Outdoor Time with Your Dog
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When I moved into my home, I was told that I could have a dog. Now, after two years, I’ve been told that he can't play on the property or sleep in the sun on the porch. All he can do is make a quick trip out to do his business and come back inside. He also can no longer visit people in the complex, something he and they like very much. I do take him to a dog park and I invite his human friends to visit. I leave my windows open as much as possible and try to encourage him to sleep in sunny spots inside. He and I play together with his toys as much as he wants. I am retired and have a lot of time for him. I take him to pet-friendly pet stores to keep him socialized. I want him to be healthy, but with all the new rules, I’ve become stressed―and he seems to be, too. I feel like I’m trying to enjoy my dog under a microscope.
- Jean
Your predicament is typical for dog owners in most urban settings, Jean. Your landlord is probably worried about the legal liabilities caused by your dog running loose on the property. He may be concerned that another dog owner, whose dog is not as friendly as yours, will also allow his or her pet to run loose.
I know you feel limited by your landlord's new rules, but you are already doing all of the things you need to do in order to give your dog a great quality of life. He gets exercise and has healthy contact with other creatures, and he certainly thrives on all of the attention you give to him.
Keep up the good partnership you have with your dog and be careful to follow the rules, since your landlord has the authority to take away the privilege of having a dog at all.