When I moved a while back, I anticipated that my pups would not do well with the change and the packing/unpacking. A few weeks in advance, I bought them much larger than they needed folding wire crates and set them up in the family room. The crates were not for sleeping but just for hanging out in. I got thick foam pads for the bottoms, put a little bed in each one, their favorite blankies and some toys. For the next few weeks, I fed them in the wire crates and also let them chew their bully sticks in the crates a couple of times every day. I wanted the crates to be well scented and familiar to them. I left the doors open so they would come and go through the day and they got very familiar and comfortable. On moving day, they stayed in the crates and the crates were the last thing we packed up, and into their traveling crates they went. When we got to our new house, the wire crates were the first thing unpacked and set up, and into the wire crates they went. Until the movers were done and gone and everything closed up, the only way they got out of the wire pens was on leash to potty. They did great and watched everything with curiosity, and I knew they were completely safe. The investment in time and money getting them ready for the move was well worth it. Once we were settled in, I was able to sell the pens on craigslist for almost what I paid for them. It worked out perfectly for both us and the dogs. Make sure you get tags with your new info and put them on the collar the day you move.
Diana |