Moving With Your Dog: How to Adjust Them to Your New Home
The stress of moving is hard on everyone involved, including dogs!
What to expect when moving with your dog, and how to ease the transition for both of you. By adhering to these pro-level recommendations before, during, and after your relocation, you can lessen the burden of the process and help your dog.
Adjustment Planning Before Moving with Your Dog in New Home
Your dog needs time to get used to the many changes that will occur due to the relocation.
Get your dog used to the new environment and move supplies gradually.
Get all your moving supplies at least two weeks before you start packing and store them in a convenient location room where your dog plays, periods of sleep, eats, and drinks should be left uncluttered.
Make good memories associated with packing materials
Dogs should never be left unattended around chemicals or cleaning supplies. However, when they do check them out, be sure to lavish them with praise and treats. Incorporate the items into your dog's playtime by using them and playing near them.
Get ready for your trip
Think about the new location and the transportation options for you and your dog. Your dog's safety and comfort are paramount whenever you take him on a trip, be it a cross-country drive or a relocation to another continent that necessitates an airplane flight.
Invest in a high-quality, adequately fitted car harness for your dog to wear during car rides or a travel crate that can be used on airplanes and in cars.
Adjustment Planning While Moving with Your Dog in New Home
When packing numerous boxes, leave your dog with a trusted family member or friend. Even if you can't wholly accommodate your dog's routine, maintaining it as closely as possible will benefit both of you. Also, please don't leave your dog alone with the chaos of packing.
Uphold enrichment
Provide mental and physical stimulation and walk or hike your dog often. Treat them when they perform a command such as "stay" or "roll over," and play with their favorite toys during short training sessions. To keep your dog active and happy, take them to the dog park or backyard daily.
Giving your dog time alone in their favorite room or area is essential.
Don't pack up your dog's favorite room until you've finished packing your stuff. Permit them to take a nap in peace there. Put on some music or a fan to help your dog chill out and keep them entertained by filling a toy with treats.
Try to maintain a "normal" appearance around the house.
As soon as you begin packing, it will look like a tornado has ripped through the house. Make an effort to clean up by disposing of garbage, emptying tape and bubble wrap dispensers, and stacking empty boxes. For your dog's sanity, try to maintain an environment as free of chaos as possible. It's also not worth the risk of an accident involving your dog's curiosity and potentially harmful objects.
Adjustment Planning When You're Done Moving into New Home
After you've moved into your new place, these are what you can do to make it feel more like home for your dog.
Maintain regular schedules
Moving is stressful because of all the changes that must be made, so try to keep as much of your old routine as possible. If your dog usually wakes up, goes out into the yard, eats breakfast, and then goes for a walk, it's best to keep this routine going as best you can in your new home.
When adjusting your schedule to accommodate a new job or other commitments, it's best to maintain as much of your previous routine as possible for at least a few weeks. Further transitions will be less of a shock to your dog after adjusting to the current one.
Put off purchasing new pet supplies
After settling into a new home, it's only natural to want to furnish it with all-new furnishings. However, for the first few weeks, until your dog gets used to its new home, it's best to keep its old belongings with you. While it may not be ideal to bring your dog's old, fur-covered bed and water bowls with dings to your new home, keep them there for his comfort. If you can't resist the urge to spoil your dog with shiny new toys or chew treats, give in.
You should shower your dog with affection.
In theory, spending time with your dog can be as easy as playing, walking, and hanging out. The problem is that it's easy to forget about your dog or skip their walk if you're so preoccupied with other things during a move. Spending regular, high-quality time with your dog will do wonders for you.
For now, don't leave your dog alone.
Even if your dog is used to spending long periods alone while you're gone, it may have trouble adjusting to the new environment. Most dogs are susceptible to their surroundings and must be conditioned to feel comfortable when left alone in unfamiliar environments.
If you can, wait as long as possible before leaving your dog alone in the new house. It may require you to take them along everywhere you go for a few awkward days.
Time spent on the floor with your dog is time well spent.
A dog's keen sense of smell calms him during travel. Spending time on the ground with your dog quickly spreads its scent. Extra time spent cuddling on the bed is a thoughtful gesture.
Keep in mind that you need patience
The most common sense recommendation is to be patient and allow your dog to adjust at its own pace. It may only take a few days for a dog to feel completely at home in a new environment, but for others, it may take several weeks or even months. Your patience will go much further toward helping your dog adjust than your impatience.
Conclusion
Moving with your dog to a new home represents a significant transition that requires careful planning and patience. The journey from familiar surroundings to a new environment can induce stress for both pets and owners. However, with the right strategies and support, it's possible to minimize anxiety and ensure a smooth adjustment for your furry friend. This article has highlighted the importance of preparation, consistency, and reassurance throughout the moving process. By embracing these pro-level recommendations before, during, and after your move, you can create a comforting experience for your dog, easing their transition into a new home.
But sometimes, even with the best preparations, the need for additional support and guidance becomes apparent. This is where The Trusted Companion comes in. We specialize in dog training and behavior adjustment strategies tailored to your unique situation, including moves and transitions. If you're finding the process overwhelming or notice your dog struggling to adapt, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you and your dog succeed, offering personalized training sessions that address the challenges of moving and settling into a new environment.
Let The Trusted Companion be your partner in ensuring a smooth transition for your dog. Contact us today to learn more about our dog training services and how we can assist in making your new house feel like home for your beloved pet. Together, we can turn the challenge of moving into a positive experience, strengthening the bond between you and your dog.
FAQs
How can I prepare my dog for the move to a new home?
Start by gradually packing over time so your dog gets used to the activity and boxes without feeling anxious. Maintain their routine as much as possible, including feeding, walks, and playtimes, to provide stability amidst the change.
What should I do on moving day to keep my dog comfortable?
On moving day, keep your dog in a quiet and secure room or with a familiar friend or family member. This minimizes stress by keeping them away from the chaos of moving. Ensure they have their favorite toys, bed, and water bowl to keep them comfortable.
How can I make the car ride easier for my dog if moving far away?
For long-distance moves, prepare your dog by taking them on shorter car rides leading up to the move, gradually increasing the time spent in the car. Bring water, their favorite toys, and plan for regular breaks to stretch and relieve themselves.
Once at the new home, how can I help my dog adjust?
Introduce your dog to the new home slowly, starting with one room where they can feel safe with their belongings. Gradually allow them to explore more of the space as they become comfortable. Maintain their regular routine to help them adjust.
How can I ensure my dog’s safety in the new environment?
Immediately update their microchip and tags with your new address and contact information. Keep them on a leash during initial walks to prevent them from getting lost as they familiarize themselves with the new surroundings. Check the area for any potential hazards to dogs.