Six Tips for Moving Fido

6 Tips for Moving Fido Across Town or Across the Country

 Guest blog post…David Shapiro (see bio below) 

If you are making a move – whether across town or across the country – there’s a lot to think about, and it can be even more stressful when you consider how your dog will handle it. As you pack and prepare for the move, most dogs will sense something is changing but they won’t understand what is going on until moving day arrives. Dogs are highly sensitive to their surroundings and what you consider “home” means even more to them – because it’s their territory. But even though moving may be stressful for dogs, there are still steps you can take to make the move as smooth as possible for your pets.

 

Across Town

If you’re moving to another neighborhood within the same city, follow these tips to help your dog(s) adjust to their new surroundings:

 

1.       Take him for walks in the new neighborhood before the move. Dogs can

become more anxious when they are in a new location, wanting to sniff and inspect everything. Some are intimidated by new surroundings, so walking on a leash with you there will make them feel more secure. Make frequent trips to your new neighborhood if possible so your dog will feel safe and comfortable with his or her new home.

2.       Transport your dog separately. On moving day, ask a friend or family member to watch Fido for you so you can turn your full attention to the moving process. Once the movers leave your new home and the commotion has ceased, bring your dog over to inspect his new territory. Walk him on the leash so he feels secure during his grand tour of the new house and yard; then let him off to explore.

3.       Establish a routine ASAP. Because pets tend to feel safest with a routine, get into one as soon as you can. This may be difficult with boxes to unpack and other arrangements to make, but be sure your dog is still getting fed at the same time every day and that he’s being exercised daily. If too much energy builds up, your pup will likely have more time and energy to be anxious.

 

Across the Country

Moving to another state is a different matter altogether. First, you must decide whether you want to transport your dog via plane or car. Because airlines typically allow only small dogs – ones whose carriers can fit under your seat – on a plane and requires others to be placed in a potential unsafe cargo hold, driving is likely your best option. For driving your dog across the country, follow these tips:

 

1.       Exercise your dog more frequently before the move. In the week leading up to the trip, take your dog for walks more often or take him to the dog park for more exercise. You want Fido tired out for the car ride so he can get the zoomies out and not be nervous or anxious. If you’re too busy with moving details to exercise him yourself, hire a neighborhood kid, a dog walker or ask a friend to help out.

2.       Prepare supplies for the drive. Even if your dog is potty-trained, line the car with extra rags and towels just in case. Also, create a green pet first aid kit and include bandages, cotton balls, tweezers, and a digital thermometer, to assist Fido in being calm, sleeping and feeling good during the drive.

3.       Use a kennel or carrier if possible. This keeps dogs most secure on the drive, but it also helps them feel more comfortable and gives them a place to retreat. It’s the safest way for them to travel – for all involved – because it keeps them from wandering underfoot while you’re driving.

 

Whether you’re moving to another house in the same city or to another state altogether, consider how your move will affect your dog. Based on your knowledge of Fido, brainstorm ways to make him feel safe and make preparations accordingly. By thinking ahead, you’ll avoid the heartache and stress often involved with moving pets to a new home.

***

Author Bio: David Shapiro works with moving companies and other small businesses as a marketing relocation specialist. He lives in Arizona and enjoys hiking, golfing, horseback riding and biking.

Note: some people use moving as an excuse to dump their pets at a shelter, please do NOT do that. If you do, chances are that your pet will die at the shelter. If you absolutely MUST, find your pet a safe loving new home that they deserve BEFORE your move. Where there is a will there is a way. I just read a story about a woman who lost her home in my neighborhood, became homeless and was camping out in a tent with her dog. She went to a local animal rescue group for assistance to find her dog a new home. Instead, the group suggested that she let the dog be fostered while she moved from California to Hawaii (where her son lives) and the group raised money for the dog to be taken care of including his flight to Hawaii. Now the two of them are living happily in the Aloha state. Be a responsible pet owner.  Thank you.

Soon, I will be writing a Hawaii pet friendly blog post. It is an onerous procedure (and costly) to bring your pet to Hawaii. Meanwhile, if you want to move your dog to Hawaii, there is now a five day or less quarantine option.  Check it out here…

http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/files/2013/01/aqs-checklist-5DOL.pdf

http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/aqs/animal-quarantine-information-page/

PS: All this dog below needs is a black ear and spot on her forehead and a few spots on her belly and this would look like a certain polka dot princess that I know and LOVE.

Enter to Win: Traveling dogs

Does your dog drive you crazy or drive you to the store?

Be sure to READ BELOW TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN WIN CASH !!!

Fur in the breeze, adventure in her blood, born to be wild Cici loves car rides, no matter where we go. She will hop in anyone’s car, (although she has her preferred vehicle, a Subaru, of course). She loves to go to the beach, shopping mall, dog park or to her favorite pet friendly winery. She even loves going to the vet. But, some dogs do not enjoy driving in the car because they associate car driving with getting a bath or haircut and nails trimmed at the groomer or some other terrible experience (going to the vet or worse).  Dogs who fear driving in cars may throw up, drool, whine, shake, cry or otherwise make life miserable for the driver of the car (that would likely by you).

Make traveling with Dog a breeze

You can ease your dog’s anxiety in the car through a number of methods, from giving them Bach Flower Essences, Rescue Remedy, aromatherapy essential oils (a few calming drops of Lavendar on paws), a calming collar filled with aromatherapy oils and/or play some nice relaxing doggie music made for scaredy dogs like Through a Dog’s Ear by Lisa Spector.

Whenever Cici drives in the car, she is surrounded by her very own pillows and blankets and hitched up to the seat belt but many dogs would prefer and feel safer in a crate or a carrier. NEVER put your dog in the back of your truck, that is one of my pet peeves. What happens when they jump out or if you have to stop quickly? And do not ever let your dog be in the front of the car, sitting on your lap or in the shotgun seat. Much too dangerous. It also goes without saying that your dog should NEVER be put in a kennel on the top of the motor vehicle, either… for ANY length of time.

Cars Made For Traveling Dogs

Car savvy traveling dogs like Cici have voted for their favorite car to drive in. And that car is a Subaru, no matter the model. Cici and I drove our Subaru Legacy station wagon for two years all over California, Nevada and Oregon without a hitch. Well, except for running out of gas and getting a flat tire. Subaru cars are ideally suited to and made for traveling dogs. And their Dog Tested Dog Approved campaign, that we’ve mentioned a couple of times, shows dogs the best car to drive. Grant Weber, Subaru Canine Sales Associate devotes his life selling cars specifically to dogs. Dogs of ALL breeds, little dogs, big dogs, scaredy dogs, brave dogs and most especially traveling savvy dogs.

Watch him sell cars to dogs here…   click on the link…It is funny and Made for Dogs… especially dogs who LOVE to EAT !!!!

 

As part of their campaign, Subaru has launched a facebook app that is FUN and offers some  things to do, such as the Subaru Dog Matcher, the Ask the Expert, Put Your Dog in a Subaru, and the Canine Driver’s License Division (you can make a driver’s license for your dog – I made one for Cici, make sure you put in a fake address).

Grant Weber suggested Cici would prefer a Subaru Outback for our next car and with the app we can even build our own Outback to our specifications, and the car even comes with snacks, how cool is that?

Cici would look great
in a Subaru Outback.

With the go-anywhere capability of the Outback, you can get away from that fenced-in yard of yours and sniff out some real adventure…

Enter to Win!

Try the Subaru app out for yourself!

 Like the Subaru Facebook page for a chance to win cash and
tell them that Cici and CeliaSue from Have Dog Blog will Travel sent ya!

Just “like” the Subaru facebook page and you’ll be entered to win a Visa gift card!  One first place prize winner will receive a $350 Visa gift card and one second place prize winner will receive a $150 Visa gift card!  The winners will be announced within 48 hours after the raffle closes.

ENTER HERE.

Like Subaru’s Facebook page FIRST.

Follow the Rafflecopter instructions.

You can enter once per day until the contest ends at 11:59 pm ET on Sunday, February 24.

Start today to win !

Enter once a day for your best chance to win! You can enter with your Facebook log-in or just use your email address.

Be sure to visit our Facebook page and post a photo of your dog driving a Subaru, your dog’s driver’s license, and share what you did with the Subaru Facebook app!

This post is sponsored by Subaru. we are helping spread the woof about the Dog Tested. Dog Approved.™ campaign, because [Have Dog Blog Will Travel] only shares news for things we love and support. All opinions are mine.

tips for traveling dogs

This Thanksgiving, 42.5 million people are expected to hit the road to visit family and friends, according to AAA.  You can visit our Pet Travel Tips page for an overview of the way that Cici and I roll. And want ideas about where to go, be sure to visit our Free Guide to Pet Friendly Cities (places we’ve visited and recommend). But here are a few more fun pet travel tips for pet owners traveling with their dogs this holiday season.

Cici and  I suggest:

If you travel frequently with your pet, you may want to put towels, seat covers and/or sheets over the car seats to stop the fur from flying all over the place.  Bergan’s travel seat protectors can help.  I’ve also seen dog seats (like car seats for kids) that you can get although we’ve never tried any of them.

It’s also a good idea to bring pet food in a plastic storage bin to keep food fresh. And I always carry a pet travel bag for Cici filled with her items (toys, treats, green first aid kit including Bach Flowers Rescue Remedy, aromatherapy oils such as Lavendar and more). And if you are into hiking with your dog, there are backpacks for dogs to carry their own weight.

Now here’s a word from other dog travelers:

From Lucy Postins, CEO of The Honest Kitchen: (Cici loves Keen pet food)

Adding a small amount of dried ginger or ginger tea to a light meal before you depart can  be beneficial for pets who are prone to sickness in the car. Some dogs do better if they fast right before hitting the road.

I have three dogs…90 lb, 75 lb and a 40lb that travel three times a year

between Minneapolis and Denver with me . I do several things:

1. they all wear their seatbelts which attach to their harnesses, and to

the actual seatbelt. Without those, they’d be all over the place.

2. We listen to either classical music or Through a Dogs Ear music. Both

really settle them down and lull them to sleep.

3. We stop at dog friendly parks where there is a gated area and they can

RUN. Just walking them on the leash doesn’t cut it.

4. When it’s dark, they just go to sleep. But if I’m trying to do it in a

day I use Happy Traveler, which is an herbal mixture my vet recommended.

That also keeps them very relaxed. (it’s chamomile, hops, etc)

5. I don’t give them rawhides or too many treats. Driving makes them very

thirsty, and those make it worse.

Tips from Bart the Dumpster Dog

 www.bartthedumpsterdog.com

I suggest crating the dogs in the back of the car or tethering them or at least providing some Kong-type toys to occupy them.

www.thatmutt.com

www.runthatmutt.com

Sap:

Dog appeasing pheromones can be spritzed in the air. Also

available as a plug in outlet or as a dog collar (there is a kitty

version as well). This is the stuff the mommy dog emits to the

puppies. It can be helpful in stressful situations (one of my dogs is

storm phobic).

Carsickness:

Some swear by gingersnap cookies. Others like the Calming Cap by

Premier Products (which lowers the visual stimulus for the dog). One

owner showed me how she would just put a puppy potty pad in the crate

with the dog to make her clean up easier. If you go this route, carry a

zip style bag to seal off the pad and something like Nature’s Miracle

really cuts the smell.

BRING ME:

a favorite toy, bed and a couple of treats. I like to teach “place” on

a dishtowel. I can bring the towel, do a quick review of the command in

a new place and the dog understands that all the rules from home, apply

here too.

Abby Harrison

Sit Dog Stay

Houston TX

When traveling with a dog to visit relatives who might be a little

squeamish, win them over with wonderful treats like a Doggie Candle or a

Doggie Room Spray or some kind of all-natural aromas with a

pet-friendly twist and the wonderful thing is that when you get them from

Soap Hope, all the profits go to lift women from poverty. They make a

great housewarming gift for your travel host, especially since the gift

note says “Every dollar of profit from this gift will empower a woman to

defeat poverty.”

time for our weekly Pet Blog Hop thanks to Life with Dogs,Two Little Cavaliers and Confessions of the Plume…  Grab the code and hop away…

a musical interlude…

Talking today to the talented Lisa Spector, co-creator of ThroughADogsEar.com... music for dogs … welcome!  Lisa has generously agreed to donate some CD’s to Best Friends and BadRap, for the v-dogs as well as perform a concert to raise some funds for BadRap.  Yay, Lisa !!!

can you give us a little background about how you began playing music for dogs, why, inspiration, etc.

I’ve always had dogs and noticed from childhood that every dog always came and would lie by the piano when I was playing, and would stay there for hours. In 2003, I was a volunteer puppy raiser for Guide Dogs for the Blind. I attended a weekend seminar taught by world renowned sound researcher, Joshua Leeds. In this seminar for teachers and healers, I learned about the psychoacoustic principles of resonance (tone) and entrainment (rhythm) and started applying them when teaching piano students at my music school.

I became so adept at helping students with ADD relax and focus, as well as picking up the energy level of sluggish children, that I wondered how I ever taught without this knowledge.  I was so fascinated that I went back to another one of Joshua’s workshops to learn more. This time I was accompanied by a four month old yellow Labrador Retriever puppy in training for Guide Dogs. During that session, I started wondering if Joshua’s music that was so successful in helping autistic children in neuro-developmental centers throughout the world, could also calm dogs and relieve their anxiety issues.

I approached Joshua with this idea. He did some research and found out that a study had been done in 2002 by Deborah Wells, an Irish behaviorist, to determine the influence of five types of auditory stimulation: human conversation, classical music, heavy metal music, pop music, and a silent control (no music at all). That told us that classical music calmed dogs in shelters, compared to other sounds. And we wanted to take that research further and find out if classical music with psycho-acoustic changes would help calm them and relieve anxiety issues. Veterinary neurologist Susan Wagner led clinical research in shelters, service dog organizations, and homes to find out if classical music with psycho-acoustic changes would help calm dogs and relieve anxiety issues.

any tips for pet owners to use when playing music for their pets?

The main tip is that the music doesn’t need to be played very loud. It’s not about turning up the music loud to mask other sounds, it’s about calming the canine nervous system. If you are leaving your dog home alone while playing the music, play it at a gentle volume that you would be comfortable listening to all day.

what is the most rewarding/healing/or surprising experience you’ve ever had playing music for animals (is it just for dogs or cats and other animals?)

There have been quite a few surprises – areas that we didn’t test in research. We heard from a boarding facility in the mid-west that had a tornado and they played the Music to Calm your Canine series for their dogs. They all stayed calm and several slept through it. We certainly didn’t do any clinical testing on the music’s effects during tornadoes. Also, we’ve heard from people who live with dogs in areas where there are a lot of gun shots during hunting season and it’s helped them tremendously – both the people and the dogs!

The most rewarding has been hearing from shelters where we donate music. In general, it helps create a quieter environment, allowing visitors to stay longer, and helping increase adoption rates. Below is an email from a shelter in New Hampshire. This behavior issue is another area we did not test. This really brought tears to my eyes…..

“We recently took in an American Bulldog/Cattle Dog mix with severe separation anxiety. When alone, he would drool profusely, so much so we have to wipe him down with towels and clean his dog beds several times a day, inside as well as outside his crate. He is only crated at night but the drooling occurs any time of the day we are not present. I put the CD on last night, hit repeat, went to bed and woke up to NOT A DROP of saliva. He wasn’t panting, he wasn’t in a state of panic, just excited for the morning.”

how can playing music for dogs help them (ailments, conditions, behaviors)?

One of the other areas we didn’t test, where it’s shown to be very helpful, is in working with dogs with aggression issues. Even I was doubtful the music would have any effect. But, in speaking with trainers, I’ve learned that all aggression comes from stress. So, if you can help calm the canine nervous system first, it’s easier to work with the underlying issues.

how do people respond to the music?

Research shows that the same music that calms people, calms dogs. We all live in a world of sensory overload. We now call Through a Dog’s Ear music “Simple Sounds.” It helps create a peaceful, refreshing soundscape in an overly stimulated world.

do you have plans for other concerts for 2011?

The fundraiser Canine Concert at Cypress Inn for the Doris Day Animal Fund was so successful, that we are planning on repeating that regularly. I’d like to also do the same for other non-profits.

any tips for pet owners traveling with their dogs, best times, circumstances, to play the music? (ie, is it ok/beneficial to play music while driving)

When introducing your dog to the music, it’s best to play it first when everything is already calm in the house. I often recommend bedtime – especially because it will help the humans fall asleep also. Do this for a few nights. Then gradually introduce it before predictable anxiety issues are approaching – such as separation anxiety. But, also remember to play it at other times when your dog is already calm. Driving Edition: Music to Calm your Dog in the Car is designed for Driver Alert/ Dog Relaxed. Although the Music to Calm your Canine series is helpful for dogs with auto anxiety, it will make drivers sleepy and Driving Edition won’t. Also, there is protocol written by a behaviorist in the CD’s liner notes that will be very helpful in working with dogs with automobile anxiety. Some of it starts actually in the house and also then in the car before you even turn on the engine. It’s about changing your dog’s association to the car.

anything else you’d like to share?

We have a wonderful referral program called “Get Paid with TaDE” (Through a Dog’s Ear). It’s such a simple way to raise extra cash for yourself or for your favorite animal organization. Simply refer your favorite pet businesses to TaDE’s Introductory Pre-Paks, and receive $10 from the first order and 10% of subsequent orders for the following year. This $10/10% applies to 1-100 venues.

sample the music

http://throughadogsear.com/samples/Calm_Canine_Companion/Calm_Canine_Companion_04.mp3

joy to the world

If you are traveling for the holidays or any time you drive with your dog, you must get this fantastic complete dog travel package from Bergan no pooch should be without… they thought of everything but the kitchen sink !

1. slobber bag (don’t you love that name?) with adjustable straps, easy breezy to carry all your dog’s favorite goodies in even to the dog park. It has a drool proof water resistant inner lining, is durable and  easy to clean

2. machine washable travel pad with soft fleece for comfort and water resistant, put on the floor or bed as makeshift bed or to cover furniture to keep dog hair off

3. bowls for food and water in various sizes and zips up to keep food fresh

4. a harness to keep your dog safe in the car. It comes in four fully-adjustable sizes:
– Xlarge: for pets 80-150 lbs
– Large: for pets 50-80 lbs
– Medium: for pets 25-50 lbs
– Small: for pets 10-25 lbs)

it is lightweight for comfort and meets or exceeds Pet Safety Durability Test. there’s even a Youtube video for people to see how to put the harness on the dog (people like me who are unable to figure out how to do the simplest things).

plus there’s a portable dog bed, seat protectors and more.

am telling you me and Cici are going to go for a ride just to give the package a workout… oh yeah, it’s raining, it’s pouring, all the dogs are snoring, but no worries everything is water resistant…  still, us humans prefer inside to outside when it rains.

good thing, we can use everything right here at home, too.