Mini schnauzer adapting to urban apartment living? (Photo inside!)

July 15, 2018 1:42 PM

My husband and I will likely move to the Bay Area/San Francisco later this year with our seven year old miniature schnauzer. (Obligatory photo.) What can we do to make this change in our lifestyle easier for him? What should we consider when we make this move? What kinds of things will need adjustment in such an environment?

We currently live in a single-family home with a backyard and an always-open doggy door in a pretty suburban area, where he’s lived all his life. We would move into a much smaller apartment in an urban area that may or may not have a patio. We'll both have full-time jobs. He’s sweet, rambunctious, cuddly, and still acts like a puppy in many ways. He’s pretty adaptable, but we want to make this as easy as possible for him.

posted by jroybal to Pets & Animals (2 answers total)

Well the good news is that there are more dogs than children in SF; it’s a very dog friendly city. You’ll probably want a dog walker for days when you’re at work. There are quite a few dog parks and off leash dog areas and lots of people who live in apartments seem to have no trouble having a dog. I live in a single family home with a yard so it’s pretty easy for me.
posted by otherwordlyglow at 5:13 PM on July 15, 2018

In order to make it as easy as possible, I'd consider starting to walk him on a leash for all potty and exercise, and close up the doggy door, as early as you can (a month or two before the move, minimum, would probably be ideal). As much as you can establish your new routine while in a familiar place, the less jarring the move will be.
posted by mosst at 9:44 AM on July 16, 2018