lbbs wrote:

We are considering renting to a couple with 50 lbs Lab -Dalmatian. They
say the dog is does not even know how to bark and is very tame. I a
concern that the dog will scratch up the vinyl tiles (are delicate) through
out the longs hallway, kitchen and dining room. If a part of the floor is
scratched up I basically have to re floor half of the upstairs, because I
can't find matching tiles anymore (bought 3 year ago). I am also
concern about the dog making too much noise, that could upset the basement
tenant. Anyone with experience with dogs & floors wear? I have never
had a dog, so I don't know what to expect. Any advise.

Do you know how old the dog is? A young, energetic puppy will cause
more wear on the flooring than an older, more sedate dog. Just based on
my experience (older, sedate 90 lb. dog) and that of a friend with a dog
who is highly active inside the house (young, 45 lb. dog), I'd say that
the vinyl floos have held up quite well. My floors are 3 years old, and
the floors in my friends' house are quite a bit older. I've scuffed the
vinyl more with being careless with furniture and formal shoes than my
dog ever has. Similar advice on potential noise problem. My quiet,
well behaved dog creates a whole lot less noise than my nephew, who is
19 months old. My friend's young, active dog is more noisy in the
house, because she runs around playing, and bumps into walls and
furniture.

I would suggest that you meet the dog, and verify the claim that he is
quiet and tame. Determine whether he acts as if he is well trained.
Check the references with their previous landlord, and maybe ask for a
refundable pet deposit if they're amenable to the idea.

Suja