You are setting your sights on buying a new home, but concerns over whether it will accommodate the needs of your pet dog darkly loom over the whole process. Big time dog lover that you are, you want your pet to be super satisfied and content with your choice of new digs. But what exactly should you look for? Here are some tips yourrealtor and you should keep top of mind during open houses and property visits:
Size Up All Yards
While all dogs love to have a big backyard to roam and play in, some breeds can live without it, and others can’t. If your dog is of the kind that must have a yard, then look for a home with ample outdoor space – preferably with a fence. If the ideal property lacks a fence, you can always build one, but factor in a few thousand dollars for the land divider, especially if the yard is big. (Don’t forget to look for an outdoor faucet. You’ll want it to bathe your dog.)
Another thing to ask about is the home’s position relative to highly-trafficked roads. If you like letting your dog roam off leash when walking, picking a home that isn’t close to intensely trafficked roads is advisable.
Indoor Considerations
Normal, healthy dogs can live in the vast majority of indoor spaces, but if your dog is a destructive pup or an older dog with a penchant for chewing and the like, you’ll have to rule out certain homes. These include properties with a lot of carpeting, which gets spoiled when a difficult dog pees in random spots or is pried and ripped apart by the canine.
In turn, homes that feature a tiled or hardwood-lined home landing area that borders the yard make for a great space for the doghouse and other pet-related items. Look for this in the properties you visit. If you own a tall/large dog, low counter heights in the kitchen where food may be easily nipped by your furry friend would not be good to have in your new home.
Also think of your dog’s age and health state when considering buying a home with a lot of stairs and steps. These would be a struggle for an older orhandicapped dog so spare her the pain, and skip the homes with too many stairs and steps, particularly if she’s about to enter her golden years.
Helping Your Pet Dog Acclimate
Ok, so you’ve just closed on a home you love and are preparing to move in. What can you do to help your dog comfortably adjust to her new surroundings?
First, surround your dog with as many familiar pet items from the old home as possible. The scent of their favorite pillow, blanket, dog bed and toys will remind them of their old home and help calm them. At the same time, religiously stick to your walking and feeding routine so that your canine companion doesn’t feel hurt by a lapsed routine, which may equal a lapsed affection by her human loved ones in her mind.
Finally, once your dog has spent a few days at the new home, and is acquainted with every inch of the place, start being absent from the home at increasing increments of time so that your dog will gradually get used to being in the house by herself without freaking out.
A Final Thought
You wouldn’t think twice about picking a home without consulting your spouse and kids, but when it comes to your canine furry friend, her concrete opinion can fall on no human ears. So, in lieu of speaking Doggese, follow the tips above to help guide you in doing your best to provide a new, comfortable home for your much-loved family pet. While change can unsettle her for a while, enjoying new amenities such as a new yard and a new neighborhood is healthy for your dog. It is certain to widen her experience of the world.