in apartments should be okay with relaxing
and not running around the home for hours at a time.
Some rather inactive dogs that take well to apartment life can be larger
breeds like Great Danes and popular ones like cocker spaniels. Other dogs who
may do well with apartments include basset hounds and American hairless
terriers. Rescue dogs who are a mix of breeds may also take well to apartment
life, depending on the traits and individual characteristics of the dog.
Small dogs are surprisingly not always well-suited for apartment dwelling.
Many need a few active hours per day. Also, they can also be noisy, which
neighbors won't appreciate. Of course, there are always exceptions within dog
breeds and types. Consider your dog's personality well. You may even ask your
veterinarian about how much space your dog may need at home.
If you are open to renting a furnished apartment, first consider whether
your dog is likely to damage it. If your canine companion is still a puppy,
it's probably better to not go with a furnished apartment. If you do, have a
clear plan on how to protect the furniture. Give your dog plenty of chew toys,
and make sure they get plenty of exercise outside the apartment.
Whether you have a ground floor apartment or one on a high floor of an
apartment complex, you can establish an outdoor potty area for your canine
companion if you have a balcony. Always confirm that your apartment complex
allows such areas on balconies. Once you have the go-ahead, establish an
outdoor potty space for your dog with faux grass pads that will absorb pee
until you clean up.
Finally, be sure to let your real estate agent know about any special needs
you or your canine companion may have. Go over any strong preferences for your
rental home before your agent even starts searching for your new home. Contact Montgomery Realtors
today to learn
about how we can help you, your family, and your companion animals soon enjoy a
new home.
