Sounds like you need to start with a collar that stops or reduces your lab from pulling. There are different varieties, some go over the muzzle others around the chest. If you google "collar for dog that pulls", you'll get different suggestions. Maybe also find a local dog walker if your foot isn't up to it? I have ankle issues, so I totally understand the surgery recovery.

For those times when they are left on the decks alone, any one have any success with a dog litter box or area set up? Thanks.

Yes, its my foot, knees and low back as well too, but just try to keep moving without injury. Yes, I know they are too big for the litter ideas I have seen was just hoping someone had done something I hadn't heard of yet. I am definitely figuring out a way to have an area for them but it won't happen overnight. They are very good about holding it when inside and I just hope the stress of the move doesn't change that. I think I'm worried about the issues that will arise with a new environment at first. Thanks!

@vicnsb I wouldn't leave your pets outside on a deck. Pets should never be left unattended outside. Something could scare them, they could run after something and get lost--not to mention the sound of them barking could bother your neighbors.

I would look into training that lab to heel and not pull. I had a lab mix that came fully trained, except walking on a leash. Once we got that down, he was easy to walk. Before, not so much.

Im on another forum helping people find their lost cats - my impression is that by far most cats go missing either during or soon after a move. Another common cause is the carrier breaking - yes, breaking in half where the flimsy screws hold it together - and terrified cat goes running not to be seen again - for a long while, or never. So with that in mind be sure to secure the carrier with a bunch bungee cords or whatever it takes.

You might want to move her first and put her immediately into a room in the new house you have set up w ( litter box, food, water, scratching post, bedding from her old house, a Feliway plug in, some of her favorite furniture).

Until the move is complete and the chaos subsides, keep the room LOCKED or somehow secured in such a way that no one can open it by mistake - for any reason. Duct tape works in a pinch with a big sign saying keep out.

You might want to keep her on lockdown for the next two weeks or at least until she starts looking relaxed and inquisitive. Not sure how the dogs fit into this scenario - if they are friends then
they of course would all do better together. Long story short - just be extra sure to keep
the animals secured for a period of time!

You have a lot to be concerned about, don't you?

Is there any chance that you can get with a trainer to work with you and the dog right away about pulling? In my opinion, the pulling especially of a large dog, is dangerous and intolerable. I'm most concerned about that; your animals need you, and if you are injured it will be very hard for you all. I saw a demonstration at a fair of a harness that tightens around the chest when the dog pulls. It seemed very effective, but I have not used it.

Good luck, I hope it all works out for you.

http://www.petexpertise.com/dog-training-article-comparison-of-no-pull-dog-training-aids.html

I moved my 2 dogs and three cats from my farm to a suburban property a little over a year ago. The morning of the actual move, my lovely neighbor (who is the dogs second Mom even still), came over and took the dogs for the day. So they were out of the way, and would miss all the ruckus. She and her husband brought the dogs to the new house that evening after things were unloaded and beds and furniture in place.

My new house has a wonderful fenced yard for the dogs (one of my requirements when looking for a new house), and they get to watch the neighborhood walk by, since it's a side yard facing the street. And they just love that. I can't walk them because of my ankle (and recently had a hip replacement), but I throw the ball for them every night in the yard and also take them to doggy day care once a week.

One time when I moved my cat sat on the stairs (inside) and meowed loudly her complaints about the move. She eventually settled down. The last time I moved I had a different cat and she went in the basement and refused to come upstairs for about 2 months. Her food and litter box were down there. Finally we went on vacation for a week and my daughter came to pet sit and the cat came out of the basement for her and hasn't gone back since (except to eat and use the box). I just let her be and knew she'd eventually re-join the family.

Good luck with your move!

Current Resident, thank you for all the real tips. We def have a challenge but we are moving close to the sand/beach and the extra work to make the transition will be worth it. Never used Feliway before, will look into that. The dogs and the cat are all very close, kitty grooms the lab regularly. Thanks all!