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Subject: Staying in control during move.

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pepper

Ratastic

02/19/2008 5:08 AM
Pepper, Travis and I are moving in 2 weeks. She already knows something's going on, but I know the move is going to be even worse. She was very upset when her daddy went away for a week. Now we are upsetting everything out of what she's used to. On top of that, I have to go out of town 2 weeks after we move. How do I keep her training, and not let her start down the separation anxiety road? She has already started biting and barking again, because of the stress.

Kristin ~ Pepper's mommy

Philo

Terrier Terror

02/19/2008 6:40 AM
We'll be interested in how this goes because we will soon be facing the same problem, cross-body-parts...

Rattie Daddy to Cameo, Nala Belle, Cutter & Rattagan Foster Dad to Cricket (aka Philo) "Beauty such as this is a gift, and I'm often in awe of this world we've been given." Mrs Bonnie

rattytatty

Training Moderator

02/19/2008 9:53 PM
Dogs are highly adaptable, and it's very possible to meet a dog's needs and live happily together in a home very different from the home you shared before. Use Pepper's crate to help the dog through any adjustment period, such as the separation anxiety that can occur temporarily in a new place. Dogs are creatures of habit and any change in routine can upset them. Try to do what you need to do in a "business as usual" way and not coddle Pepper... let him adjust at his own pace and in his own way. Reinforce positive feelings by talking to him in a positive, matter-of-fact tone of voice. Also... don't exclude him. Allow him to be a part of what's going on.... as much as possible.

~Nora~ Mom to Hoss, Lil'Bit, Buster & Bailey, CGC, OA, OAJ

pepper

Ratastic

02/20/2008 5:04 AM
That's the hard part. We have to remember not to "aww, it's going to be OK" her too much. She already worries when we're not home at our usual times. It should be pretty easy to keep her on her usual schedule, as she is bell trained for outside, and we only moved a couple miles, so we're not taking time off or changing jobs, luckily. I know she will stress out, we just have to let her adjust.

Kristin ~ Pepper's mommy

pepper

Ratastic

02/22/2008 4:26 PM
Update: We went there to wait for the cable guy for 3 hours. She oops pottied twice. The first was just that she was so excited and running all over, and I think she just didn't know what to do. The second time daddy didn't see her subtle hint of needing out. He also did not follow her when she wandered into the other room. We're taking the bell with us next time.

Kristin ~ Pepper's mommy

dogparkdawn

Ratastic

02/22/2008 5:11 PM
Just be careful not to loose her when the doors open and close during the move. I've heard too many stories about dogs getting out that way. Good luck on your move!

Build a little Bird House in Your Soul. Dawn Muscarella

pepper

Ratastic

02/22/2008 7:15 PM
Thanks! We've actually been pretty successful with keeping her in the bathroom. There are no rugs or anything in there yet. When we are at the old place, she hangs out in her kennel, and she knows it's because of the front door. She did get into the hallway today though. I opened the door just to see what she would do (there was no activity in the building). and she went into the hall just standing there then started to sniff the floor. I think she knows it's not really outside. Still, it's a lot of watching to do, no matter what.

Kristin ~ Pepper's mommy

pepper

Ratastic

03/03/2008 6:03 AM
Another update. We decided to put her in daycare during the big move. apparently, she really liked it there. She was really tuckered out and snoozed the rest of the day. she keeps ringing her bell wanting to go outside. i think she'll have to get used to not having a yard she can spend an hour at a time in. she's getting better, but she has been getting posessive of her toys. i think it's just out of stress, but i've been careful not to allow her to growl at me. i'm in charge! she seems like she needs to get that confidence back that i'm taking care of things for her.

Kristin ~ Pepper's mommy

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