Moving out: Can my 8-year-old dog adjust to a new home with me?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This will be a big adjustment and should be done gradually. Because the lower temperatures in the winter now it is recommended to keep them inside for most of the day. After the winter you may proceed with Bella being mostly outside if it not too warm but doing in time increments initially. You may start by just doing it for a few hours to eventually most of the time. Again, provided that it is not too cold or too hot for her to handle as dogs can be sensitive to drastic temperature changes. Good luck!

If you're not ready for a puppy, then you're right that the best thing for Mimi is to find her another home. It is going to be much easier for her to get attached to another person quickly at this early age than it will be later. We often describe that dogs live in the moment. So, while Mimi may miss you for a short period of time, she will quickly learn to love and be attached to her new owner. I know it's hard to give up such a sweet puppy, but if that's going to be the best thing for Mimi, then I would certainly recommend finding the right home for her. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Poor Bella Boo! She definitely could be depressed due to the change in the household. Dogs also can feel our stress. You can try to put a calming collar on her like adaptil. If this isn’t working or if she gets worse, I would have your vet look at her to be safe. Your vet will be able to ensure nothing else is wrong like pain or an infection somewhere. If everything checks out normal, your vet can prescribe her an anti-anxiety to help her adjust. I hope this helps!

Hello. It may be, but you need to do what is right for you. If you can find a kind & patient individual to adopt Olivia, she may do fine. Many shelters & humane societies will work with foster homes to hopefully keep Olivia out of a more stressful shelter situation. But do try to keep Olivia with you as best you can. She has become dependent on you & any change will upset her for at least some time. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

If Penelope is bonded with you she will likely be fine, but there are a few things you can do that might help make the move easier. Look into Feliway products and start using before the move and at new house. A vet checkup before a major change is never a bad idea since stress can exacerbate underlying illness. Keep food and litter the same as what she's accustomed to using if you make any changes don't do it right away with the move and make sure to change things slowly and gradually over the course of a week or two. Possibly get her some toys or beds now that you will take with you when you move so she has a familiar scent. And make sure that you're being realistic about when and where you're moving, if it will be a good move for Penelope. The fact that you're thinking about it this far in advance means you do have her best interest in mind. But many times pets are abandoned by college age students who don't understand the responsibility of taking care of them; so make sure you're doing what's best for her and hopefully you would be able to visit if you do leave her at home. Good luck with your decision and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

There will be a period of adjustment when you'll have to be patient with the dog as she adjusts to her new owner. Be sure to know in advance what commands your friend uses, what behaviors in response to those commands she knows, etc. Even if she is "housebroken" at your friend's house, she will not know the rules at yours. so be sure to teach her, and do not get angry if she makes a few mistakes as she learns. Have your friend bring Ana to your home several times before he leaves, so she can get used to it and you. If you have questions or concerns once she is with you, I can help. Just click on the prompt to initiate a consult.

Good for you for doing your homework before bringing home a buddy for Bella Donna! When you bring a second dog into your home, the sex of the dog matters less than their individual temperament. Since Bella Donna is a mellow pup, she might do better with another middle-aged or older dog rather than an energetic puppy. Some small breed dogs are little bundles of energy, like most terriers. I think that the most important thing to do before bringing home a new dog is to have Bella Donna meet any prospective new dog on neutral territory before bringing them home. Many rescues will also allow you to foster a new dog for a few days before officially adopting them to test the waters with other pets at home. I hope this helps and that Bella Donna enjoys the company of her new friend!