Just double check that having a dog is okay before you sign any contracts and if possible get it written into it that a dog is allowed. You might be asked to have extra insurance for any damage your dog might cause to the property, but this is usually only a few francs extra a month on your personal liability insurance.

I will keep that in mind, we have checked already with the agents that our dog will be allowed and they all have said yes, but it sounds a good idea to get it in writing as well.

There is a thread on this forum about finding dog food...as I was also searching when we arrived.

Fresnapf, Qualipet seem to be the "big box" stores that are relatively easy to find in all areas. I personally like the selection better at Fresnapf (at least for food). And quite a few people do order online through zooplus.de or .ch (German site has better selection and prices but you have to keep orders ~<50chf to avoid the taxes/duties).

I would if you can. Have you told them it's a boxer that'll be coming to live with you? Sometimes small dogs are welcome, but not always the bigger breeds which is why you need to make absolutely certain that YOUR dog will be at the property. If you make it clear before any contract signing then they can't complain that they didn't know beforehand.

Verbal confirmation is not enough. You should get it in writing.

I would also strongly advise against being the only tenant in the building with a dog. You will be blamed for any dirt in the corridors (as if no one else could possibly have dirty shoes), and any dog poo outside the building which may not have been picked up, you will be blamed.

If the building is dog friendly, with other pet owners living there as well, you will be much better off.

Glad to know you've 'settled in' and got your dog here safely. Everything Meloncollie and Mrs D comment are right on. For us, we live in a 4 family building. I can't stress enough what the comments are….take your dog out as much as you can to socialize -- dog parks, on public transport, to stores, etc. I find the suisse love dogs and we can take ours anywhere if she behaves well and it is a privilege. So look forward to that. And we meet many people thru our dog. For home, try to introduce your dog to as many neighbors as you can to let them know it is ok. We found (none of our neighbors own dogs) they got to know our dog and ASK us if she can come visit or they can watch her if we go away for a weekend, etc. Especially if your boxer is good with children. Also, if you do end up getting employment and can't be with the dog in the day, neighbors may help out, or if you get a good cleaning person to ask them if they will do dog walks too. I have been researching the philosophy on 'how to have a good dog' because we will return home next year and the transition may be a bit dramatic for her. I agree with what I hear over and over - first, exercise (and plenty of it) getting the dog to know the environment, second, discipline (rules over here are stricter, but once your dog complies, it's great as you can take them anywhere), third, love. Let them know what they are doing is right, but don't indulge their fears immediately. It only reinforces them. Let us know how it goes!

our good friends have a french bulldog and we've been with them and their dog in plenty of public places. Must say the general attitude towards their pet has always been great not a single restaurant has complained they never had issues with the landlord and etc. However as with everything else in Switzerland they are rather pedantically strict about law and order. For instance they got fined on a local train journey as apparently the dog had to have some sort of ticket...

Imagine it Mind you, our landlords live upstairs and have 3 dogs of their own. And the ship's dog gets to do quite a lot of fun things

Sorry not been back to this thread for a little while. We now have an apartment in Rotkreuz and although not ideal, it will give us a start and we can look for something else next year with more outside space.