Moving soon!? Dog help?

Question

I'm going to be moving soon, and where I'm moving is about 30 minutes away from where I currently live, and I was just wondering how I can make the moving easier for my dog. He hates getting into cars, and he always whines and yelps, and occasionally throws up. :-(

Can I make it easier for him?

Answer 1

Take a number of short rides with the dog.  Get him more comfortable with the car.  Be sure to stop before he would normally get sick.  Also, give a few ginger snap cookies before going in the car as it helps ease the dog's tummy.

Also, open the windows a little bit (not enough for the dog to stick his head all the way out.

When you get to your new place, be sure to have a number of his more familiar and favorite things out quickly.  Give him an opportunity to smell around.  If at all possible, don't have him at the old place when everything is being loaded up or at the new place when everything is being unloaded... probably a bit too much strange activity.

Answer 2

Take him to the new house in the dark.  My dogs do better if we travel when it is dark out.  We unpack the dogs things first, blankets, doggie pillows, food and water dishes, we unpack all the toys and bones and stuff.  We try to make it as normal for them during this stressful time.  We try to put our furniture and stuff in about the same places.  It may take a few days to get used to the new house, so keep in mind that they might not eat or potty the same for a couple of days.  They have new sounds and smells and things to get used to.  30 minutes isn't far.  Bring blankets and towels in the car in case he pukes.  

Answer 3

Have someone feed your dog treats along the way to the new house, and speak reassuringly and pet the dog calmly.  He will slowly begin to associate car rides with praise and treats, and will learn to love getting into the car if you repeat this process.  It will also make the transition to the new home much less stressful for him.

You can also practice getting into the car without actually leaving.  A lot of the discomfort and anxiety that you dog experiences in the car can be triggered the moment he enters the car.  If you have him go in and out a lot of times, he will eventually be desensitized to entering the car, considerably lessening his anxiety.

Good luck!