Questions to Ask Yourself When Looking For a Place to Rent with Your Dog

Questions to Ask Yourself 
When Looking For a Place to Rent with Your Dog

Are you a current tenant in a pet friendly rental looking for a new pet?

I am looking for a new dog. 

Every breed and every dog within a breed has their own unique personality, habits and tendencies. Owning a dog can be as much responsibility as a young child that never grows up or moves out. 

For more information on looking for a new dog:

“The Best Dog for Living in an Apartment”

I would like a dog like the one I had as a child.

You might have had a dog in the past, and would like to find the same breed or something similar. Maybe you’re a fan of big dogs or maybe you like the little guys. You might like short-haired dogs, or dogs with a longer coat. Your lifestyle might lend itself to a high-energy pet, or you might be looking for a friend to share your couch. Before bringing your new dog home, it’s a good idea to research the breed and make sure that your new dog and you are compatible. 

Once you decide upon a particular type of dog you think might fit into your lifestyle, remember that there are always going to be individual personalities within breeds and breed types. For example, if you have had a Siberian Husky in the past, and you decide you would like another, remember that the new dog will be a unique personality. Many people get the same breed because they want “that same dog as they have had in the past,” or they want the dog “like their neighbor had.”

One benefit to getting a purebred dog is that it is easier to predict what a dog’s personality will be due to the function it was bred for. Therefore, a terrier is tough and independent, while a toy dog is more willing to sit in a person’s lap and be cuddled. The blueprint is there to give a good idea of what the new owner can expect, even if the dog itself may deviate a bit from the plans. 

You haven’t had a dog for many years.

Children and young adults frequently do not have the primary responsibility of caring for the family pets, so we usually only remember the fun play times and long walks together. As adults, we may not remember all the brushings, feedings, trips to the vet, and training that our parents did, and all the money spent to keep the pet.

My parents always took care of the dog. 

As an adult, it is important to remember that you will now be the primary caretaker of your new dog. That responsibility can be a big one. It can be quite an inconvenience to care for another being 24 hours a day, especially if you are used to being independent and not being home. Getting a dog is like having a child, except the dog never moves out, never grows up or matures past two years of age, will cover you house with dirt and hair (most breeds) and will force you to spend long hours at a dog park, walking in the rain and picking up poop. 

Author’s Note: I remember as I became a teenager, I started to take on more responsibility for the needs of our dog, Prezo. I took him for long walks all over the neighborhood, started to give him his meals and brush his long coat. However, my parents still bought his food and paid his vet bills.  

I have had other pets like fish and a cat, but not a dog.

If you have had pets in the past but found that you didn’t have a lot of time to spend with them, ask yourself if your situation has changed. Before you get a dog be sure you have the time to devote to caring for one.

I want a dog to bark when somebody comes to the door and as a companion when I go jogging or for walks.

Dogs are wonderful companions. When no one else will listen to you, they’re always there. They are always happy to see you when you get home, and they are happy to go with you when you go some place. 

They can also be great as a deterrent if someone were to try and break into your home. Generally speaking, burglars will leave a property alone when a dog begins to bark or if they know a dog lives there.

Remember to do your breed research if you are looking for a dog to participate with you in a specific activity like long walks, running or dog sports. A dog from one of the working, herding, sporting or terrier groups might be more appropriate. On the other hand, if you are a low energy person and would like a dog to just walk around the block with you once a day, hang out in your lap or sit with you while you garden, check into a breed that is more low key, such as a Pekingese, an English Bulldog or some other sedate breed.

Taking Your Dog to a Training Class

Some people think that taking a dog to a training class means that the dog is not smart enough to learn on their own. I have also heard people say, “I have had a lot of dogs. I know how to train a dog. I don’t need to take them to a class.” I am a firm believer in taking all dogs to classes for training. Training classes are ideal for socializing a dog of any age. Attending a training class also ensures that the dog can perform obedience behaviors in public, amongst a variety of distractions, rather than just in the privacy of your own home.

For more information on finding a trainer and what type of classes you might find available in your area:

“Choosing a Trainer and Classes for Your Dog” 

There are also many books and videos on the market that explain how to train your dog. Good sources of dog books can be found by doing a basic Internet search. Your local book store should also carry a selection of dog training books.

Taking Your Dog to a Behaviorist

An animal behaviorist is different than a dog trainer. A dog trainer can also be a behaviorist with the right credentials and education, but not all dog trainers are behaviorists.  Animal behaviorists have advanced degrees in all animal behavior, not just dogs.  A behaviorist would be the person to talk to if your pet has exhibited specific behaviors that can’t be corrected with a regular dog training class, such as aggression toward other animals or humans, severe anxiety or obsessive compulsive disorders. These types of behaviors may need extensive one-on-one counseling or medical prescriptions to help control the behavior.

Veterinary Bills

Veterinary services aren’t cheap. With any pet, it is important to plan on and budget for annual health check-ups, vaccinations, dental cleanings, flea, tick and heartworm medications. Be aware, too, that dogs are like people, and can become very ill very quickly. Preventative health care can help keep your dog in top shape, but there is always the potential for unexpected vet bills due to accident or injury.

Today, many companies offer insurance for pets. Some offer a variety of plans for you to choose from for all your pets and their needs. It could save you a lot of money to have an insurance plan for your pet in case a catastrophic illness, accident or disease happens to occur.

I have to move from this apartment.

Finding the perfect place for you and your pet can be a very long and arduous process. You might have to put down a large security deposit. There might also be an additional monthly pet charge over and above your rent payments. If you can’t find a place to rent within a specific timeframe, you might have to board your dog or ask friend or relatives if the dog can stay with them until you find a dog-friendly rental.

For more information on moving with your dog:

“Preparing a Move with Your Dog”

All Dogs Need Exercising.

Many cities do not have dog parks where dogs can run loose in secured, fenced areas, though I have found that more locations are creating them.  You might have to drive several miles to find one where you can take your dog. 

If your city does not have a dog park, maybe you can work with the local government or recreation department to get one started. If you don’t take your dog to dog parks, your dog will still need an outlet for their energy.  

For more information on exercising your dog:

“Visiting Dog Parks” and “Dog Sports”  

And

“Exercise is Important for Your Dog’s Health”

All Dogs Need Socialization.

Socialization is extremely important for all dogs. Proper and on-going socialization prevents many behavioral problems like aggression, shyness and fear. A properly socialized dog means that the dog can be involved in more events like family outings, vacations and having company in the home. A poorly socialized dog must be isolated in bedrooms or boarded in kennels when guests are over. The dog may also be a danger in public if he or she continues a lifelong habit of fear of strangers and fear of new situations. 

For more information on socializing your dog:

“Socializing Your Dog with People, Other Animals and Noises ”