We have a guest post for you today, and it’s full of tips for finding a home for and moving with your dog!
Photo by Christopher Ayme at Unsplash
How to Find the Right Home for You and Your Pup
There’s no place like home, especially if you have a dog. You spend your days at work, wishing you could be cuddling with him or taking him out on an adventure. So, when you come home at the end of the day, you want to make sure your home is the best place for you and your pooch.
If you’ve thought about buying a home lately not just because owning makes better financial sense than renting, but also because you think your dog deserves it, you’re not alone. A recent study by SunTrust Bank showed that millennials are not waiting for marriage or kids to buy a home — they want one for their dogs. But millennials aren’t the only ones who love their dogs enough to buy a place. Anyone who loves a four-legged buddy wants the absolute best for Fido.
When you begin looking for a place, let your real estate agent know that you have a dog and are looking for a good place for him. If you hire someone who is also a dog lover, she’ll be more likely to know a good dog-house when she sees it. Let her know what you’re looking for in a yard, square-footage and more, and she will be on the lookout.
But what do you require? Decide what kind of yard you’re looking for. Fenced yards are best for dogs to run around in, but not everyone needs it. Some people want the convenience of a condo and are perfectly fine with taking their dog out multiple times per day. If a home has a yard that isn’t fenced, make sure to ask if it’s okay to install one. Some neighborhoods have covenants against fences, and underground versions don’t work for every dog.
Think about the size of your dog, too. A large dog will require more space, and small ones can fit in just about anywhere. Also, consider your dog’s breed. Some large breeds can adapt well to a condo or small house despite their size.
Will the home have a lot of stairs? Most dogs can climb stairs perfectly well, but when your dog gets old, stairs will be difficult. If your dog is large, you may have trouble carrying him up and down them, so keep that in mind. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy a home with stairs at all, but it’s something to consider.
When it’s Time to Move your Dog
When you move, your dog will need some special consideration, especially if he’s a nervous guy. Consider dog boarding for when the movers come to avoid any stress it can cause. Seeing strangers taking away his furniture can be confusing for a pup who doesn’t understand what a move is all about. Overnight boarding usually runs from $25 to $45 a night.
Unfortunately, anxious or nervous dogs can leave messes, and these accidents can be a huge problem if you have carpet. So, if your pooch urinates due to stress while you’re getting everything packed up, you might call in the help of a cleaning service to ensure the floors look as good as new on your way out for the final time. Just remember that maid services in Grand Junction tend to run between $108 and $214, so budget accordingly.
When you get to your new home, take him around the home on a leash and let him sniff it out before you move in. Letting him explore the place will give him a good opportunity to learn his way around. Set his toys, bed, crate and other items in the area you plan to leave them, and make sure his food and water bowls are easily accessible. When you get him in his new home, try to make sure you stick to his old routine as much as possible or at least establish the new schedule right away. Dogs are creatures of habit, and routines comfort them.
No matter which home you buy, you and your pooch will fit in comfortably before long. He’ll be meeting new dog friends in the neighborhood before you know it.
About the Author:
Cindy is passionate about dogs and pets and loves sharing her thoughts and insights on being a responsible dog owner.
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