How can I help my rescue dog get over moving stress?

[sjoes006]

I adopted my wonderfully smart game dog when she was three. I know from the shelter that she had at least three different homes and lived on the streets during her first years of life.

I've had her for two years and now we are moving into a condo I bought soon and I've never moved with her before.

I took today off to start packing and sorting even though we aren't moving for another couple of weeks.

She was abandoned more than once before so I can only imagine what she is thinking. She has a concerned look on her face hat I have never seen before. She knows when I pack to go on business trips to more I pack the longer I'm gone. She is freaking out and hasn't taken a nap since I started packing she is following me.

Have you ever experienced this with rescues? I'm thinking maybe I need to take her to stay at my boyfriend's for a while. I think she trusts and considers him part of our pack enough to be okay at his place even when he is gone.

I I just don't want her panicking every time I leave the house thinking it's he last time she'll see me and she is alone again.

I left her with my bathrobe as a sign coming back.

Updates

+1 y

Wait okay so I missed that. Why can't you see your
owb dogs anymore?

[oldanddecrepid]

My puggie was a rescue... he spent some time in a puppy mill. He cringes if anyone he does not know well that goes to pet him. If I take my belt off he cowers. He hates the garden hose because they apparently washed the dogs with a fire hose. I have never laid a hand on him and I constantly have to reassure him to make sure he gets used to these things... lots of love and tenderness for by little man. He is well worth it though.

In regards to your situation, if you room take her back and forth or take to the new place and have a friend walk her around it while you unpack. Take some treats and some toys and take five minutes to play with her each time. If you can take her to the new place and spend some time the night before the move. It will ease her into it.

[sjoes006]

Yes my dog does the same thing when certain people go to pet her and she is terrified of baths. She literally starts shaking when it's time for a wash but is fine once in the tub.

I had her with me when I was picking up my car at a hotel one day and when the caller ran passed us she went and coward behind my legs.

The other people in lines for their cars looked at me like I was the worst person in the world until I explained that she was a rescue and I just got her.

[oldanddecrepid]

I have had that happen before... even though you know the truth, it makes you feel pretty low when people look at you like your a pet beater :(

What they don't see is he trusts me totally, even to the point where he had no problem hopping up into a running helicopter last summer with me. It did not phase him one bit. It is just those certain things that some other dumb-ass did to him when he was just a baby!

[sjoes006]

Yeah it's just heartbreaking because it reminds me she was mistreated and is probably always going to have some nervous issues because of it.

I think her first owner was good to her but then couldn't take care of her anymore.

When I adopted her she had just had babies but the shelter didn't have them. In thinking someone took her in just to breed her then tossed her. 😢

[oldanddecrepid]

That is just sad... breaks your heart what someone can do to something that just gives unconditional love!

[oldanddecrepid]

Thanks for MHGuy, hope your pup is adjusting nicely!

[detlef]

Do you own the condo now? Take her over there and just have quiet time with her. Take some toys and great snacks. Treat it as a little adventure. Sit with her in the new condo and kick back (on the empty floor, if need be) and read a book. Show her that this is a site of relaxation and calmness. A new, completely non-threatening normal. After a while maybe you can leave her there for short periods, and work up from there.

I would also straight up tell her that you aren't going to leave her, she has nothing to worry about, everything's gonna be great, you think she'll love it, etc. Animals understand as much from energy and thought and intention as humans do from most linguistic content.

Good luck.

[Likes2drive]

Dogs adjust after awhile but yeah leaving her with your boyfriend for awhile is a good idea. I had two dogs that had to live with out me and go with the kids with their mom to live but acted up so they stayed with me for week then back there and then on week ends with me and now they are finally acting better but took time

[sjoes006]

Yeah I know she'll be fine with our new digs once we get there. I've just never seen such a desperately pleading look on her face as once I sat down.

[Likes2drive]

All the sadness in the world is in a dogs eyes, my dogs kept crapping in the other house so she was pissed

[sjoes006]

Yeah it's nervous pooping and getting upset only reinforces it. My dog had a nervous accident in my wood floors maybe two or three times when i first got her.

I acted neutrally to it and it went away. I could tell she was expecting to get yelled at but the fact that I didn't helped her self confidence.

[Likes2drive]

Dogs are great though, I miss mine, I only see them with the kids sometimes

[Anonymous]

Ultimately dogs are as you said pack creatures and they want a strong, trustworthy leader. If you're confident and calm your dog will be too.
My point is that if you're feeling worried when you leave your dog WILL pick up on that. Humans might not read minds, but dogs nearly do.

I am afraid I do not have much advise for you. If your dog likes your boyfriend it might be a good idea.

[KDA20]

I literally haven't a clue but I would contact the rescue centre you got the dog and ask have they any advice. They must have dealt with similar queries before.

[Anonymous]

She will adjust but in the beginning try lying with her in all the spots she dies or stays in. She will feel more safe knowing you are experiencing things in the same angle/place.

[sjoes006]

What?

[Opinion Owner]

She does not dies. Sorry

[akadatank44]

I guess be by her side at all times when you can. Comfort her

[sjoes006]

Dog trainers say a lot of times in situations like this comforting them just reinforces the fear and anxiety by confirmin there is reason to be upset. Like people aren't supposed to comfort the dog before they live in the morning or say goodbye to the dog. Your leaving and you'll be back no need to make a production out of it. Same with kids actually.

I've just been putting her on my bed and shit the door when I'm packing boxes in other rooms. But then I let her come sit with me on the couch. It seems to help she just doesn't like seeing me pack because to her it means I'm going somewhere for a long time.