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A Guide to Making the Moving Process Comfortable for Your Dog

WRITTEN BY JESSICA BRODY OF OUR BEST FRIENDS

puppy on shoulder
Courtesy of Pixabay

Looking for a new home that will fit you and your furry family member? You’re definitely not alone in that pursuit! More and more people are considering their dogs when preparing and planning for a move. So, to make the process easier, we’ve assembled a two-part guide that will help you find a pawsitively amazing new home and avoid problems during your move.

How to Plan and Prepare for a Move With Your Dog

Rent Before You Buy to Find Your Perfect New Home

Okay, so it may not make sense to rent a house or apartment when you are looking to buy. However, spending some time in a vacation rental is a great way for you and your pup to try out new neighborhoods in Miami. Check out sites such as Turnkey to find vacation rentals in pet-friendly areas of town. You can easily find a list of available rentals by adding the dates you wish to stay and number of guests. Just make sure that the rental you choose permits pets.

Wherever you stay, not only can you get a feel for nearby dog-friendly parks, pubs, and cafes, but you can also test-drive dog-friendly features in pet-friendly vacation homes. Be sure to jot down what you loveddog apartment about each home and which features were lacking. Maybe you lucked out and scored a place with a dog wash station that would make life easier, or perhaps you discovered that having a fenced-in backyard is a must. Keep track of this list and use it to narrow your home search when the time comes.

Plan Your Move Ahead of Time to Avoid Added Stress

Once you know where you will be moving with your dog, you can start planning your move. You may even want to find a local pet company to hang out with your dog during the actual move. True, you could rely on family or friends, but by booking a daycare or boarding appointment, you’re guaranteed to find someone experienced in keeping pets safe and happy.

dog boarding miami

If you will be moving to a different city, state or even country, there are some additional planning steps to complete. For cross-country moves, you definitely want to map out each leg of your trip, so you can plan for potty breaks and meal stops along the way. Planning ahead should also include researching dog-friendly hotels, as well as any breed-specific legislation you need to be aware of along your route.

HOW TO HELP YOUR DOG STAY CALM DURING YOUR MOVE

TRY TO KEEP THINGS AS COMFORTABLE AND FAMILIAR AS POSSIBLE

Dogs love routines and being around familiar sights, sounds, and smells. So, as you prepare for moving day, try to keep these things in mind. During your travels and first days in the new home, provide your dog with the same daily routine you kept before, or at least minimize stress caused by changes. Ease your dog into any new activities, like riding in the car or walking on a crowded street, in order to lessen their anxiety about the move. To keep your dog from stressing out, you can also bring along some favorite toys or blankets, which can provide a sense of comfort during trips and moves.

TAKE SOME TIME OFF TO HELP YOUR DOG ADJUST TO YOUR NEW HOME

The one thing that will always help your dog feel better is spending time with you!moving with dog So, if you can swing it, try to take a few days off after your move to hang out with your pup. Having some extra time will allow you to get unpacked faster, plus you can go out and explore your new neighborhood with your dog. Schedule some time to take your dog for long walks and introduce yourself to new people along the way. If your dog is socially awkward, think about using some training tips to make meeting new dogs and people less stressful for you both.

You only want the best for your best friend, so make sure you plan accordingly for your big move. Try to take as many steps as possible to curb your dog’s anxiety while keeping your stress levels low, too. After all, your dog can pick up on your emotions, so staying calm during your home search and move can help keep you both happy and healthy.

Just moved to town and looking for a local Miami pet groomer or pet boarding facility? Book your appointment with Scottie Paws today!

Special thanks for the above to our guest blogger: Jessica Brody, Our Best Friends

How To Brush Your Pet: 3 Easy Tips from the Pros

miami pet grooming

We hear it a lot. “My dog doesn’t like to be brushed” or “my dog doesn’t let me brush him/her”. But when they come in for a grooming session, they let us brush them just fine!  Well, we’re going to let you in on a little bit of groomer magic for how to keep your pet brushed and tangle-free at home!

Most dogs like to be brushed (and some, like our shop mascots, LOVE being brushed). Like with anything else when training your pet, they have to get used to being brushed regularly. Make brushing a regular part of your and your dog’s routine with these three easy tips from our team of pros!

1. Establish some “ground” rules.

Dogs live most of their lives on the floor. This is where they eat and play, where they run and roll around, and where they feel most comfortable and in control. When it’s time for brushing, you’ll want to remove them from this setting so that you can have full control. If your dog is too heavy to be safely carried off the ground, designate a special spot that the two of you can use when it’s time to get serious about brushing.

At Scottie Paws, we have a grooming table and loops to help us; at home, we’ll need to get creative. Place a towel or mat on your washer and place your dog on top. You can also use a chair, table, ottoman… really anywhere that is safe and off the floor.*

*NEVER leave your dog unattended when brushing.
miami pet grooming

2. Use the right tools and techniques for your pet.

miami pet grooming

Proper brushing tools are important!  A proper tool is a slicker brush or any brush that doesn’t have the little balls on the end because this causes the hair to break off and thus pulls on the coat.  Pets don’t like their hair being pulled! 

Adding a comb to their brushing routine is also a good idea.  Sometimes a brush is very superficial and doesn’t really go all the way to the skin but a comb does this job perfectly.  I always like to go over with a comb after brushing my dogs and the comb always catches any tangles. 

If your pet has a lot of hair or long hair, it is best to break up the hair in sections or parting the hair just like you would a human.  This enables you to fully brush out your pet.  I use hair clips (like for humans) to hold the sections/parting in place. 

3. Treats, treats, treats!

miami pet grooming

Getting your pet used to brushing takes time! Be patient and be sure to use positive reinforcement to take brushing from “chore” to “fun”. Speak softly and use positive words while brushing. When you’re done, reward them with their favorite treat. This way, they associate brushing with treats and bonding time!

When it’s time to bring in the pros, book your pet grooming appointment at Scottie Paws Pet Resort!

pet grooming miami

Hello world!

You may have noticed we’ve made a few changes. As with everything we do at Scottie Paws, this new website is a labor of love!

Stay tuned for regular posts featuring tips and tricks on keeping your pet looking and feeling their best between grooms, as well as some fun behind-the-scenes action from the team at Scottie Paws.

Check back soon!