We're moving!

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

Hi all,
It's been awhile since I've been on... Life's been so hectic lately! We are moving soon and also preparing for the arrival of our baby! I know it's a lot to take on at once and I am trying to take it one step at a time and not stress.
People have been coming over to fix, renovate, and work on our current house. Bens been pretty stressed throughout the whole process. He barks at everyone! We take him outside, and he's ok if he sees us talking with them but once inside will bark at them if they walk by! Hello Ben you JUST met them! Of course Zoe is a peach and just wants to play with everyone!
I started writing this because I was concerned for Ben and his stress level once we move. Does anyone have experiences with moving and how to make your dog more comfortable with the chaos and the new house? I feel bad because our new yard with be less than half the size as our current yard. And then the baby comes so that might cause Ben more stress.
I'm sure we will all adjust fine but my dogs mean the world to me so any suggestions to make this transition smoother is really appreciated :)

Thanks DK! Xo

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

We have moved numerous times with dogs. The best you can do is, while introducing to his new environment, have his toys, his bed...anything with His scent on it, ready at the new place. Even a few of your teeshirts, or any clothing of yours....as long as it has your scent on it, to comfort him.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

We were traveling in our RV the first year of Murphy's life, with short stays at different houses in between. Sometimes he would go to bed and wake up in a whole new state. He adapted to every new enviriorment as tho he'd been there his whole life. My breeder and I discussed this constant change before we got Murphy and her words of wisdom were " He will be happy where ever he is as long as he's with you. That's all he will care about". She was very correct.

Having said that, He was with us 24/7 of course during this time, and when there were circumstances where we had to leave him, even for a few hours, he had seperation anxiety for a time. He's outgrown it, but we got Bella by the time he was 18 months old, so it maybe that having 2 solved it for him.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

No advice, but congratulations on the baby and good luck on the move.

[Camilla and Darwin]

In my experience (we've moved 4 times since bringing Darwin home.) The most important thing is to keep as constant a routine as you can. We made an effort to continue our exercise, feeding, and sleeping schedule during the transition. We also made sure he had his "safe space" during the process, with the crate being the last thing we packed and the first thing we unpacked. There was always a transition phase when we moved, although he is pretty laid back and didn't show any severe signs of stress. We did training sessions, and did a lot of positive association exploring with the new areas around where we lived. I can imagine that it is going to be tough for him in the next little while with so many changes, but if you keep things as routine and constant as possible I'm sure he will be able to handle it!

Good luck!

[Jen, Buddy, & Kevin]

Congrats on the new baby and the new house! We've moved 4 times since Buddy came home 9 years ago and there are a few things we always do:

- while the movers are loading the old place and unloading into the new place, we keep Buddy in a bathroom with the door closed. And if we feel it's necessary, we put a sign on the door saying, "do not open, dog inside".

- I always have a box or two set aside while I'm packing to pack things we'll need on the first night, like a set of sheets/all bedding to be able to make the bed, really basic kitchen stuff, wine glasses and an opener for toasting, towels and basic shower stuff, DVDs or games/deck of cards since cable usually isn't hooked up, and anything else that I think we'll need in the first day or two. I write in big letters "first night" but not which room it should go in and the movers always ask where to put it.

- now that we have amazon prime, I have an order sent that includes toilet paper, toothpaste, laundry supplies, dish soap, etc, so we don't have worry about those supplies and which box they may be in.

- and then of course the dog stuff - blankets, towels, toys, bowls - gets packed in a well marked box. We've found that the familiar scents make the biggest difference when it comes to adjusting to the new environment.

Hope that helps!

[Stella]

On the day that was supposed to be my moving day I booked the boys into daycare for the day. That way I didn't have to worry about them getting out and getting lost amongst all the confusion. Because of a mess up by the mortgage company, I couldn't actually get into my new place until the next day, so the poor dogs spent most of the day shut in the car for the same reasons. I agree with the other posts, set up his crate/ bed/ blankets as soon as you can and try to stick to your usual routine as much as possible.

[Emily, Bentley, & Maserati]

Congrats on the exciting changes in your life! 

We've moved from Ohio to Pennsylvania then to Alaska with two dogs. Then we moved from Alaska to Oregon with 3! I'd say we've moved quite a bit with our pack! :) As Camilla said consistency is the key. Even though our routines were upside down we did everything to keep their routine the same. We made sure they had their favorite toys with them and even when our belongings were packed they still had their essentials. The crate stayed as Bentley especially would be lost without it. Once we arrived at our new house the dog things were the first to be unpacked and situated. During the unpacking process we made sure to dispose of the packing materials as soon as we finished items as those items made them wary of what was going on. We always make sure to scope out dog friendly areas so that the dogs get proper exercise even though unpacking can be a big commitment they always feel better when their not stressed from not getting any exercise. 

We always pack their special blankets and toys "dirty" so they have familiar scents on them. Once they settle in we then wash all of their stuff since the new house then has our scent in it. :) 

Good luck! 

[Miss Ellie]

Sorry no advice in the moving department...how exciting a new home and soon a beautiful new addition to your family...so very happy for you...everything will all work out and fall into place...I would just recommend keeping his normal routine at the new house and lots of attention & TLC...Good Luck with everything:)

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

Congratulations on the arrival of your baby and on your new home! Hoping things all settle smoothly for all!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Joanna,

I think everything will work out fine. It is going to be an adjustment for all of you, not just Ben. I think you will all do just fine  :)

Congratulations on the new home and BABY!