Thursday, July 30, 2009

My lab is having trouble adjusting...?

My husband and I, and our soon-to-be 8-year-old labrador retriever, just moved to a new house on Saturday. It seems like Buck, an outdoor dog, is having a lot of trouble adjusting to his new environment.

We moved from a yard about .2 of an acre, to a full acre in town. Buck was used to a corner lot in a subdivision and lots of neighbors to give him treats. He was on an underground fence there.

At the new house, he has lots of room to roam, but just wants to sit on the deck and stare in the sliding door. We moved his house toys, gave him more attention and he still acts depressed.

Does anyone have any suggestions? It has only been since Saturday, it's Thursday today.

We have thrown around the idea of getting a second dog to keep him company. But we're not sure if that would add to the problem, since he doesn't like other dogs.
Answers:
My dog had trouble adjusting when we moved too. She went from a confident happy dog to a submissive pee-er and a mess for about 2 weeks.
He will adjust. He just doesn't know what's going on and doesn't know why he can't go home.
He will start to think of the new place as home and be just fine. Get a new dog only if you want one, because this will resolve itself.
give him at least a week or two
Its only been a few days and he needs more time to adjust. He needs to be with you to reassure him and to help his fears.
Getting a new dog right now is not a good idea at all. Wait a few months and see how Buck adjust to his new home and neighborhood.
Poor guy.
You need to go outside and reassure him that it's ok.
Pet him, give him some treats and play with him.
If he doesn't get to come inside of the house,.then yes you need to get him a playmate. He will be very lonely out there all by himself. Lonely is sad.
vitamin c ask your vet about the correct amount to give him, and start off with a low amount, so he does not get diarrhea, and lots of fun off leash playtime/exercise with you, and a nice lamb shank to chew on to keep himself occupied. I hope he is an inside dog, and you just let him out at diffrent times during the day.
Let him in the house. That is where labs belong. With their family or in their minds their pact. It is cruel to keep a dog outside away from people.
Don't get another dog that is all he needs. Is something else to adjust to!!

The poor thing is scared for one thing and doesn't understand what happened to his home?? All that he is familiar with is gone?

You need to let the poor dog come into the house for a few days!! Let him know that he still has a family since you all have been so busy with the move!!! He just doesn't understand?

I am sure you have been to busy with the move to give him very much attention!! That is easy to understand!! But I would worry about him running away?? If he is unhappy he could try to find his way back home. This has been known to happen many times!!

What is making the dog stay in the yard?? Underground fence?? If not you need to get one fast. You will have a dog missing soon if you aren't careful!! Let the dog come in the house until a fence can be put up!! He could even get stolen since you live in town. Labs are great dogs and everyone knows that!! There are people that steal dogs to sell them to different places that will run test on the dogs. Terrible test, that is what happened to my scottie I had. All I did was let her out to go potty by herself. I will never let a dog outside by themselves again!

If this dog is not used to being in town all the different noises can be upsetting him and confusing him as well???

Try to make him feel like he is apart of the family and bring him inside. He is suffering from separation anxiety!!

Try and take him out for walks. Let him know the family is still together and he is a part of it!!

Good Luck
P.S. I have been in moves too though my dogs were inside dogs so they adjusted well.

No comments:

Post a Comment