Size Matters

[samoyedman]

http://smh.domain.com.au/real-estate-news/size-matters-for-a-great-dog-20130204-2du5f.html

We got a message the other day from a reader who has been given permission by her landlord to have a dog and the apartment block she's renting in has a pet-friendly policy. So far, so good.

But there are conditions, one of which is that any dogs have to be carried – or be capable of being carried – across common property.

Her problem is that she has a great Dane.

Now, before you go jumping to conclusions, a great Dane is regarded by many as a perfect apartment dog. They are docile, they don't bark every time someone walks past the door (are you listening Mr Jack Russell?) and they don't require much exercise – they get enough just walking around.

Advertisement So what do you do about this rule? The thing about most by-laws in most buildings is that they are observed almost as much in the breach as they are in enforcement.

Make sure your dog isn't a nuisance, take it in and out through your car park, if need be, and be especially nice to anyone you meet, just so they don't complain.

If you do get a notice to comply, stick a saddle on its back and get it to carry you.

But seriously, if you have a dog that may be larger than your bylaws strictly allow, be as considerate as you can with your neighbours.

Don't get in the lift with the dog if someone is already in it. If someone gets in when you are already there, reassure them that it's a gentle giant – and if it isn't, what the hell are you doing with it in an apartment block?

Respond to any complaints positively and immediately, and make sure the dog doesn't damage common property or make a mess or smell and you might get away with it.

If you are thinking of getting a dog go to this page on the forum for links that will give you good advice – and even suggest the perfect dog for you.

[minimax]

I read that this morning and thought it was interesting they were advocating breaking building bylaws... but being polite about it

[samoyedman]

Imagine carrying a 60kg great dane across common property.

[PuddleDuck]

We have the same thing in our building, when we bought we had 27kgs of doofus that was un-carriable so requested it of the executive committee and everyone was fine, the only stipulation was that he was leashed. We had no issues adding our toller girl as well.

I did go over and above with references, etc, and back then doof came to work with me, so he was only home if I was. That helped a lot. We were told the carrying by-law is one of several default by-laws in regard to pets, so it was just added when the by-laws were written. None of the owners cared about pets, but we aren't a strict building.

I take mine in the lift a fair bit, to get down to the car. It's hilarious, it confuses the hell out of them!

[Dame Aussie]

How bloody ridiculous. I just wouldn't ever live somewhere like that.

[seld]

We lived in an apartment in canberra for 3 months due to a work relocation with our dog who is about 45kilos. The strata people said that two smaller dogs were allowed, we argued in good humour that he looked like he had eaten two smaller dogs, and would they meet him before they decided. Due to him being too lazy to bark, too old to run about, and great with other dogs in the lift and common areas, it was all ok, and he had no problems letting the cleaners in everyday. People tend to be quite flexible if the demands are reasonable.