oving to a new home is certainly an exciting time, but it can also be pretty

stressful for the members of your family — including the four-legged ones. So when the family Fido is about to become the new dog in town, there are some easy ways to make sure that tail keeps on wagging.

BEHAVIORAL CHANGES About five years ago, I saw firsthand how being relocated could be traumatic for a dog. My parents moved to a new home in a retirement community, with their dog,

A New Dog in Town By Andrea White

Brannie, in tow. I still remember how Brannie seemed melancholy at the old house when the boxes started to pile up. She was skittish and jumpy, too. When the switch was finally made, my mom says even taking Brannie for a walk was challenging. The dog simply did not want to go back to the new house! It seemed as if she wanted to keep walking right back to the old one.

Experts say, just like humans, dogs can feel stress and anxiety during the moving process. And these feelings can sometimes trigger behavioral changes. Jamie McKay, a certified

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professional dog trainer who runs a company called McKay9 Dog Training with her husband, says it may seem like your pet is regressing in some areas. “Dogs that are housetrained can have accidents. Dogs can chew up or rip items when stressed. A dog that is anxious about being left alone may bark or cry when their owner leaves,” she cautions. McKay says dogs may even lose their appetites or have loose stools because of their worries.

Of course, not all dogs will have these kinds of reactions to moving. Stacy Hirsch, a certified trainer who owns Westchester K-9, says it all comes down to “experience and exposure. If a dog has lived in one yard, in one house its whole life with little travel, it is sure to have a tough time adapting to a new environment.” But that was not the case with her own dogs, because she moved a lot. “They would see the boxes come out and get excited!” Hirsch recalls.

The dogs may have been mirroring her attitude. Hirsch says she felt as if moving was an adventure and that’s what it became for the dogs. “How the owner feels emotionally about the transition is absolutely going to have an effect on the dog’s behavior about what is going on,” she points out. McKay agrees. “Sadness among those leaving their home can affect the dog as well,” she says.

SOME TIPSAs we all know, it’s not easy to teach an old dog new tricks, but there are things you can try to make your dog more comfortable before moving day. McKay says, if possible, take the dog to the new home several times. “Take them on a walk in their new neighborhood or give them the chance to explore their new backyard,” she suggests. She also advises to give your dog a safe space to relax while you’re doing your packing — and to give him something safe to chew on. Plus, make sure the dog can’t escape through any open doors on moving day!

Once you’re in the new house, try not to let those boxes stay piled up for long. “Dogs are creatures of habit, so the quicker you unpack and set up a new normal routine, the quicker they will adjust,” Hirsch emphasizes. Experts also say to make sure you have your dog’s food, usual bedding and a favorite toy easily

ADOPTING A DOGIf you arrive at your new home sans dog and you’re thinking about adding a new member to the family, there are many local places that can help you adopt a dog in need of a loving family.

The SPCA of Westchester is a no-kill shelter located in Briarcliff Manor. All of the animals up for adoption are featured on their website, spca914.org. Potential owners can go in to meet the pets. Adopters must fill out a two-page application and provide a veterinarian reference and a personal reference. Adoption counselors are on hand to help in the process. Lisa Bonanno-Spence, the development manager at the SPCA of Westchester, says a veterinarian has cleared all SPCA dogs up for adoption and they are also temperament tested by a trainer. “We don’t want to place an animal in a home that may not be the most ideal environment for them to ensure safety for our animals and of course the adopters!” she says. There is a small fee to adopt, but dogs are already spayed/neutered and micro-chipped. Bonanno-Spence emphasizes there is an open return policy. “Be it one day after an adoption or 10 years later, we will always take any animal back that we have adopted out.”

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accessible at the new place. These familiar items can help your dog settle in. My mom found having a pillowcase with her smell on it was particularly comforting for Brannie.

HEALTH FIRSTOf course, your dog’s health is always a top priority, which means finding a new veterinarian is a must. Dr. Cheryl Gross, VMD, a veterinarian at Central Animal Hospital in Edgemont, says word of mouth can be very helpful. “You can get a lot of information from neighbors or people at the local dog park,” she advises. Gross also says to try and make sure the veterinarians you choose are accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).

Along with all of the things on your moving checklist, make sure you also get your dog’s records from your old vet. “Have a fax sent to the new vet that includes vaccine history and any pertinent blood work or medical findings,” Gross recommends. You should also check to see if you need to get a license for your dog in your new community. And don’t forget to order a new ID tag with your updated address as well.

If you need to contain your dog in your new yard, electronic fencing may be an option. But experts have differing opinions on whether or not they should be installed. Hirsch says electronic fences can keep dogs safe from the dangers of the street. But McKay does not advocate electronic fences for many reasons, including the fact that both people and predators can still get onto your property and harm your dog.

Whatever decision you do make, both trainers agree it is important to spend time with your canine and make sure he gets plenty of exercise, in addition to running around your yard. But ultimately, the best bone you can throw your dog is your endless love and affection.

Andrea White is a writer and dog lover who lives in Edgemont. Her two kids keep begging her for a dog, and she may have to give in sooner rather than later.

These locations have shelters where families can meet and adopt the animal of their choice.

Adopt-A-Dog23 Cox Ave.Armonk, N.Y.273-1674adopt-a-dog.orgFamilies interested in adoption should call and make an appointment. This group also takes in local surrenders/dogs that might need special placement because of behavioral considerations.

Mount Vernon Animal Shelter600 Garden Ave. Mt. Vernon, N.Y.665-2444mtvernonanimals.org

New Rochelle Humane Society70 Portman Rd.New Rochelle, N.Y.632-2925newrochellehumanesociety.org

Putnam Humane Society68 Old Rte. 6, Carmel, N.Y.845-225-7777puthumane.org

SPCA of Westchester590 N. State Rd.Briarcliff Manor, N.Y.941-2896spca914.org

Yonkers Animal Shelter1000 Ridge Hill Blvd.Yonkers, N.Y.377-6730newyonkersanimalshelter.org

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