For all the dogs who've touched our hearts

How to help your dog with change - moving house part 1

Change can be fun but overwhelming – for our dogs too. What can you do to help your dog cope with change?

Moving house

It’s nine days until we move house. I’ve been sorting and packing non-stop for 3 weeks and keeping myself sane by dreaming of long walks, new training sheds and brightly coloured cushions (I love colour!)

My busyness and some hot Australian weather have disrupted the dogs’ routine and I’ve noticed that Merlin is barking more than usual. I make a note to be more attentive to their needs.

I’m really looking forward to giving my dogs a wonderful life in our new place. I imagine long quiet walks, learning new things together and fun unfettered play without disturbing neighbours, but as enjoyable as it will be I have to be prepared for the change to be hard on them.

Variety’s the very spice of life
William Cowper

Change brings variety but can also be overwhelming. It’s always a balancing act and takes thought to get it right for our dogs too. Different breeds, ages, personality types, experiences all impact on their ability to deal with change.

"Help! Oscar's wrecking the doors!"

I read Kellie’s email feeling puzzled. Oscar’s a well-adjusted young Border Collie with a loving and considerate family, what happened to cause this? As I read more, I learn that the family has moved so their house can be renovated. Their temporary home is comfortable with a huge and amazing (seriously amazing!) garden, it's a great place for them all to live. Oscar loves frolicking in the garden and exploring the house, but when Kellie went out he panicked and attacked the door frames.

bite marks and scratches on door frames - how do help your dog with change - moving house part 1

Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts
Arnold Bennet

Change is hard work

Most dogs do best with a consistent routine, it helps them understand their lives and gives them a little control; that’s why they stare at you when it’s time for a walk or for dinner. When this is disturbed, it can make them anxious.

Change is hard work; it demands our attention and uses up energy. When we’re in the middle of change, even a happy one, it’s easy to overlook our fluffy pal.

As I pack boxes, with two dogs at my feet I think of Oscar and Kellie. I have plans for managing the change, but make a note to work carefully on separation. Neither Merlin nor Bonnie deal easily with change, they’re sensitive souls, and I know they’ll need a bit of extra special care.

I’ve ordered a dog appropriate flower remedy and stocked up on Adaptil, We have a couple of days grace with the new house to explore before we move in. There are fences to put up and a few acres of forest to explore… but that’s for the next blog.