Just after the 6 month gotcha anniversary – Marcus had to deal with another huge (albeit planned) change – we physically moved house to another county where everything was new to him (and dad).
The move had been on the cards from the end of the first month of him arriving in the UK. Two weeks into the new house – he settled very well. Regular walks around the same route (albeit they are extending) have built familiarity and a sense of location. Numerous visitors in terms of tradesman have been no issue. There have been moments where I see his emotional bucket filling but it’s easy enough to empty.
A new puppy school keeps up his learning, a weekly group play date with other pooches is increasing his confidence and socialisation – both in terms of playing or just doing his own thing. Off lead walking in open areas and new secure fields all keep up a familiar routine and build more confidence. He has a few pooches that he plays with regularly and they just get on very well together. I encourage pooch play dates but also make sure he has enough ‘down time’ – especially if it’s been a busy week doing other things.
His confidence in the house is huge – only one minor toilet accident on moving day. He knows where things are and has his own favourite spots. He was with dad throughout the whole moving process. Some people advise against this but for us there was no option – and it did him zero harm.
There’s been a noticeable increase in how calm he is when meeting strangers.
Overall – a huge achievement for us and him.
Marcus and dad 