Our good friends asked us for some advice and I don't know what to say. Here is their situation:

They had a Golden Retriever for 12+ years and he passed away about 7-8 months ago and since then, they have really missed having a dog and it's practically all they think about...wanting another dog BUT, they rent a house, they don't own.

They worry because while it was never an issue with their previous dog, they knew that they are not in total control when they rent a house, 1 year at a time on the lease, when you have a dog that will live 12+ years.

Should they get another big dog even though they don't own a house? They are allowed to have dogs in their current house but they do worry since they could have to move out in a few years and what would they do if they couldn't find another house that would accept dogs?

They really want a big dog so what do you all think? What would YOU do if you were them?

Thanks in advance.

Personally, as someone who has rented with 2 45-60 lb. dogs it can be done. Really now wouldn't be a bad time to take one if the landlord oks it. They could get all the needed training done on the dog before the lease is up and get a letter from the old landlord if they did have to move saying the dog wasn't an issue. Plus a lot of places with let you if you put down a deposit and show you are responsible. My aunt just allowed one of her tenants to get a saint bernard pup. They worked out a deal and everyone is happy. If they are willing to put the effort in, they could make it work.

My mom just recently rented a condo where the owner said No Pets. When the owner found out that mom had a well groomed well behaved Golden Ret. she immediately changed her mind and said that mom could definitely keep the dog at the condo. It usually depends on how you approach the owners. I for one would not deny myself the pleasure of canine companionship today just because I might not find a dog friendly rental later. It can usually be worked out.
Terry

I agree; we rented a house where the landlord said, "NO PETS," but once he found out that our two Shepherds were obedience trained and Search and Rescue dogs, he completely changed his mind...and spoiled our dogs for their "hard work and service."

I guess a lot of landlords have been burned by people with dogs before. Take for example the house next to our's...

it's a rental house. They have an unneutered male bulldog that breaks through the fence, wanders, and digs two foot deep holes throughout the yard. It looks like a steroidal mole came through. I can understand, because of these people, why landlords won't allow dogs.

My landlord also said no pets, but I had just two dogs at the time. I brought them with me when I met him the first time and they had just had a long hike so they were nice and calm and mostly waited quietly in the car. I explained that I do behavioral evals and volunteer my time doing dog training at the local shelter, I'm doing a masters in biology (with behavior having a big component) and I'm also a future vet, so he could see I couldn't stand irresponsible pet owners. He had brand new carpet put in, so I went out to Wal Mart and bought 3 cheap $20 area rugs to put down in the areas the animals are. Even if they are house trained and not destructive, dogs do occasionally get sick and throw up or have an accident, so best to err on the side of caution.

Also, make sure they train the dog that unnecessary barking is not permitted. Even if they want an "alarm dog," they probably should wait until they own their own home and hopefully have a bit of acreage. My dogs all know that if someone comes to the door or pulls in the driveway, they can bark once or twice to get my (and their) attention, but I put them in a down stay to let them know their job is done and that I'm on it. Also, make sure that if there isn't an empty field or something nearby, clean up after the dog! Dog poop all over is not fun when the landlord has to come out to mow the grass. They also might not want to get a puppy for the new house. An adult dog from a shelter or a breeder who either is already housebroken or who can housebreak in 2 weeks or less with a crate is better than a pup who takes a year or more.

I say go for it. I just rented out my house to someone with a retired military GSD, and gave them a note that it was ok to get another dog. I figure - the security deposit will cover any damage.

There are horror stories though - my friend rented out her house to some lady with two toy poodles. After the lady moved out it was discovered she let the dogs pee and poop in one of the closets - REGULARLY. My friend had to remove the carpeting, cut out the wood underneith, etc. It was a nightmare. Talk about wanting to hunt the woman down and strangle her.

I have another friend whose GSD with separation anxiety chewed a huge hole in the garage door of the house they were renting. They told the landlord and promptly went out and replaced the garage door. Landlord was happy.

My tip for your friend is - if they like the house they're in now, get a long term lease. That way they know they'll have a place to rent with the dog(s) for a determined amount of time. Don't do a month to month. That's too unpredictable. Renegotiate the lease as soon as possible prior to the expiration of the lease term.

Roz.

p.s. Tell him don't balk at the pet deposit. That's a real turnoff to the potential landlord. I've had people wanting dogs, but not wanting to pay the pet deposit. HECK NO!! I see the pet deposit as a good will gesture that you'll be responsible with your pet.

I rent with four german shepherds. My lease said no indoor pets. I asked my landlords if I could have crates in the house and they said fine. I had two at the time. They met the dogs as well. Then when they had to come in the house one day after we had a tornado come through that blew the barn down they were amazed how cleaned I had kept the place with two big dogs. They took the pet clause out of the lease and said I could have the dogs inside. I try to steam clean the carpets every so often and if for some reason my dogs dig a hole I fill it in and plant new grass seed. My dogs broke a window one cold winter night and I paid to replace it. I even asked if I could get a horse and they said no problem. As long as your friend is responsible and shows it I don't see why they shouldn't get a new dog..

i rented for 20+ yrs with big dogs. i find the EXCUSE "we're moving and the new place doesn't allow dogs" the BIGGEST cop-out in the world.

i have ALWAYS been able to find decent housing for myself, my kids, and the dogs. if it takes a pet deposit, fine. just BE SURE to take "before" pics--these will hold up in court if you run into a landlord that would like you to pay for all repairs/wear & tear that aren't necessarily due to the dog(s).

as far as that goes, i always take "before" pics due to the fact that 99.9% of landlords will try to find a way to not return your deposit once you move. it's called CYA in my neck of the woods <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Ann,

Obviously you do not realize that 90% of dog owners are NOT the type that frequent this board.

I have rentals & to insinuate that 99.9% of landlords would like to keep your deposit is plain wrong!

I have had tenants that keep their place imaculate with pets in the house but 99.9% do not & that is fact.

We (landlords) just want tenants to leave it the same as when they moved in.

Sorry about the rant

Quote:as far as that goes, i always take "before" pics due to the fact that 99.9% of landlords will try to find a way to not return your deposit once you move. it's called CYA in my neck of the woods

This has been my experience as well. Looking for a place is a little easier now days, but on the other hand I see roberts point. Lovely to go look at a place, and have the fine fresh scent of dog pee eminating from the carpet. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> I always loved how when you ask them to clean the carpet, and take the smell away, how they always claimed that they had, even though it was obvious they hadn't. Most know that you are at their mercy with the shortage of places that do allow big dogs. I always loved the neighborhoods they were in.

Deposit??? Never saw one back no matter how perfect you left the place. In my experience, scumbags.