have you ever moved a dog?

Adelfa

I have, but it was 25 years ago, and I was a SAHM then.

I'm starting to worry about Baby! I had made plans that allowed adjustment time, but then my new work changed my start date. I will be moving in Saturday (the 7th) and starting the following Monday.

For weeks I told myself everything would be fine but now I'm wondering! I think I will hold off on hiring the dogwalker and come home mid-day to walk him, just at first. I need to check and see if work has me scheduled through lunch, which they very well might.

Baby used to be a show dog, and I'm told he did fine then and would happily allow himself to be left in the hotel room while the handlers caroused.

Any suggestions? Thank you so much!

12 years ago

Off Topic

12 replies

Latest reply was from Adelfa

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Our doggies have lived in three countries and stayed in countless hotel rooms. Doggies adapt very quickly and get used to a new home fast - which is the opposite of cats I believe. Our doggies also travelled very well in the car - not all doggies do though, so you might need to ask the Vet about car sickness remedies.

Our dogs did not travel well in planes - and we vowed we would never do that to them again, which we didn't.

I suspect that your Baby is going to do smashingly well. And good idea to nip in at lunch time for a while just so that you can reassure him. xo

12 years ago

Adelfa

Veteran

Thanks Angie. Luckily Baby has no history of carsickness. And what with moving from a house with a yard to an apartment, he is about to get more walks per day than he ever imagined!

12 years ago

Classically Casual

Veteran

Maybe also be proactive & ask Baby's current vet for a recommendation for someone in LA? I know LA is a big city, but it wouldn't be fun to start from the beginning if it was urgent. Also get him some new toys to surprise him with in his new digs when you leave him. (I know you have endless time to do all this!!)

12 years ago

dator

Active Member

After living in the same house for 22 yrs my dh took a new job in another city,it was a hard transition for me...but my 13 yr old Bella took the move in stride! I think as long as Baby has familiar things around that have your scent like furniture or rugs etc. the transition will be smooth, also always leave the TV on for her when I leave.

12 years ago

Lyn D.

Veteran

I think he will be fine, and will LOVE the extra Walkies too!

12 years ago

Lucy

Veteran

I think dogs see "home" as wherever you are, not the home itself. My beautiful girls are fine anywhere, as Angie said dogs are adaptive.
For the first day in your new apartment, I wonder if it would be useful to leave your baby with an old item that smells like you, as a comfort? An old worn tshirt or something, just a little reminder that all is well?

Good luck with the move!

12 years ago

Anonymous

We moved our first dog 7 times and he did fine. He had to stay with DMIL for a few months while we were waiting to get into our house and were half way across the country.

12 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

When we moved, my dad gave his old pillow to the dog. The dog spent all day lying on the pillow when my dad wasn't home, but he was good and didn't do anything too crazy I guess it's the nice comfy smell.

12 years ago

Adelfa

Veteran

Since my dog lies on my bed when I'm gone (never when I'm there), lots of delicious smells will be available to him!

12 years ago

froggiebecky

Veteran

I've never moved a dog, but I moved a cat dozens of times. She did well on planes, in cars, and even staying for the night in other people's homes. While she was unusual, I think a lot of dogs (and, some cats) see home differently: it's not the walls, it's their family. You'll be there, so she won't care too much where she is. There's some great suggestions here--my cat particularly liked the familiar things/smells thing. I'd always leave an unwashed pillowcase around for her when we moved.

12 years ago

VernieJane

Active Member

I am a firm believer that communication with the dog is key. Explain to him what is happening, even if it seems silly. Also, make sure he has "his space" in the new place, full of things that make him feel comfy and that smell like you and like home. He will adapt very quickly I'm sure. I think your idea about holding off on the dog walker, while I understand your logic, may work against you. I think he may adapt more quickly if everything goes into the new routine right away. If you wait and baby him at first, then he might not be happy when it changes.

I'm sure it will be fine! Good luck!

12 years ago

Adelfa

Veteran

VJ, I had an aunt named Verna Jane! Interesting idea about the dog walker. I will redouble my efforts to find one on time.

12 years ago

Category