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dog unsettled after move

9 replies

Enko · 16/08/2021 20:55

Our 2-year-old Basset hound has never been a vocal dog. Usual for us would be a bark a month and growling would only be when he was being played with (play growl)

We moved almost 2 weeks ago and he is so unsettled. The house is closer to the road than he was used to and he can hear people walking by (it's a quiet street, not a lot of walking about)

He has started growling at the light changes too (glass-windowed door out to the street) and barking is 3-5 times a day. We know many will say that this is not a lot but for him, this is a huge amount.

He is clearly unsettled too and I know it can be very hard for dogs to settle after a move. He has this last week started to show his belly again for belly rubs on the sofa but has not yet started sleeping on his back as before..

What can we do to make him more settled? I have tried google but really struggle with finding out what to do for this. Growling is not mean against us. He is still happy for us to touch him and cuddles up against us happily..

however last night I was kept up until 1 30 with him growling at light changes and sounds. I started a new job today so was tired.. Ddog is tired as he normally sleeps soundly and dh is tired..

What can we do?

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steppemum · 16/08/2021 21:01

lots of reassurance. He is 'on guard' and will eventually relax.

steppemum · 16/08/2021 21:02

2 weeks is nothing. When we have been on holiday for 2 weeks, steppedog has never settled properly for the whole time.

Cactuslockdown · 16/08/2021 21:19

It took our ddog a good month to settle and we only moved 5 mins away so no long journey or anything… he followed me round constantly- drove me bonkers!!

LaurieSchafferIsAllBitterNow · 16/08/2021 21:29

have you tried an adaptil (DAP= dog appeasing pheromone) collar, we acquired a nervy GSD in October and I think they helped him, kept the neuroses down to a dull roar while he has found his feet and settled.

This is his first month without one, and although his giddy, excitable side has emerged again, he is visibly happier, more relaxed, less vigilant and settles himself around the house instead of being a total velcro type.

Enko · 16/08/2021 21:47

Short move for us as well. Today he was at doggy daycare (he loves it) and due to that is snuggled up to dd2 fast asleep I am hoping for a good nights sleep, and will keep reassuring him

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WeRTheOnesWeHaveBeenWaitingFor · 16/08/2021 22:08

Can you cover the windows or play music to mask some of his triggers so he doesn’t have to deal with all of them at once. Have you tried feeding him treats during times you know he gets upset like the light changes so he develops a positive association.

IWantAllTheDogsInTheWorld · 16/08/2021 22:21

I second the recommendation for adaptil; we use it quite often if one of our newly arrived foster dogs is unsettled and it seems to do the trick.

Notonthestairs · 16/08/2021 22:30

We put paper blinds up against glass door to soften light (house opposite have movement sensor lights which are like floodlights!). Paper blinds can be removed when your dog feels more settled.

Enko · 16/08/2021 23:16

We do the treats during the day but at 1 30 I draw the line of feeding him (He is a basset he will eat anything you give him laughs) Lots of cuddles and reassurance is given though

I have never heard of the adaptil collars i am looking them up.

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