How difficult is it for a dog to adjust to a new living environment?

Question

My dog is almost 4 years old and I've had her since she was 1. I just graduated from high school this past May and in August I'm moving to a much bigger city. The apartment I will have allows dogs, but now I have to decide whether or not I'm going to take her. I want to, but would it be hard on her?

She is, ultimately, my dog. I'm the one who bathes her, feeds her and walks her. My mother says that when I am out late, she will not go to sleep and waits by the door until I'm home. She is very attached to me and I to her. So, I would really like to take her.

Right now, I live in a rural area. She is an inside dog, but if she does get loose I am not afraid of her being hit by a car. I also do not know the rules about having a dog in the city. Where do you walk them? Dog parks? Or, like here, is anywhere fine? Is there a specific place that she will be allowed to do her "business"? The biggest city I've ever been to was Nashville, TN and I was 9 at the time...so, please excuse my ignorance.

I'm moving 15 hours from home and would really like to have a familiar face around (even if it is a dogs). So, how hard is moving to a different environment for dogs and how could I make it easier on her?

She is a beagle/basset...

"ulcrm"...I wouldn't be giving her up if I didn't take her. She would stay with my mother...

Answer 1

I think she'll do just fine as long as you make certain she gets plenty of exercise every day.
You'll certainly be able to walk your dog on most any street but some parks may prohibit dogs evan while on leash.Most places have dog parks as an alternative.Hopefully there'll be at least an open field close to your apartment for an off-leash romp.
Take your dog for a 30 minute brisk walk or better yet an off-leash play session before you leave her in the morning and she'll nap half the day away.If you can't get back within 4 hrs you'll need to make other arrangements for her to go potty if she has to and can't hold it.Hopefully she's paper trained.If not then start working on that.Go buy a cloth backed plastic table cloth and soak it in bleach water then let it dry.Put it cloth side down on the floor and cover it with newspaper.Place this in a small room and leave her with food and water.Give her no choice but to use the papers and sooner or later she'll have to go.Also give her a kong stuffed with peanut butter to keep her occupied while you're away and a treat ball as well as some chew toys that make several different sounds.They seem to hold my dogs attention longer than those that just squeak.
As soon as you come home take her for another half hour walk or brisk play session and again before bed.
She should be fine as long as you're spending as much quality time with her as possible.you might check into doggie daycare for her so she won't get lonely too.But at the first sign she's unhappy I'd send her home.You're young and have a new life to start and it's going to get really hectic.As much as you'll need a friendly,familiar face to come home too there's a big world out there you'll want to explore and mom won't be there to let the dog out while you do it.So if neighbors complain she's barking while you're away of she starts destroying things ship her home.
Check out the dog laws in the city you're moving to before you go.If she's not been micro-chipped have it done now.It'll be cheaper.Also once you get moved you'll need to check as to whether your dog need be registered with the city and county or just the county.Once you move her you'll need to find a good vet and that's not always the closest one to where you live.But you'll find alot of your questions about where you can take your dog answered there by other owners in the waiting room.

Answer 2

I personally have lived in a pretty moderate sized city all of my life. Your dog may at first be a little scared of the new apartment (with the strange scents and new routines and all), but probably after about a week or two it will start to get used to everything.

As for taking it out, it is always recommended to use a leash (I would recommend a retractable one) and if your apartment does not have a specific spot or area for your dog to do its business, just use a plastic bag and just use dispensable gloves to remove anything.

You can generally walk a dog anywhere (except inside buildings because generally businesses do not allow animals unless they are helping a person with a disability). But, a park would be a great idea (just be aware of other animals because they may or may not be as friendly as your dog).

That's all I can think of at the top of my head but feel free to ask further questions. I would say let your dog come with you to your new apartment since you two are attached to one another.

Answer 3

Each rescue dog is an individual, some take to the new home almost immediately and some take up to 3 months or more. With stairs, if she enjoys treats, use them SLOWLY. 3 days is not enough time, such a progression should take a week at least. Right now she should be eating some treats and that's it. Start off putting them on the first few steps (within nose range to her). Once she comfortably eats off those first few, place the treats higher up, encourage her to step up to get those treats. Progress, slowly, from there. She's in an entirely new situation. Let her become comfortable in the atmosphere she prefers for now. Then after a week or so she should start exploring on her own.

Answer 4

Dogs are resilient. She'll adjust just fine. They only want to be with the people that love them. Maybe you could leave her at home for a little while, so you can set up, find parks, a vet and get things settled at your new home. That would take some of the stress out of moving for the both of you.

Answer 5

If you can, take her to the apartment a few times before you move in. Find a vet in your new city and ask him/her some of the questions you had. Most cities have dog parks for your dog to play in. When you take her out for walks, keep a plastic baggie with you to pick up any poo. Most cities have ordinances against leaving your dog's waste on the sidewalk or in someone's yard.

Since she is, ultimately, your dog, she will be happy wherever you take her as long as she's with you. Make sure to take her out to the country once in awhile and take her with you to your parents' when you visit. I'm sure she'll be fine.

Answer 6

For teh most part it isn't much different then you.
Yo may want to keep her confined until seh gets used to teh new place ( that is if you aren't home) also will help with her being potty trained to teh new home.
Just consistently let her know evrything is ok.
Check around in teh areea you will be moving and ask teh questions about where to walk etc.
You may want to go ahead and seek out a vet in the area and if possible once you do find out about walking take her for a car ride and a walk there.

Answer 7

I think being apart from you will be much harder on your little one than a new place. She loves you and will miss YOU more than her old place. Find a new park together, explore the city together. Oh, but always clean up after her. That is the biggest thing to remember. You can pick up the little pooper scooper bags in any pet store. I think you will both be happier together.

Answer 8

Your pet will easily adjust as long as you're with her.I would suggest asking the apartment manager about where the pet is suppose to be took to potty,as special places are set up for this .

Answer 9

It depends on the dog. She will probably adjust just fine but she might hate it and take forever to adapt.

Answer 10

Dogs take time to adapt to different environments. Make sure you pay good attention to her. She needs your love and care. Give her favorite snack if you have to! I'm sure she will adapt to her new life. Good luck!