· By Minou Tpain
Author: Denise Partlow
Instagram: @modernk9 Carolinas
We have all heard those stories before of peopling moving to a new home and their dog “all of a sudden” starts misbehaving.
I quoted “all of a sudden” because when it comes to dogs, a change in their behavior is very rarely all of a sudden. That’s just a human perception but when you know a lot about dog behavior, you understand that there are so many other signs that we have missed.
Sometimes it has more to do with a change in our behavior that causes the dog to change as well. In this case, families moving homes, it may not necessarily be a change in behavioral emotions but more of a change in routine.
You’re moving to a new home, you’re busy unpacking and cleaning and straightening and organizing completely forgetting about your four-legged friend. We put them on the back burner because we have more important things that need to be taken care of. But the result will not be one you desire.
If you are moving to a home or going on vacation or having to stay somewhere temporarily, keep your routine the same. I’m not just talking about feeding your dog, letting your dog out and walking the same time every day. What I’m talking about are the expectations that you hold.
Just because you are in a new home does not mean your dog is going to understand that the same rules apply. So the moment you go into that home you should be practicing all of the things you want your dog to do. Do not just expect him to do it. You will have to provide your dog with mini training sessions to re-familiarize him with your rules but in this new location.
Keep in mind, while you are busy in your new home, you are on the go all the time rarely sitting down to relax so this too can make your dog feel uncomfortable, if you are not settling, how can you expect your dog to settle? It’s OK, I’m not saying you have to stop doing what you’re doing but you should find ways to have your dog settle while you are cleaning or unpacking.
It really is as simple as that. Don’t assume your dog is going to know what to do at this new location. Show them so you can all live peacefully together.
