Senior Dog/Moving-How to prepare him

I don't really have much advise, but want to send you some "de-stressing" vibes.   He may even sense your stress which will make it more difficult.  Glenda has moved a lot, maybe she will chime in with some tips.  Callie used to recommend the smell test for adding pets to your home.  Maybe something from the new  home that you could bring in to your current home so he could get used to it.  

Silly as this sounds....TALK to him about the move.  If possible take him ahead of time to see his new home, or at least to drive by it.  Be really excited about the new house and communicate that to him.  Theo gets upset about moves too, and packing boxes send him into a funk.  He gets really clingy when I'm packing so I'm sure to make time to reassure him that he ALWAYS goes with us, and to spend special time with him just hanging out.

I'm not sure that having a stressed dog around children is a very good idea.  Even if he really loves them, is good with them and them with him, if he is stressed, children can add to that stress.  This is not a small dog and he can do serious damage without meaning to.  I would leave him at daycare as long as possible and in his crate until the children go home.

You might want to consider using Valerian root.  This is an herbal relaxant that doesn't MAKE him relax, but allows him to relax.  My hubby uses this as a sleep aid, and all my GSD's have taken it during stressful situations.

Good idea about the Valerian root, I use it for Hot Shot  120lb Bernese Mtn Dog cause he is very afraid of thunder.

Relax.  Your dog picks up your stress.  Walk him, so you're both tired and relaxed.  I know-easy to say, hard to do.  Letting him walk  and mark the area first,.

is it possible to have everything moved into the new house before you bring him to it?  that' is what I've always done  or tried to do when I moved with pets and I have moved a lot.   after he checks everything out take him for a walk around the neighborhood.   dogs can become lost if they get loose but if they are walking around marking their territory they can find their way home.  I couldn't get everything moved in  first the last time so  with my cats I set up a whole bedroom for them with their beds,  cat tree, scratching post, litter boxes, toys, food and water and when the movers left I brought in a few boxes at a time to unpack and let the cats out to roam around.  they seemed  very happy right away.  after that I put up a gate so they could in and  out to get away from the dog when they wanted to and he couldn't eat their food.

If you are stressed, he may feel it, too, and this will make things even more difficult for him. Glenda may be able to recommend some ways to reduce your stress. As Callie's original post stated, bringing something from the new home into the current one, so your dog can get used to that smell, might help.

The main thing is not to worry! Guess after all these years together, your dog will trust you completely.

Sometimes when our dogs don't look like they're able to control their emotions is because they're lacking an appropriate training. Here I let you a video where you can see some info about something that is called "Brain Training for dogs". Check it out and see if it helps your little friend!

►rumble.com/v14d0cw-basic-dog-training-top-10-essential-and-easy-commands-every-dog-should-know.html;mc=eicb7

One essential step is to make sure you have all the necessary pet supplies for the move. This includes a sturdy crate, bedding, food and water bowls, leash, and collar with updated identification tags. Additionally, you may want to consider bringing along some of your dog's favorite toys, treats, and blankets to provide them with a sense of familiarity and comfort during the move.

there are steps you can take to help prepare your senior dog for the move and make the transition as smooth as possible. Here are some tips

Stick to your dog's routine: Dogs thrive on routine, and sticking to their usual schedule as much as possible can help reduce stress. This includes feeding times, walks, and playtime.

Keep your dog's favorite items: Familiarity can help your senior dog feel more comfortable in a new environment. Be sure to pack your dog's favorite toys, blankets, and other items that they are used to.

Talk to your veterinarian: If your dog has any health issues, it's important to talk to your veterinarian before the move. They may have specific recommendations or medications to help your dog deal with the stress of moving.

Keep your dog safe during the move: During the move, keep your dog in a quiet, safe area where they won't be disturbed. This can be a separate room or a crate, depending on your dog's preferences.

Take your time with the transition: It may take some time for your senior dog to adjust to the new environment, so be patient and give them plenty of love and attention during the transition period.