The Top Tips For House-Hunting Dog Owners
By Cindy Aldridge
Image courtesy of Pixabay
It’s important to find the right home for your whole family, and for dog owners that means considering Fidos needs, too. When it comes to looking for the perfect house, take these tips into account for a successful home search.
Finding the best home
Search for the right realtor. Some realtors are particularly in tune to pet owners’ needs. Experts cited by Vetstreet suggest asking prospective real estate agents pertinent questions. Find out how familiar the agent is with area regulations, guidelines of homeowners associations and condominium requirements. Ask if you should expect any changes in ordinances and if the agent is familiar with local amenities such as dog parks.
List your requirements. Decide what will make you and your dog comfortable and think about future needs. Consider what can change as your dog ages, such as the ability to manage stairs or slippery surfaces. If your dog is too heavy for you to assist now, will an upstairs space still be appropriate in a few years? Think about proximity to your workplace. Do you plan to get home at lunch for potty breaks? Is your commute going to be so long that a morning to evening stretch will require hiring a dog walker? Some pet-friendly communities have dog walkers on staff and dog parks of their own. Also, consider the home’s flooring. According to some experts, carpeting is difficult for pet ownership. It traps allergens, can grab toenails and can be hard to clean.
Recognize possibilities. When evaluating houses, look for their potential. Flooring can be replaced and fences can be added. Don’t pass up a good deal without contemplating ways to make the house work for you. A mudroom might offer a place to hose off our pooch, and empty corners could be quiet retreats for a dog crate or bed.
Look for problems. It’s important to be aware of potential problems when evaluating homes. A pond or pool can be a plus, but you may need to add fencing to keep your dog safe from drowning. Busy streets can be a concern, even if your yard is fenced or you walk your dog on a leash. Dogs can slip out when you aren’t expecting it, and accidents can happen. Some experts also recommend checking for lead paint, which can be a tasty but poisonous
temptation for dogs.
Getting settled
Routine. It’s important to help your dog get acclimated to your new home. The Bark suggests one of the most important things to do is to carry as much of your old routines into the new dwelling as possible. If you and your dog normally start the day with a potty trip, breakfast, and a few minutes of snuggling, try to maintain the routine. Keeping schedules as similar as possible will help your dog feel secure.
Familiar items. You might like brand new items to go into your new home, but keeping your dog’s usual bed, toys, and bowls will provide a sense of security. Allow Fido the oldies but goodies, and replace them over time. Barkbusters recommends putting items in places where your dog would expect to find them. For instance, if Fido’s bed is normally close to your couch, put it near the couch. If a water bowl is normally beside the refrigerator, be consistent and place a bowl next to the fridge.
Attention. In the course of moving there is a lot to do. Make sure you don’t get so wrapped up in packing, unpacking and other arrangements that your dog doesn’t get sufficient attention. Making your dog feel left out can create anxiety. Be comforting and spend time with your pooch.
Successful house-hunting. When purchasing a new home, you want ensure it’s a great match for your whole family, including Fido. Find the right home with the help of a good professional, make sure it meets your needs, and help your dog get acclimated to the new surroundings. With these tips, your house will be home sweet home for your whole family.
Cindy is a freelance writer and dog lover. She started Ourdogfriends.org as a fun side project for herself and to educate pet owners and potential pet owners about how dogs can enrich our lives. She enjoys writing about dogs and pet ownership.