Finding a new home is fraught with tough decisions. Do you want a two-story home? ‘How important is the neighborhood? Will a home be suited to your life plans?’ These are just a few of the questions you’ll need to consider.
Most considerations inherent to finding your home of the future
revolve around you, your partner, and your children, whether born or expected.
However, dog owners should also be aware of how a home’s features will impact
their pet’s life. While it is not always possible to find a house that suits
both human and canine needs, there is no harm in attempting to find one that
does. Moving can be stressful, even for a pet, so be sure to prepare them as much as possible before the
big day.
Yard, Yard, Yard. Did We
Mention the Yard?
When it comes to definitive guides for dog-owning house hunters, one
cannot be taken seriously unless it stresses the importance of a home’s yard to
a dog’s spirit. Some dogs will remain primarily indoors while they are at home,
but as Pet’s Best points out, even indoor dogs need space to
stretch their legs and relieve themselves from time to time.
Dog parks are an invaluable asset to owners who relish granting
their companion the chance to socialize with other dogs, but life sometimes
prevents us from making the trip to the local recreational park. Many dogs also
find it far more difficult to go to the bathroom on hard surfaces such as
concrete or gravel, so having some form of yard – preferably a large,
fetch-ready one – at your home base is one of the most important dog-friendly
features.
The Neighborhood
Choosing a home is not a task which should be done flippantly.
Conducting a bit of in-person research, not only on the house itself but
surrounding neighbors as well, could be the difference between the home of your
future and a quick-flipper which you quickly regret.
We have a special treat for you today. Our friend Cindy, from ourdogfriends.org has agreed to write a blog for us! We hope you enjoy it and will check out the site.
A neighborhood occupied by several dog owners means that your
own dog will likely get a healthy dose of social interaction without having to
head to the aforementioned park to find its pals. It also means that you have a
sort of built-in familiarization tactic, as many neighbors find that their most
frequent interactions come when dog-walking.
On the flipside, countless stories document the lengths to which dog-hating
neighbors could go should they take issue with a dog’s barking or bathroom
habits. Without being alarmist, it cannot be emphasized enough that a dog owner
should actively seek a neighborhood filled with other dog owners, for both
their own and their puppy’s sake.
The Home Itself
The dimensions and interior features of a home are especially
important for those who own larger breeds. A home with a series of tight
hallways and rooms which fall on the smaller side should be prepared for
unintentional, dog-induced damage which is almost certain to occur over time.
While Vet Street lists some larger dog breeds that fare well in
small spaces, avoidance of cramping a large pooch in an overly cramped living
situation is preferable for most.
In addition, the choice of whether to go with a two-story or
one-story home should be viewed through a dog-centric lens. Most owners are
realistic enough to see when their beloved canine friend is reaching its
twilight years, and burdening the dog with frequent trips up and down the
staircase can be taxing on its joints and your conscience.
While dream homes should not necessarily be passed over due to
the presence of stairs alone, such a feature may serve as a deal-breaker when
it comes to choosing between two homes which you consider comparable.
Conclusion
Most dog lovers truly consider their own companion to be a
member of their family. When it comes to selecting a new home, every member of
the family should be considered, though it is understandable that human needs
may be prioritized before the dog’s. With that said, the features which are
conducive to a happy pup – a large yard, for one – tend to also be appealing to
humans. A yard your dog can play in is also a yard in which your children can
do the same. When it comes to informing your real estate agent of what you are
looking for, don’t forget to consider the pooch.
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