White's American Bulldogs: Preparing Your Dog For Moving Day

It doesn’t matter if you’re planning to move into a fantastic new house half way across the country or a new apartment across town, the transition will be hard on everyone involved. Oftentimes in the rush to get things done, people forget the transition will also be difficult for their four-legged friends.

Dogs are pretty resilient creatures. If they are given the right reassurances, a little patience and plenty of love, a move can be almost seamless. Still, even with the best preparations, dog owners can expect to see a few behaviors that might not be normal for their animal in the days leading up to a move or shortly thereafter. Remember, the packing phase can be pretty confusing for a dog, too.

Some unusual behaviors an owner might notice leading up to or following a move can include:
• Following. This might especially happen after the move. The dog will follow its owner more closely, almost to the point of distraction. As the dog becomes more comfortable with its new surroundings, this will likely pass.
• Barking. New homes come with new sounds, which can make dogs a little uncomfortable at first. They might bark a little more than normal as they are getting accustomed to their new homes. It’s also possible dogs that aren’t prone to crying will cry a little as they adjust to their new home.
• Marking territory. This is especially the case for male dogs. It is possible they might try mark out their place. Discourage this immediately.

There are a few things dog owners can do to help ease the transition and make the days leading up to the move and those shortly after it more comfortable for their pets. These include:
• Make certain a dog’s favorite toy, blanket or pillow is moved along with the dog. If they don’t have something that gives them comfort, try to find something prior to the move. Even a towel that smells like the old house can be quite helpful. When packing, be certain not to accidentally stow this item away.
• If the move is local, be certain the dog is transported with a family member. This can be very helpful, especially during the introduction to the new home.
• If a transport service is required, such as a plane, be certain to get the animal used to crating beforehand if it isn’t already. Also, don’t forget to put that favorite toy or blanket in the crate.
• Consult a vet if there are any special concerns, such as illness or past behavior problems. It’s possible sedatives might assist in the actual transport.
• Patience. Exercising this can be one of the best ways to help your pet get used to the new home. Uprooting is hard enough on humans who understand what’s going on, imagine being in a dog’s paws!

Moving to a new home can be stressful on everyone involved, including the family dog. A little bit of advanced planning can make the transition easier for everyone involved.

Article presented courtesy of: http://www.e-dog-training.com
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