My fiance and I are will be moving to a new house in December (its still under construction) I am curious if anybody has any advice or helpfull tips on how to make the move easier on my Maggie. She was super timid when we first brought her home and now when we take her to other people's houses she doesn't like to walk around and wants to stay very close to us. She is crate trained but since I work straight night shifts she spends most nights in the bed. She will be the last thing moved on moving day as I don't want her to dart out an open door and I am hoping to take two weeks holidays to be at home with her. Any other advice?
Moving to a new house?
- Thread starter cdnrn26
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MisfitBrian
Forums Enthusiast
When we moved into our new house, I put Max in doggie day camp the day of the move. It kept him out of the way & when we brought him home, he was exhausted. We also brought him to the house while it was under construction so he could get used to it. Also, walk your pup around the new block so they get used to it.
When we've moved in the past, I usually put my dog in day care or a boarding kennel on the days we're dealing with movers. Too many open doors and unfamiliar people touching our stuff. It's easier on the dog and me. Our shortest move was about 400 miles and the longest was 1500, so it was a day away from home for the dog while the truck was packed and then a long road trip with new places to check out, french fries and a familiar bed at the end.
Toffee's Mom
Forums Sage
I agree, walking around with the dog first in the neighbourhood is a great idea. Take her around there often, I take Toffee every chance I get... He's a bit shy too, but coming along nicely. Plus you may want to get her into classes, etc, I found that boosts confidence a lot.
But really, Shelties don't care as long as you're there with them, once yer in the new house... as long as Toffee can sleep with me, he is fine. When I had a flood, I had to stay with a friend overnight unexpectedly, he was dealing with everything just fine!
But really, Shelties don't care as long as you're there with them, once yer in the new house... as long as Toffee can sleep with me, he is fine. When I had a flood, I had to stay with a friend overnight unexpectedly, he was dealing with everything just fine!
PitterPatter
Forums Enthusiast
Make sure and replace your i.d. tags the morning of the move. Have your NEW address and a cell number. That way if Maggie gets lost in the neighborhood, they will know where she lives. Also if your pup is chipped, make sure and update the info. And if your phone number is changing, notify your vet.
Since you say Maggie is timid, I would treat her like a new dog when she goes outside. Not let her out of my sight and always on leash if not fenced. She will need to get used to the new house for a few weeks, before she will be comfortable that it's her home.
Since you say Maggie is timid, I would treat her like a new dog when she goes outside. Not let her out of my sight and always on leash if not fenced. She will need to get used to the new house for a few weeks, before she will be comfortable that it's her home.
BarbV
Forums Celebrity
I agree with removing the dog from the house all together. The move is stressful enough for you without having to worry about the dog.
When I moved in May, I shipped the boys off to my housekeepers for the day. She brought them back later that evening once the basics (e.g. beds) were set up.
By that time, we were all exhausted and just crashed.
It took a few days for all of us to get settled. Where do I put the dog beds, the dog dishes? Think ahead on this and don't move things around more than necessary in the beginning.
When you do bring them into the new home for the first time, try to make things as regular as possible. Feed and walk them at the normal times.
Once in the house, you are going to be doing alot of banging and shuffling things around - hanging pictures, rearranging furniture. Try to keep the dogs outside while you're fussing with this stuff. If ANYTHING stressed my dogs, it was me with the drill and the hammer. To this day, they both flinch at any loud bang.
But most of all, keep your own stress under control. If you are stressed, they will feel it.
Good luck!
When I moved in May, I shipped the boys off to my housekeepers for the day. She brought them back later that evening once the basics (e.g. beds) were set up.
By that time, we were all exhausted and just crashed.
It took a few days for all of us to get settled. Where do I put the dog beds, the dog dishes? Think ahead on this and don't move things around more than necessary in the beginning.
When you do bring them into the new home for the first time, try to make things as regular as possible. Feed and walk them at the normal times.
Once in the house, you are going to be doing alot of banging and shuffling things around - hanging pictures, rearranging furniture. Try to keep the dogs outside while you're fussing with this stuff. If ANYTHING stressed my dogs, it was me with the drill and the hammer. To this day, they both flinch at any loud bang.
But most of all, keep your own stress under control. If you are stressed, they will feel it.
Good luck!
I would also like to add, when you get her in the new house, you may one to go slowly with introducing her to the entire house. Because the new house doesn't smell or look like *their* house, they could go back in their potty training. It doesn't take nearly as long to get them used to a new house as a puppy, but take it slowly. Her first room should be filled with as much of *her* stuff as possible. Escort her all over the entire house as many times as possible, but don't let her have free acess.
Thanks for all the advice... Year ago (I was still in highschool) when we had our first Sheltie we moved to a new house... Each time we left the house to go out the dog would jump in the car and refuse to get out... Its like she was saying "nice house but I'm coming with you!!!" We have bought a townhouse which in phase 3 of a 14 stage townhouse development and there is still 3 years of building to go. We picked a corner unit with the biggest patch of grass we could fine and I believe the front yards are fenced (but will still use a leash)... She will for sure be the last thing we move on moving day and only after all the people have gone for the day so its just my fiance and I with her. We have tons of Ikea furniture that needs to be built but she will be going to grandma's house that day... This board is great, its nice to get advice from other Sheltie owners.