Over Sunday brunch this weekend, my friend and I discussed the pros and cons of country living versus city living for dogs. Through the years, he has toyed with the idea of moving to a big city.
This usually happens right after he has spent a week in NYC taking in the latest Broadway shows. Thankfully, he has yet to turn his country dog into a city dog. They both would be sorely missed by our entire family.
What if they really made the move from country to city living?
This discussion got me to thinking of how different the life of a dog would be with such a move. As thrilling as the move might be for the humans in the family, it could be challenging for the canine family members. Country living versus city living for dogs would be hard to even comprehend.
Can you imagine moving to a totally different climate, for instance? Even if the town size and other environment details remained the same, moving from a temperate zone to one more extreme could be tough. Just think of a dog that grew up in Miami who moved to Alaska!
More challenging than dealing with climate change is turning a country dog into a city dog. For a dog that grew up in a fenced backyard, adjusting to the restrictions of a city might be hard. Living with many more people and cars means the noise level will be greater. Easily excitable dogs may find it a more difficult adjustment than would a calm, easy-going pup.
Big City life might terrify a country dog.
You may be thrilled with such a move, but your pup might need some help adjusting to the new neighborhood. And, it may be necessary to alter his routine as well. For example, moving from a home with a big yard to a big city apartment will mean a change in his “potty” habits.
Start with the basics, like what goes in must come out. But where?
What will he think about pooping on the sidewalk instead of on grass? If there is no grassy area such as found in a park of some type near home, what other choices will you have?
Not only will he need several opportunities to relieve himself, but he will also need adequate exercise. This is vital for both his mental and physical health as well as yours. A dog with pent up energy will make both of you miserable.
Children and dogs need fresh air and a safe place to run and explore. If at all possible, make every effort to periodically take your dog to a large, grassy area where he can safely run.
country dog playing in a field
One very basic change that is often ignored is the dog’s diet. If he has previously run freely and worked off many calories each day, his caloric intake may not have been an issue. But, a dog that is only walked a few times a day may need to have his calories restricted. Keep an eye on his weight and be prepared to cut back on his feed if necessary.
Keep in mind that, every time you walk your dog, there are safety issues to consider. You will want to think ahead about ways to make sure he is safe and feels secure. You will need to take precautions to keep him safe from city dangers like hot sidewalks and bird poop. The bacteria found on the sidewalk can be quite different from those found in rural soil.
If your dog is particularly uneasy around lots of traffic and people, you may need to enlist the help of your veterinarian to help him adjust. While simply giving him lots of positive reinforcement may be enough for most dogs, some need more help. A dog that is known to be easily intimidated or fearful may need the help of an animal behaviorist.
Ask Your Veterinarian for Help In Advance of the Move
In Preparation of A Move, You Need To Deal With Country Living Versus City Living for Dogs Transition
You should ask your veterinarian for assistance when preparing to move. Do not wait until after you move and ask a veterinarian who has never met your dog for assistance. The vet who knows your dog best will have a better chance of helping him make the transition more comfortably than one who has never met him.
If your dog has any chronic health problems, make sure to take a copy of his medical records with you. It is also important to have an adequate amount of prescriptions for any required medications. Further, if your dog has respiratory problems, be prepared to deal with the possibility of air pollution making things worse.
Making the Transition From One Vet to the Next Is Also Important
Although your current vet plays a significant role in making the transition a healthy one, the new vet also plays an important role. Therefore, you will need to introduce your dog to his new vet sooner rather than later.
There will be some similarities in the health risks in each location. But, there will be some risks that are different as well. It would be better if you knew what these may be in advance of the move, if possible.
Find out if there are any differences in the vaccinations required and the need for parasite prevention or control. For example, is it an area where heartworm is a problem? If so, being tested and starting preventative medication is much better than having to treat heartworm later on.
Once You Are There, What Next?
No matter how well you prepare for the move, it will take you and your dog time to adjust to your new environment. Be patient and be consistent with your training. Positive reinforcement is one of your most effective tools. You may be pleasantly surprised at how quickly your dog will catch on.
Some dogs become more territorial and protective of their family in a new environment. It takes a while for them to become familiar with the neighbors and those who make deliveries to your home. If you can actually introduce them under safe and pleasant circumstances, it will speed the process significantly.
We have only addressed the move from rural or suburban to city living here today. Moving away from a city to a less congested environment will have challenges as well. However, it is usually easier to make this kind of move. Nevertheless, any major change in the environment requires some adjustments.
The Bottom Line: Home is Where the Heart Is
Your dog may never love the new location as much as he did “home” but, with a little effort, you can help him adjust. Eventually, he will be as content as possible, if not downright happy. After all, home is where the heart is, as they say. His love for you will over-ride his preference of location.
