On the Move with your Pooch?

May is the official start to the moving season.  From now until September, more people will relocate than any other time this year.  In addition to packing their dishes, clothes and knick-knacks, they’ll also be moving their pets – which can be more challenging than anything else, if not well planned.

“Whether you’re moving across town or across country it’s always an adjustment for everyone including the four-legged family members”, said certified animal trainer and owner of Pets in the City, Aaron Hill “With all the strangers in the house moving large pieces of furniture it’s a loud and stressful time for your pet, so you need to be prepared.”

Hill has advice on how pet owners can make the move a smooth one for themselves and their furry friends.

Before the big day

1. Site survey.  If it's a local move, take your pup over to the new place a few times before you officially move in.  Let them sniff their new digs and get a lay of the land before changing addresses.
2. Make a plan, hire a pet sitter.  During a move, doors and gates will be left open and it can be very easy for Fido to slip out unnoticed.  So make a plan and if possible hire a professional service take your furry kids for the day.  

When you arrive

1. Pet-proof the home.  Before your pet first enters your new home, take some time to look around from a dog's perspective.  Get down on your hands and knees and crawl around at your dog's height.  

• Look for electrical wires, nails or other sharp objects sticking out of floors or walls, etc.
• This also applies to your yard, make sure there are no holes in the fences, decks or other small spaces that dogs can get trapped in or under, etc.

2. Potty patrol.  Immediately establish an acceptable place for potty breaks and reinforce when done properly. 

While you’re getting settled in

1. Make it "home".  Quickly create a familiar environment in your new place with favorite beds and toys.
2. Stick to your schedule.  Keep the same schedule you had in your previous home (if you didn’t have a feeding and potty schedule, get on one asap!)
3. Give praise.  Use positive reinforcement/reward going to the bathroom outside with treats, scratches, playtime, etc. Never punish bad behavior, instead use positive reinforcement to reward good behavior.

Aaron Hill is a certified professional animal trainer and the owner of Pets in the City (www.petsinthecity.com) a premiere Dog Walking / Pet-sitter service in Los Angeles.  He is certified in pet first-aid and CPR and is a member of Pet-Sitters International.