[NiksLotto]

We are moving this week, not far, but regardless, into a new place.

What can I expect from the puppy? Will we have to housebreak him all over again? He just got to the point where he'll run to the door when he has to go...

Is there anything we can do to ease the transition? He's already been to the new place a few times and was fine, but for the actual move...do we need to do anything more?

TIA...

[Madeleinemom]

Moves are hectic for everyone.

My recommendation would be to kennel him at the vet's or doggy hotel for the day; alternately, if you have very responsible friends or family, they could pet sit for the day.

I would keep him away from the fracas of the actual move.

When you bring him to your new home, make sure that his food bowls, bed, etc. are already set up, and allow him to explore the new place (if you are concerned about accidents/marking, keep him on a lead).

Other than that - act normal, calm - we're in a new place, but life goes on!

[NiksLotto]

Thanks for the advice, I think he'll be OK in his crate, we're moving slowly a little a time, so none of the animals are too crazed by what's going on around them..and since he's been to the new place already, hopefully it won't be too much of a transition!

Thanks again!

[Teal]

I just wanted to say THANK YOU for taking for dog with you! So many people dump their dogs when they move, it's insane!

My dogs are really used to moving... we've done a lot of it. The things I found helpful were continueing with their normal routine right away, and not freaking out about anything. If you act like everything is normal and good to go, they will feed off that and adjust accordingly.

[NiksLotto]

Thank you for the compliment, I think...you really shouldn't have to say that which is very sad. How anyone could leave a pet behind is beyond me...we recently inherited some large fish because the owners left them to move to Texas...granted they are fish, but they took time and a LOT of money to get them so how they left them without a thought just amazes me too!

Nope, my animals go with me wherever I move to, before I just had the cats, and they HATE to move, but they adjust immediately...I will just act calm and like nothing is happening and hopefully Lotto will feed off of that as well.

Thanks again!!

[Teal]

I had someone call me once and tell me to take their dog because they were moving and didn't want to take him. Not couldn't take him - DIDN'T want to. Why? Because they were moving to a brand new house, and they didn't want him scratching the hardwood. So sad, how cold some people can be!

I hope your move goes well for everyone!

[NiksLotto]

In that case...I don't want to take my daughter because she has a tendency to write on the walls...I'll leave my cats because well, they don't do much of anything and that's just boring...and why not leave the puppy..he's not 100% housebroken anyway so what's the point?

Yes, people can be pretty cold, but I'll tell you, the main reason I took so long in getting a puppy, was the attachment that dogs force on you, they ask for your attention, they ask for your love and they return it 100 fold...so when I think of one day ever losing him, even now just almost brings tears to my eyes. My cats on the other hand, while I love them just as much, I know that I would be able to move on quicker because they are so independent and don't really look to us for much of anything but food and a clean litter box...so the bond isn't AS strong....know what I mean?

So for anyone to leave the dog behind for any reason is just beyond me...I could never purposely discard any of my animals, but people can be very selfish I guess.