Re: Moving house: problem for JRT?

Posted by: Heather Reid
Posted on: June 27, 2001 at 10:17:04

In Reply to: Moving house: problem for JRT?
Posted by: Sandrine
Posted on: June 27, 2001 at 09:17:31

Question:

: Hi! My 2 year old has been living in a house with a big garden all her life. She is spoilt rotten by the whole family, and is a wonderful little dog. I am moving house in a couple of months, where the garden will be smaller, but properly fenced in. As she is my dog, she will move house as well. I work long hours and am considering bringing her to my parents' house (where she lives now) in the morning, to spend her day with my mom (who doesn't work) & our other dogs. This way she won't be lonely, and will be looked after. After work, I'll pick her up, and bring her to her 'new' house. The problem is that my whole family doesn't entirely agree with the situation: they have come to love my dog, and we are having arguments about who gets 'custody'!! My family is worried that my little JRT will get nervous about moving around all the time. My opinion is she will adjust to the 'going to grandma everyday routine' if we handle it all correctly. Also, I think I am doing the best I can for her, not leaving her alone in the house all day, making sure she is surrounded by people who spoil her... What is your opinion on this? Do you think she will not know where her 'real' home is, if she has 2? Should I start slowly by taking her to her new home now, so she gets used to it? Thanks for your advice!! By the way, she really is a GREAT little dog, we have no problems with her!! Maybe my family will just miss her!

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Hi Sandrine,
I have moved with my jack several times (the oldest 4 times, the youngest 3). It has never been a problem. Your dog will LOVE the back yard where she can run and play free. If I worked outside the home and grandpa was close enough, they would think going there for babysitting would be the greatest thing ever! My dad's neighbor took her daschund to her mom's every workday for 14 years; he passed away last summer, and now she takes her 2 doxie pups. They love it!
I think she will adapt to a new routine; give her some time and lots of patience. The fact that you are there will help her a lot. Whenever you are at the new home, even if it's just to drop off some boxes, take her. There's no need to wait to get her used to her new surroundings. You may also want to crate her at her new home from time to time while you are living there, instead of going to grandma's in the afternoon or while you are out for short periods of time. This way, she'll be comfortable staying there alone, in case grandma is ever not available or you have things to do in the evening she can't accompany you for.
As for your family, well... I'm sort of inclined to say "tough!" She's your dog, and I am sure you can't imagine parting with her for even a short period either. Remind them they'll see her everyday while you are at work, and how much you want them to be a part of your life. Also try the guilt aspect and remind them if she doesn't go, you'll be a alone. *sniff*
Have fun in your new place!
Heather