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Finding Housing with a Dobe

2K views 13 replies 9 participants last post by  EnV 
#1 ·
Good evening, everyone. :) It's been a while since I've last posted on here, but I'm just about out of ideas, so I thought maybe I'd pick your brains.

I have a three-and-a-half-year-old dobe who's going to be trekking out to Omaha, Nebraska with me, and I'm running into dead end after dead end trying to find any housing that will allow him. Many real estate agents have mentioned that Omaha's not as pet-friendly as it seems..and I'm unfortunately discovering this is true.

Do any of you who've been in a similar position (or are familiar with the Omaha area) have any tips on how to find housing with a dobe? I'm trying to keep rent costs reasonable, as I do have a budget I'm trying to work within. Luckily Beau is content being in an apartment as he is in a house, so we're not particular about where we live, so long as we have a roof over our heads.

Beau's my partner for the long-haul, so moving without him is not an option. We'll find something that works. :)
 
#3 ·
Only suggestion I have is to look on Craigslist. There's a box you can check to specifically look for places that allow dogs. And in my experience it's easier if you look for a house that's privately being rented out vs an apartment because there aren't any set in stone policies. You can introduce yourself and your dog in your initial email to the landlord, which tends to make it a bit easier. Good luck with your search!
 
#4 ·
Perhaps a private rental is going to be the way to go. What's making things so problematic is we're currently in Tucson, Arizona. Trying to find housing clear across the country is one thing, but factoring in a dobe is another. I honestly didn't expect it to be this difficult. It's unfortunate they have such strict breed restrictions..dobes are such wonderful dogs and do surprisingly well in apartment dwellings. Beau doesn't even know he's a doberman either, he's nothing more than a 90lb bed-warmer. :)

I'll keep trying on Craigslist, as both of you suggested, and keep checking back on here to see if anyone's got an idea I haven't considered yet. :) I'm open to just about anything and everything at this point.
 
#6 ·
I've rented many of houses with dobermans throughout my life and this is what I have done.

I never even considered an apartment nor a rental agency.

I asked if dogs were allowed or only looked at places that advertised dogs.

I didn't offer up that my dog was/is a Doberman

If they figured it out then I would tell them it was training to be a rescue dog. Then enroll them into a nose work class, you never know.
Now a days I would get the CGC cert, then explain what it is.

I would offer more security deposit or monthly rent. But I always had non-destructive dobermans so I would ALWAYS try the security dep increase first.

Be sure to give references that know the dog and offer up contacting your vet, to assure there isn't a bite history. They tend to believe doctors:)

Are you sure you have a pure bred Doberman, or could it be possible mixed<w>.

I'm not saying to lie, I'm just saying you know your dog.

Private listings seem to be more open minded. If they accept large dogs, they usually aren't breed banning.

But you better have a well behaved dog.

Ohh, I also would look for "cabins". I could always find a once-used-for-get-aways only cabin/house that was now for rent. You might have to drive a little farther but I always found them to be more secluded, more dog friendly, and cheaper although with all the amenities.
Never had an issue finding a place.

Good luck!


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#7 · (Edited)
CalamitysHuckleberry: Thank you for your advice! I'll take into consideration what you said - you have a lot of good ideas.

I've thus far been gushing Beau up making him sound amazingly friendly and easy-going - which is entirely true, he is! Maybe avoiding saying he's a doberman is a good tactic. I know his personality inside and out, and I know he's as well-mannered and non-destructive as it gets. He is pure-bred, no mix in him. I considered claiming he was a mix, but he looks too much like a dobe to pass off as anything else. :)

I've considered CGC with him, but due to some of the physical demands, even for the handicapped dogs, I vouched to bypass them. He's missing the entire upper portion of the femur in his right leg - joint included - due to severe abuse as a small puppy. So anything up and down is quite trying on his joints. After doing some research on the CGC classes, I don't think that'd be the best route for Beau, even if it would potentially give us a leg-up in the housing area.

I'll definitely try the increase in security deposits and rent - I've even tried offering a "pet rent" in any of the ads I post or when chatting with home-owners. Cabins are a great idea, too, never thought of that!

Thanks for giving me a spark of hope after a rather long and frustrating day. :) I've got some things I can try putting to use and seeing if that gets us anywhere.
 
#8 ·
If apartments are an option, per the Humane Society's website "renting with pets" section, the only apartment rentals in the state of Nebraska that allow pets is Legacy Crossing, and it just so happens to be located in Omaha, NE. You may want to give them a call?

Here's the Humane Society link, and Legacy Crossing's link:

Finding Animal-Friendly Apartments : The Humane Society of the United States

http://www.legacycrossingnebraska.com/Apartments/module/property_info/property[id]/26185/

It doesn't specify a weight requirement for dogs. It does say there are breed restrictions, however. Generally, pitts are targeted, but any "dangerous (puke)" breed may be considered. It could be worth a shot though. You could always offer to let them meet your dog first.

Other than that, as others have mentioned, private rental is probably your best bet.

Good luck! I hope you find a good place! :)
 
#10 ·
Your post made me happy to read. The former owners of Hades gave him up bc they "couldn't find a place that would allow him" I think that's a load of bs. I would never even consider a place that wouldn't allow my dogs!

Anyway, what I've done in the past is deal with individual owners. Never rental agencies or property management places. They are much less accommodating than an individual owner. I would use a lot of the suggestions the CALAMITYSHUCKLEBERRY mentioned. Craigslist is how I've found most rentals from individual owners. I own a home now thank god!

I rented a condo once where they wouldn't allow pets but I met the owners and they really liked me. I expressed how beautiful their place was and how much I loved it. I talked about renting long term (beyond a year) etc. lastly I mentioned I had a dog (at this time I only had lil ole snoop). They were reluctant but liked me so much they were willing to consider it. I offered to pay a higher deposit and allow them to meet Snoop. They saw how well behaved he was and accepted me immediately.

You may not have to go that far but definitely appeal to them from the standpoint of what a great renter you'd be. I've been both a landlord and a renter and I never allowed pets in my own rental even though I'm a dog owner. You just never know how other people are!


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#11 ·
Kmbeach22: Thanks for the links! I'll take a look there and see if anything comes up. :) (And agreed with the (puke!) on the aggressive breeds!)

DobeAndBorderCollie: I'm glad you got some cheer from the post. :) Beau's a great boy and has earned a special place in my heart. Perhaps I'm a little more soft with him because he is special needs (and he milks it for all it's worth!), but he's worth fighting for. If we have to prolong our move a little longer, so be it. We'll find a roof for both of us to live under!

With so many recommendations of going through private owners, I think that's the route we're going to try taking. With us currently living 1,400 miles from where our target location is, it does make the house search a little more difficult. I think once we're out there, we'd have a more successful time with a meet-and-greet. Until then, we'll just keep our fingers and toes crossed and hope for the best.

I've spoken to several real estate agents who were very sympathetic of the situation being dog-owners themselves, and a few have kept in touch to see how the search is going.. so who knows, maybe some word of mouth will bring us some luck, too!

Once again, thank you all for the suggestions. Our search for a house has been quite a struggle, but hearing some success stories from fellow dobe owners is very encouraging and keeping me feeling positive something will come about. :)
 
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