I'm just looking for personal experiences as I consider a potential job opportunity in Tokyo. I lived in Japan for 3 years, **I'm very aware of the complicated process/paperwork, associated costs, housing complications, etc.*\*
I have a 70lb husky mix. I currently live in a 65sqm 1 BR in a larger east coast city. My dog is used to city life, small living quarters, etc. He's very easy-going and adapts incredibly well to new situations. He's a trained service dog, though due to Japan law he would not qualify over there. However, I am of course still concerned about the adjustment period and his quality of life. He enjoys lots of off-leash time in friends' yards and makeshift dog parks like our local baseball field which obviously would be a huge no-no in Tokyo. I have my eye on rentals near Komazawa Olympic Park to make sure we have easy access to an off leash space.
Here are my top questions –
– How do you make sure your large dog beats the heat, gets enough exercise/stimulation, etc. in the summer?
– Were you able to find dog walking/day care/boarding services relatively easily?
– How did you find adjusting to cultural norms? For example, I know you have to rinse off your dog's pee on buildings, etc. Did you experience other surprising norms?
– Do you drive? If so, has it opened up opportunities for your pup?
– How did your dog adjust? Did it take awhile? What was the hardest thing for them to overcome?
Anything else that surprised you either pleasantly or no?
Thank you!
by -sylveon