Dogs are popular roommates. What you should pay attention to in an apartment so that the animal-human pack functions well.
Around 800,000 dogs live in one household with their masters in Austria
Best friend, emotional support or walking buddy: dogs as pets are more popular than ever. Before deciding on a four-legged friend as a roommate, there are a few questions to be answered: Do you have enough space for a dog, what does the landlord say about it and how should the apartment be furnished in a dog-friendly manner?
Dog trainer Conny Sporrer from Martin Rütter DOGS Vienna knows the answers. “The dog doesn't care about the size of the apartment,” she immediately clears up with a common mistake. “A dog will always seek to be close to its owner and therefore will not appreciate the freedom of movement in a large house more than in a 50 apartment – regardless of whether it is 40 kilos or only 8 kilos.”
What you should still take into account is the location of the apartment: So which floor it is on and whether there is an elevator. “If the dog is injured, sick or old, you may have to carry it – and the size and weight of the dog play a role,” says Sporrer.
Before moving in, you should definitely read the rental agreement. Dogs are not allowed in every apartment. Since 2010 landlords have no longer been allowed to prohibit keeping pets in principle through clauses in the rental agreement, but they can exclude certain species, such as dogs or individual breeds, such as attack dogs.
Anyone who keeps a dog without permission risks being dismissed. “I'm a fan of openness,” emphasizes the dog connoisseur. “It is better to agree in advance that a dog will move in before neighbors may complain about barking and then there are problems.” Her tip: If the dog is very well behaved, you should take it with you to visit. That makes a good impression.
Speaking of barking
The right education and a simple tip can help here. “Many dogs like to lie in the entrance area and take over the position of the doorman. If you move the berth, they no longer feel responsible and bark less. ”The place for the basket plays a central role anyway (see box), as does the feeding place. Here the expert recommends placing the bowl on a tiled floor or at least a good washable surface, because something can always go wrong.
Another critical area is the anteroom. Conny Sporrer: “Tiles in the entrance area and washable wallpaper are ideal against dirty paws after a long dog walk.”
New Roommate: Important Points and Common Issues
If you take a dog, you should provide him with a good and fixed place to lie. “The dog can and should come to rest here, which is why a corner seat is ideal,” says dog expert Conny Sporrer. Whether it is a basket, a blanket or the space on the sofa depends on the dog and the owner.
A frequent conflict is the question of whether the dog is allowed to go to bed. “From a pack perspective, sleeping together naturally makes sense,” says Sporrer. “But it can also be the basket next to the bed”.
It is important to take out insurance for the dog when you move in. Any damage, such as the neighbour's broken vase, can thus be covered.
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