Woah. How is it 2013? I swear, I can’t even tell you where time has gone.
Well a new year means new starts and we’ve had quite a few. In September, we moved. It was an awesome process and Shami and I made Mom and Dad proud by handling everything really well. We were really fortunate that we had time on our side with our move, but everyone had patience and we all worked together. Here are our tips for a smooth and easy move!
1. Visit the new neighborhood before moving, if possible. Luckily, we were not moving out of state and we were able to use the time that the banks were processing things to drive over to the new neighborhood and go for long walks. Getting to explore the neighborhood, smell the new smells (and leave some of ours behind), and get used to these surroundings was really beneficial.
2. Packing. Moving is stressful for humans. Things must be sorted, packed, donated, or trashed, and this can be emotional. Dogs don’t think of things this way. We aren’t watching you clean out the closet thinking “but that is a lovely sweater you were wearing when we went to the park!” We pick up on your emotions. Try to stay calm and organized, and if you feel stressed, take a break (we are great at helping with breaks). Our biggest tip here is that you pack up our toys/bed/crate last so that we have some place to go hang out while you are busy.
3. The big day. Dogs do not need to be underfoot while movers (or friends) are hauling furniture. If possible, send us to another friends’ house or a dog daycare. We will be less stressed to be out of the way than if we were getting hollered at. Plus, with doors being left open, you don’t want to risk us making a break for it. Keep us securely away until the furniture and boxes are in the new place (if possible).
4. Arriving at our destination. When we first come to the new home, take us for a walk. If we have been lucky enough to come to the neighborhood in advance, we won’t think it is weird to be in this new place. If this is the first time, be patient as we sniff and mark and get our bearings. The longer we get to walk, the more relaxed our brains become and he more likely we will be to come into the new house calm and ready for a nap.
5. Moving in. This is like packing in reverse. Give us our crate/bed/toys first so we have a place to go that smells like us. Then you can work on your stuff. Again, stay calm, take breaks.
6. Patience. Over the first week, we may or may not react to the new house with behaviors we never showed before. If you won’t be home with us, know that you have options. There is nothing wrong with crating a dog. If you are really worried about accidents in the house or you know your dog has a destructive streak, you can crate them until you feel they are used to the new surroundings. Be sure that your crate is large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around comfortably. Be sure they have access to water (food is based on your feeding schedule). If you don’t plan to crate your dog and you want to give them free reign of the new house, consider starting slow by blocking off some rooms. We never have access to bedrooms when we are home alone. Be prepared to find an accident or something chewed up. Even the best behaved dogs need adjustment time. If you prepare yourself that your dog may stumble, you will be very happy if they don’t!
Following these tips, you will hopefully have as smooth of a transition as we did! We love our new neighborhood, they are even having a Bark in the Park event on January 26th where they will turn the main park into a dog park for the day! How fun.
Wet Beards 