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Comment by Liz on March 11, 2009 at 11:10am

Thanks for everyone for the response. my dog Lorenzo is close to 2 years old and d'Lilah is little over 1 year. both are potty trained. except d'lilah doesn't want to go out if there is rain, she will poop at the closest spot of the door and we have to get it ASAP otherwise Lorenzo will enjoy the snack and we are lol and angry at the same time. we definitely will take them to visit the house before we move in day and a lot of walk in the new neighbourhood.

Comment by Jenni & Dave Fields on March 10, 2009 at 9:51pm

Hi LIz!
Just read the post. Can you get into the house before you move in? The reason I ask is I wonder if the dogs would benefit from a house tour of their own. Maybe walk them through on a leash and let them sniff around. Maybe that would help them get adjusted?

Comment by CaptainCorgi on March 10, 2009 at 8:15pm

Do they mark in the house frequently? Or are they potty trained and just like to mark outside? My sister has a borzoi that likes to mark on things a lot, but only outside. We just recently moved (like a week ago) and he didn't try to mark at all in the house and I was thinking he would! My female corgi hasn't either. Before we let them in the house, we made sure that they needed to pee and poop and once inside, we still held the same rules as in the previous house. We didn't let them wander around freely or jump up on anything. I hope everything goes smoothly!

Comment by Alex on March 10, 2009 at 4:39pm

I agree with Bonny. Dee Dee moved a lot (including international). We usually confined her in 1 room while we made the bed ('cause that should be the first thing you should do when you are moving. Secure a place to sleep!) Then we took her for a long walk, so she can get excited with new smells outside. By the time we came home, she was pretty tired, sniffed around a bit (supervised!), and found cool place to snooze. I don't think dogs are as bad as cats, so they should be ok with it since you (the owner) are with the dog. If you show that you are comfortable with new place, they should feel ok too. They are smart. If you show that the new place IS the new home, they'll get used to it quickly. :) Good luck!

Comment by Bonny on March 10, 2009 at 4:11pm

I would recommend taking them for a very long walk before going into the new house (Cesar M. says at least 2 hours!), and then only letting them get to know the house slowly at first. Don't let them in to run around as they please. Restrict their area at first, and take them to each room so they can get to know it with you there, on your terms. Getting them onto a schedule right away will also help prevent accidents. And at first, if you can't be with them, just crate them and take them straight outside when you let them out as you would a new puppy. But really, I think the transition time is the most important time to give your dogs good, long walks. Draining their energy will help them stay more relaxed and comfortable in the new place. It really helped me in our new apartment when we started having barking issues from the get-go. Adding more walks, in addition to special "no bark" exercises helped us really curb the problem. Good luck!

Comment by DR, Nala & Simon on March 10, 2009 at 12:25pm

How old are they? Are they potty trained? As soon as they get to the new house, take them outside to relieve themselves and congratulate. After the initial excitement let them in, and let them sniff with supervision. If you see them "in the position" or making "the funny walk", tell them "no", and take them outside. They are very smart, they will learn very quick. Also, if you can, you can take them to the new place for short visits, so they'll start knowing their new grounds. Hope your moving goes smooth. Enjoy your new house.