Moving to a new home is difficult for everyone involved, but it can be especially confusing to your pets. Everything that they know and recognize is packed up into boxes, their home is emptier by the day, they are transported to a new location where everything is new – and they don’t have the luxury of discussing all of the changes with you.
This often results in anxiety and depression-type behavior in your dog – but there are definitely ways in which you can help your dog to better survive moving day.Take a look at these expert tips, and let us know if you have any additional tips which may help those moving with their dogs.
Moving Day – and Beyond
One of the most important tips to remember is that you have had time to adjust to the thought of moving, so the more you can prepare your dog for the new reality, the better. This means that you can begin preparing them for their change of lifestyle right now.
For instance, if your dog has been living in a house and is now moving to an apartment, they may not have the luxury of using the doggy door every time they wish to go outside to potty. In fact, they will have to get used to waiting until you return home. Training them now to potty on schedule will go a long way to relieving stress for you both. Here are a few additional tips to ease the transition.
- Bring Them on a Test Run: If at all possible, bring your dog to visit their new home prior to moving in. Be happy and positive as they explore, and reward them with a treat if they behave appropriately. Although every situation is different, you will find that people are accommodating when you ask if you can bring your animal by a couple of times before moving day.
- Prepare for Transport: If you are not already familiar with your dog’s demeanor while traveling, take a few test runs. Find the most appropriate harness/leash combination, or the crate which makes them the most comfortable. If you will be driving to your new home, make sure they have ridden in the car a few times using the method that you will employ that day. If your dog gets anxious when traveling, consider speaking to your vet about a mile sedative, or even look into a Thundershirt to keep them more calm.
- Take Some Smells with You: Dogs rely on scent to assure them of familiarity. Although you may be tempted to move with all clean linens and blankets, consider leaving some items with your smells and odors. Whether it be an old t-shirt or their favorite blanket, settling into the new place is easier with smells which being comfort.
- Make Their Space a Priority: In the same way that people set up their kids room before any other room of the house, be sure to set up a corner for your dog right away. Give them their familiar old blanket, all their favorite toys, and set up their very own dog dish – whatever will allow them to stake out their section of the home immediately. This will minimize their confusion as to where they belong in this strange new environment. If you can, make this is a quiet corner that won’t be filled with unknown people and boxes all day long.
- Stick to Routines: For a while, stick as close to familiar routines as possible. Take them for walks at the same time, feed them on the same schedule, and consider that they can’t reason like you. If they were allowed to jump on the old couch to watch TV with you, they may not understand why they can’t jump up on the brand new couch – especially after such an exhausting and confusing day.
Overall, be aware that your dog is bound to suffer some anxiety and confusion on moving day but remember – if you remain calm, upbeat and encouraging, they will do much better and learn to love their new home.
If your move has precipitated some unwarranted behaviors in your dog, call Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training for assistance.
