josie@ihuxw.UUCP (Johanna Clementz) (05/25/85)
I'd like some advice from anyone with experience on nervous dogs. I'm planning to move soon and in the past my female German Shepard mix has always had a nervous breakdown the first night in the new place. The last time I moved, she stayed up half the night whining; I was taking her out every fifteen minutes since she had a case of the runs from all her nervousness. Does anyone have any suggestions on making the move less traumatic for her? She is generally a nervous sort, but very good natured; about 7 years old and spayed. Any advice would be much appreciated. -- Peace and Long Life, -Josie (...!ihnp4!ihuxw!josie)
cushner@ttidcb.UUCP (Jeffrey Cushner) (05/28/85)
(Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...snap ..snap "No! Whack!" (whimper, whimper)
Josie:
Dogs, like humans, are subject to trauma and anxiety when moved to a
new location. Unlike humans, however, dogs can not hold in their feelings,
so you get these problems on some dogs, like yours. The best that you
can do for her is get her used to the new place before you move in.
Take her over there, if possible, for some time, like 10 minutes or longer,
each day for a week before you move in. Take her around the perimeter
of the house, for a walk around the neighborhood, to smell the scents
of the other dogs in the area. If possible, take her inside the place
and play with her, give her treats or a chew toy, for a short time and
then lengthen the time as you get closer to moving in. This will gradually
adjust her to the new surroundings and will make the move less traumatic.
If you are moving into a house and you want her to know the perimeter
of your territory. Take her and a spray bottle filled with vinegar,
on a walk around the outskirts of the property before or on the day you
move in. Spray a squirt of vinegar at various points on the walk.
This is typically how a male dog stakes out his territory. Your dog
might feel a little more secure this way. (no, you don't have to lift
your leg as you spray!)
Hope I've helped,
--
==============================================================================
Jeff Cushner @
Citicorp-TTI
Santa Monica CA 90405
(213) 450-9111 x2273
{randvax,trwrb,vortex,philabs}!ttidca!ttidcb!cushner
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