How to help my Doodle adjust to the moving/new home?

[Margot]

Hi all: it's a busy month for Jennings as we are moving, and not all at once. Some things have already gone to storage, we will have movers come next week to take the rest of our things and will re-deliver on September 2nd. Between now and then, we will be at a hotel and/or friend's homes.... none of this is "ideal" for keeping to a routine. On September 1, I was thinking we would just go with clothes (mine!), toys and food to our new place to give Jennings a chance to "sniff out" his new place 24 hours before the movers arrive.

Does anyone have any tips for making this stressful time easier for my 17 month old doodle?

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

Yes be sure to keep things out for him like favorite bed if he has one, or crate, toys..blanket etc some things that remind him of home, Food dishes and try not to switch his times for feeding or going out. If you keep things that are comforting to him he should do fine moving. If you have the chance, hide bits of dog food throughout the new house and the backyard before you let your dog explore his new home. Your dog will be curious about the new surroundings. Making the new home a rewarding experience will help insure that the dog’s first experience after moving to a new house is a positive one. Also if you use to have a fenced yard and no longer do, he needs to learn to go on the leash, this could be challenging if he is not use to it, if he is gaining his freedom of having a yard to play in need to puppy proof it. Be certain there are not things around that could harm him (loose nails, glass etc), and the fencing is secure that he won't get out. I never knew how stressful it can be for a dog to move, especially an older dog that was abused. Turns out that Holly ( my 2nd Rottie) suffered her heart attack because of us moving, and the type house we moved into was similar to where she was born and abused, which I didn't know till it was to late. Best of luck with your move and hope Jennings adjust quickly.

[Margot]

Poor Holly! :(

What a great idea about hiding snacks/food around the house/yard; I think Jennings will like that, and it will keep him busy. In the move, he is actually "gaining a yard" (he is currently a city dog) as we are going to a 2-family in the 'burbs (where the other half of the house has a dog). I think the first day or so will be stressful, but am hoping for the best. Many thanks, and have a nice weekend!