Wednesday, July 29, 2009

What can I do with my dog while I move into an apartment?

I have a 9 month old black lab that my wife and I love. We may be moving from our home to an apartment in another state. We have our first baby coming in October and are worried that things may just be too hetic to have a young dog and a new baby in an apartment. We would rather not give him away, though. Any thoughts on what to do with him? Is there such thing as an apartment complex with a dog run?
Answers:
Hectic doesn't even begin to describe what you can expect and its just starting. It's a huge responsibility taking on a new family and a new pup. They're all going to need countless hours of attention and care. Medical bills and vets cost are not cheap and an emergency visit for any one of you can put a dent in any body's wallet. But if you happen to be one of the lucky few with financial resources that put you in a comfortable level of living I think that's great and I wish you all the best. I just hope you've looked at all the angles..cramped space, sleepless nights, and the mother to be willl need any extra time you have.
But, if you're in a position to provide for your family, emotionally, financially and all of the needs that come along with it. schooling for both little ones included you should be able to find what you need.
An apartment complex would be my LAST choice .

Now a days most town's have dog parks and some have doggie day care centers. But then again there may be a fee
I'd check with a realitor in that area to see if they have any listing for a place to rent in a quad-plex or duplex. Its a bit more privite, larger living space and a back yard of some sort.
I sure hope you find what you're looking for. It's tough having a pet and finding a place that fit's a pet owners needs.
Hmm. Not all apartments are pet-friendly, so you'd want to check with the landlord before agreeing to rent.
Also, most breeds adapt well to apartment living, provided they still receive plenty of exercise. Think about taking him to a fenced dog park. He can play with other dogs in a fenced area, and burn off some energy. To find a fenced dog park, go to dogfriendly.com and choose the state and area you'll be moving to.
Yes, some apartment complexes have a dog run. It's usually not somewhere you can just leave your dog though (not sure if that's what you're looking for) - you can take them there to play and run off steam. You'll just have to ask when looking at apartments. I lived in an apt complex that had one and the dogs loved it. We had my roommates 70 lb dog and 2 kittens in one apartment. It really wasn't too crazy.
You might want to check out dog parks in the area you are thinking of moving to and then try to locate an apt. near one.
alot of apartment complexes are pet friendly and may not have a specific dog run but have open areas for your dog to play. Usually there is about a $300-400 charge for having him though, but if you are that attached then I'd say go for it.
I really hope that you don't give your puppy away. This is why many dogs end up at the pound or in shelters, because of the new baby. You have to try it out before you can make decision. It would be good to have a dog there to watch over you baby. Many apartment complexes do allow dogs and cats. You can try even taking your puppy to petsmart they have a wonderful doggie day camp where they can play and interact with other dogs all day long. Please Please do not give your puppy away. When you make the decision to buy a puppy you have to think of all the factors that could happen. Like are we going to have a baby, are we going to move. A puppy is like a baby, and you would not give up your first child because you were having another one. Good Luck, and best wishes to your puppy.
Some apartments allow small animals and some allow any animal but most don't allow pets at all. You will have to look at the lease agreement and ask if you can have pets. Owning a pet is a lifetime responsibility. They aren't disposable when you decide you no longer want them or they suddenly become inconvenient for you to have. They live for about 15 years and you should have thought of that before you got the dog. You could also rent a house that allows pets.
I don't know where you are moving too but when my husband and I were looking at apartments there were several that had private dog parks as part of the amenities of the apartment complex, you pay a bit more in rent for that feature, but it is out there!
As far as what to do with him yea, he is pretty young but still if you start training him NOW on how to behave it should be just fine! Dogs are smart and can learn amazing skills, my dog knows not to walk infront of us or bump our arms if we have anything in our hands*, teach your pup something like that and life will be so much easier.
*to those out there who probably think this means we beat our dog, we don't. We TAUGHT her not to walk right infront of us when we are carrying things so we don't trip on her if we are holding a laundry basket or something else that keeps us from being able to see where we are going. Not bumping out arms if we are holding something is to keep her from getting hot coffee spilled on her head when she is begging for loves first thing in the morning
you can bring your puppy to a kennel. you will not be getting rid of him or anything, they will just hold him temporarily until you are finished with your apartment and are ready to go pick him up, just like daycare for children, except they can stay overnight. also check with the landlord, they may not even allow dogs there..
Some apartments are dog friendly (check with landlord regarding weight limits). Do you have a relative he could stay with for a while - you can go and visit.. check out the doggie "daycares" - you could drop him off to a facility few days week. Best of luck.

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