Moving Anxiety

Question
Greetings,


I have a two year old lab/pit/boxer mix male that is very friendly and social, but I'm worried that the amount of moving that I do during the year is causing him anxiety. He often stays with my boyfriend (300 miles away from there I live) or my parents for weeks at a time while I'm traveling. He is a very emotional dog and does seem to get anxious whenever anyone leaves. Is this normal behavior? And is all this moving causing him anxiety and stress? He is familiar with all three locations.

Answer
Hi Jen,

Dogs thrive on routine. Just like people, some dogs are a little more "high strung" than others, and don't like a lot of change in their environment.

You can't change your dog's individual personality, he may always get a little stressed out by moving, but keeping him at familiar places with people he knows will be helpful. If your dog is crate trained, having "his" crate and familiar smelling bedding with him, no-matter who's house he's at, might be very helpful in relieving his stress.

Giving him extra exercise on the days he's going to the other homes, can also help. One thing you can try is Comfort Zone D.A.P (Dog Appeasing Pheromone). Read about that product here:

http://vetmedicine.about.com/cs/behavior/a/dogbehaviorprob.htm

http://www.vin.com/VINDBPub/SearchPB/Proceedings/PR05000/PR00024.htm

Best of luck,

Patti