Does moving home stress a dog out too!

[Venice]

Hi. I've been putting off getting a dog because of a coming house move as I've heard that dogs can get really stressed about changing their territory. Has anyone got any experience of this? And how did you deal with it? Given the current housing climate my move might take some time and the kids are desperate to have a dog soon!

[brian]

Sure, it can be stressful - but dogs are pack animals so as long as the pack moves together it's likely to be quite manageable.

MY mum always had dogs and has moved a number of times - I would describe the dogs as "unsettled" during the move, rather than showing signs of extreme stress.

2c.

[Mitchell Mann]

You might find that the dog(s) are actually quite excited by the move! I guess it depends on the temperament and perhaps also the breed, but some dogs love having new places to explore and I'm sure as Brian says, as long the pack moves together, they'll settle in just fine. Good luck!

[Rebecca1]

I have had a very recent experience of moving a dog - she had to fly as well. Even though she previously had the company of various cats and two other dogs, she has coped brilliantly. I think a lot is to do with owner re-action. Everyone stresses with moving, especially from one country to another and it all depends on how the owner deals with it and if the pet picks up on the negative vibes. I believe that animals are a bit like children and adapt quite easily.

[prunes]

I can't say from personal experience as we are just about to move but our neighbour had a lot of trouble with her dog when they moved in as the hound detected the scent of the previous owner's dog and went back to urinating/scent marking indoors. Apparently, this is quite common until the new arrival is certain the previous pet is gone/not coming back.

Luckily we are moving to a house that has never had animals so we're not expecting such problems.

T.

[brian]

Good point, prunes.

[johnaydan]

i agree with you prunes...

[aleo1203]

My dog was a little hesitant of his new surroundings but became comfortable straight away. Like was mentioned before, they are pack animals and are simply happy to be with the pack.

[MovingNeverEnds]

A dog would sense your stress, as well as the obvious issues of not really knowing what's going on!

[OscarMarchant]

The best thing you can do to comfort the dog is once youve finished loading everything in the house, is take him for a really long walk around the area, so he can get his bearings and hopefully meet other local dogs.