Once again we are pleased to welcome guest blogger, Nick Burton from ourbestdoggo.com. This site, developed by Nick and his wife, offers many great tips, resources and support for pet owners so be sure to check it out.

For anyone who has ever moved (and who hasn't) we all know how stressful it can be, not only for us but for our pets as well. This article offers some great tips to make your next move easier and less stressful for all involved.

How to Make Moving Stress-Free for Your Dog
 
Moving can make the staunchest of hearts fill with anxiety, but for our canine companions, being uprooted can be particularly stressful.  A little extra consideration can help your furry friend through the transition.  Here are some clever tips for easing your dog through the process so you’ll both feel right at home before you know it.
 
Choose a great location
 
One of the best ways to help your furry friend through this life-changing event is to select your new home with his needs in mind.  For instance, before committing to a new house, make sure it’s in a dog-friendly location.  Familiarize yourself with the zoning regulations and animal control laws in the area. Check whether specific certificates or vaccinations are necessary and make sure you have them beforehand.
 
Also think about the specific neighborhoods you’re considering.  If you and your dog go for walks, heavy traffic can be an issue, and some communities and homeowners associations have their own restrictions for pet owners.  You might prefer an area with sidewalks; if getting out and about with your dog is something you’re looking forward to, an area close to dog parks can be a boon. 
 
Keep your dog in mind when looking at specific properties as well.  For instance, a fenced yard is a must-have for a dog that tends to roam or needs room for exercise, while some dogs might be fine with smaller spaces.  That being said, don’t discount a house that works if it lacks a fence. You can always have one installed, and depending on the materials, it might not cost too much. For example, Hartford homeowners spend an average of $2,418 to have a fence installed.
 
It really helps when house hunting to be familiar with your dog’s breed tendencies, and to make choices that will keep him safe and secure. 
 
Making the move
 
The logistics of a move can be one of the most challenging parts of this entire process. And while it's easy to call upon friends and family on moving day, you're going to have a harder time if you're moving out of state to a new community with no contacts. In that case, it might be in your best interest financially to consider a hybrid move where you use a moving company to load a truck, a separate company to move your items, and then a different moving company once you reach your destination. Not only will this save you some headaches, but it allows you to spend more time with your pup before you leave and after you arrive at your final destination. Make sure to read reviews to find the highest-rated moving companies in your area.
 
When it’s time for the big event, it’s also important to keep your dog out of the pathway of movers, so consider having a friend watch him for the day, hiring a pet sitter, or boarding him (the cost of boarding averages $25 - $45 a night).  Getting away from the hubbub can reduce his stress as well as keep him safe.  Also make sure you stick to the usual routine, and pack your dog’s things last.  When you get to the new place, unpack his things first, and set them up in a similar location to where they were in the old house. 
 
If you have a dog who doesn’t travel well, one way to help your dog is to talk with your vet before the move.  The vet can recommend options for managing your pooch’s behavior and might prescribe something for anxiety.  Another idea is to try an over-the-counter anxiety medication.  If you’re moving out of the area, your vet might have suggestions for finding a new veterinarian as well. 
 
When it comes to actual travel, your safest bet is for Fido to go in a crate or carrier.  If you haven’t used one before, buy an appropriately sized crate before moving day, and help your dog become accustomed to it beforehand.  Choose a crate that is travel-friendly as well.  For instance, some crates have wheels to get your pooch through airports more easily, and some allow you to top-load your dog.  As far as accommodations, Pet Travel recommends outfitting the crate with a comfy pad and bowls for the journey.  You can freeze water the night before in a bowl that attaches inside the crate so it won’t drip or spill.  Also consider adding something that smells like you if you and your dog will be separated at all, like a worn T-shirt.  Test drive the new crate at home and then make some short trips before trying longer journeys. 
 
When you reach your destination, spend a little time introducing your dog to the new surroundings.  Unpack your dog’s belongings right away, dog-proof the new house, and let your pup sniff around the new house and neighborhood while you walk with him.  Keep a leash on for the initial perusal, making it easier to correct any unwanted behaviors.
 
Throughout the process of moving, your dog is depending on you to make choices on his behalf.  Select the new home carefully, and make preparations to transition smoothly.  Keep his needs and comfort in mind throughout the process, and you and your furry friend will be settled in quickly. 

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We hope you have enjoyed this article and please visit Nick's site, ourbestdoggo.com for more great articles, tips and information for you and your pet.

Thank you Nick! 
 
Photo Credit: Pexels

Today we offer yet another insightful article written by guest blogger Katie Tu. Katie is the Content Specialist for QuoteWizard by LendingTree, LLC and has written a very important article for pit bull owners and also owners of other dog breeds that are often considered dangerous by the insurance industry. It offers tips on where to look for homeowner's insurance as well as what you can do to protect yourself and your dog.

We hope you will enjoy the article and we thank you Katie for sharing this with us.

Show Your Pit Bull's Not a Threat to Home Insurers

Your homeowners insurance policy is available to help protect you from damages and liabilities in or around your home. This can include theft, fires, lightning, and dog bites. You may have heard this, but some insurance providers may deny coverage or raise your rates depending on your dog breed.
 
While we understand that any dog breed is capable of biting under the right circumstances, larger breeds like pit bulls typically have the capacity to cause more damage, therefore they are a bigger liability.
Insurers that allow pit bullsFortunately, there are a few insurers that offer pit bull friendly policies. Note that coverage can vary depending on the case and if you’re in Michigan or Pennsylvania, the legislation prohibits denying coverage based on the breed alone.

• State Farm does not require you to disclose your dog’s breed nor do they have breed restrictions. They will consider your coverage on a case-by-case basis and consider your pet’s history.
• Allstate also has a similar policy to State Farm, but coverage is subject to change if your pet attacks or causes damage.
• USAA can help cover your pit bull if it has a proven track of good behavior. However, this company only serves US military veterans and their families.

 
Be sure to also shop around with other carriers to compare and find the best rate for you and your pit bull.
How to show that my pit bull is good?Your current home insurance policy might be able to work with you on coverage and price if you can demonstrate that your pit bull has good behavior. Here are some suggestions on what you can do to show your beloved pit bull is obedient and safe:

• Spay or neuter your pit bull. There has been evidence that neutering your pit bill can help decrease aggression (those that are influenced by hormone). It can also help with population control and continuing to pass aggressive behavior to offsprings.
• Ensure your dog is properly socialized and leash trained. Socializing your pet will lower the probability of it feeling threatened by other people or dogs.
• Enroll your pit bull in a training class. Get to know you canine and understand it’s stressors and how to work on it or avoid them. This takes time, energy, and work, but can help minimize liabilities.
• Earn the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certificate from the American Kennel Club. This is the gold standard of behavior for dogs where you go through a series of tests with your dog to show their obedience.

 
If you’re still having some trouble with liability coverage with your home insurance, consider an umbrella policy of canine liability insurance. An umbrella policy is a supplemental insurance policy that extends your maximum, payout and filling in any coverage gaps. Canine liability insurance is a standalone policy, so you don’t need an existing home or renters policy to have it. It has a wide array of liability coverages related to your pit bull.
 
As with any pet, you should be a responsible owner and ensure that your pit bull is happy and can be safe around people. Recognize any potential threats with children and adults and always keep an eye on your companion.