Need Tips

[DiegoDog]

I am moving to Toronto in September. Its a good 10 hours away from my home here in the sault. The thing is I am going down, getting settled starting classes for the first two weeks. Then my grandparents 50th wedding anniversary will be comming up shortly after, which I am going up for. At that point I will be bringing Diego with me to Toronto. Rather then bring him down, then up then down again in a space of two weeks. The thing is, we are very close, he hasn't been away from me for more then a week in 3 years. This is going to be a major trasition for him. He and I will be staying at my aunts for two weeks before I move then he will be there for the next two weeks while I go own. Any movers have any tips on how to make the seperation and transition easier on him? He isn't stupid. He is going to notice me taking everything out of "our home" then leaving him at my aunts for two weeks alone. He has a history of acting out while I leave him for long periods of time. And although he hasn't in a long time, he will be able to tell this is different then before. Any tips?

[Mutt Manners]

Hi Diego

My best advise is to be sure you keep some familair things with your dog. His blanket or bed, toys, etc... Anything you can do to keep things around him that are familair will help with the transition. Also, leave a t-shirt or something of yours with him while you are gone. Yes he is going to realize the change and you should expect a change in behavior that is normal. Do you best to reassue him that you love him and that everything is going to be ok. Spend as much time with him as you can and don't beat yourself up. You have to live you life too. Dogs are adaptave and he will do just fine.

Julie

[DiegoDog]

Well see my aunts dog Jake lives there, so there are lots of toys. I am catching a ride back to Toronto so I don't want to be carrying a suit case of dog toys ya know? I do expect the change, but I know my aunt will not. And she will try and treat him the same and get mad when he destroys stuff. I don't want to make too big a fuss when I leave because that will be the first thing on his mind when I am gone. I should clarify what I meant for tips. I more or less meant what tips could I give my aunt for the transition process, I am still wondering if she should probably lock him up while she is at work, because I have a funny feeling destruction will ensue. Which will not only cause a mess but may create a bad habit in the very impressionable jake who looks up to diego. I am hoping with Jake there Diego wont notice as much. But this is such a blind situation. I know what to do on my part, but I don't think my aunt realizes that there will be a change in his attutide.

[krazy4birds]

Oh dear Sasha....I do not envy your position right now and it must be grinding on your nerves trying to think about a way for everyone to get along just long enough to make the move final. I can't think of anything to tell your aunt but I sure wish I did. Just a thought here....have you ever concidered kenneling him or a temporary foster home with someone who can devote time with Diego and not have concerns about any other pets around?