We're moving to a new house soon and I'm a little concerned about one of my dogs. We have two cats, two dogs and the cats and the older dog should be fine as they've moved a few times in their lives, but the youngest dog, a 3 year old Boxer/Shepherd mix, Lucy, has only known our current house (we got her as a tiny puppy). She's pretty territorial and being out of of her house and yard make her very nervous.
Anyone have any tips on how to help Lucy through the move?
2007-06-15 05:12:28 · 9 answers · asked by Kimberly K 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Oh, she will probably adjust just fine! After a few days, she will start to understand that this is just another new territory that belongs to her.
Put her toys and favorite blankets/pillows in a box you can get to easily enough and unpack them first off for her. Put them in a quiet room and just shut her in while you unload most of your stuff. Check on her regularly and keep her busy with treats.
Does she have a KONG? It's this cool hard-rubber toy that you can stuff with treats and peanut butter. It's keep her occupied for some time, especially if you stuff it with peanut butter and freeze it before you give it to her. You can find one at most pet stores.
Good luck and congratulations on the new home!
2007-06-15 05:19:12 · answer #1 · answered by ? 3 · 14⤊ 1⤋
I just moved from Maine to Kansas a few months ago with 3 cats, 2 dogs (big), 2 rabbits and 3 fish. I had help...there were 4 people total in 2 vehicles, but I had a lot of 'stuff' packed in too. The 3 cats each had their own carrier and were not sedated at all. There are some natural calmatives though if you want to try them...Feliway is supposed to work well. All 3 cats talked quite a bit off and on but were all just fine each night when we stopped and at the end when we got to our final destination. The dogs also were fine...they slept most of the way. I totally understand your stress!! I was more stressed about the animals than about moving everything I own and driving 1800 miles. I worried and planned for months, but the entire move went wonderfully and all of the animals are happy and healthy in their new home!! Good luck...I'm sure all will work out...
2016-05-21 02:05:17 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My dog and I have moved several times, and I have found that it really helps if you let them watch you pack and load the truck. My dog knows what packing means, whether it's for vacation or to move, and he just wants to make sure he gets to go too! It will help to make her things the last things you pack, and the first things you unpack.
If your new place is not too far away, take her with you to check it out while it's still empty. Maybe take her for a walk around the neighborhood, or give her a nice long-lasting treat to eat inside when you get there. Also, if you are making multiple trips with a pickup truck instead of renting a U-Haul or something, let her watch you load boxes in the truck, then take her with you and let her watch you unload them in the new house.
The last time we moved, my dog watched everything, but my husband's dog was left at his work until we were done (he had to work that morning and thought it would be better to have him out of the way. My dog watched half the packing, then went with me to the new house and watched all the unpacking. My husband's dog left the old house in the morning with all the stuff in it, then came home to the new house in the afternoon with all the stuff in it. My dog was fine, actually excited (our new house is much larger than our old house was!) My husband's dog was freaked out and took like a week to get used to the place.
So anyway, I hope this helps, but if not, don't worry, she'll get used to it after a week or so and be just fine!
2007-06-15 05:37:14 · answer #3 · answered by Firekeeper 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
If at all possible take her to the new house as often as soon as you can before you actually move in so she gets aware of the smell. You might also want to move the belongings and other animals a day or 2 (if possible) ahead of time while staying at the old house with the younger dog so the others have a chance to get their smell in and around there. That will make her more comfortable as she goes about the new home and explores. Good luck:>)
2007-06-15 05:20:01 · answer #4 · answered by sun_and_moon_1973 5 · 5⤊ 0⤋
When moving day arrives, the key words for your pets are safety and stress-free. If you’re moving by car, make sure you invest in safe, sturdy and comfortable travel equipment for Fido, Felix and Tweety. For dogs, this may mean a crate, a carrier or a seatbelt restraint. For cats, a proper travel box or carrier. For birds, their cage. If possible, include some of their favourite toys or familiar-smelling bedding or items of clothing. If your pet suffers from anxiety or motion sickness in a car, talk to your vet about medications or other alternatives. And don’t forget: plenty of treats and words of encouragement!
2016-02-19 16:15:34 · answer #5 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Move your stuff to the new house first, then move the animals. Once they smell your stuff, furniture/bed in the new house, they'll know this is home. Of course you need to have their food dishes set up and ready, when you show them their food throw in a few of their favorite treats. Dogs are ruled by their nose and stomache.
2007-06-15 05:43:15 · answer #6 · answered by Diane 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
She should be fine just give her some time to adjust...I thought cats were always alot harder to move mine certainly were but it just takes time. Give Lucy alot of love in your free time not that you will have much with unpacking. Good luck moving.
2007-06-15 05:29:24 · answer #7 · answered by Teresa V 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You should never let your cat or dog run free in the car. Your canine may jump in the car and stick its head out the window, making it susceptible to airborne debris. Cats can crawl all over the car–your feline’s curiosity could take it under seats and onto dashboards, making it dangerous for the driver.
2016-02-02 20:49:49 · answer #8 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If lucy is comfortable in her kennel make sure she has access to it at all times.. Otherwise if she has a favorite blanket or pillow make sure that is available for her
2007-06-15 05:20:54 · answer #9 · answered by km2005 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋