Dogs like familiarity and routine, so moving house can cause them stress and anxiety. The ten tips in this article will help the move go more smoothly and easily for both you and your dog.
For many people, moving house is often a necessity. Whether you’ve landed a job in a new city, or are downsizing to something smaller, moving to a new home or apartment can be stressful and complicated — especially if you have a dog who won’t understand what’s going on. Keeping things as calm and familiar as possible will help your dog transition to your new living environment with less stress, confusion, and anxiety.
10 TIPS FOR A SMOOTH MOVE
1. Stay calm.
Your dog is sensitive to your mood and will pick up on your emotions if you’re feeling stressed and frazzled on moving day. Explain to your dog what’s happening — he might not understand your words, but he may sense it’s nothing to be upset about.
2. Maintain your dog’s routine.
As much as possible, in the days and weeks leading up to your move, stick to your dog’s usual routine for feeding, walking, playing, etc. Maintaining a familiar routine will be comforting and grounding for him.
3. Brush up on training.
Because you’re transitioning to a new environment, you want to make sure your dog knows his training cues inside and out — especially “come” and “stay” — in case he dashes out the door or gets off his leash on moving day.
4. Pack your dog’s box last.
Leave his bed, bowls, and favorite toys in their usual places until the last moment. This will help give him a sense of stability in his otherwise changing world.
5. Make pre-move visits to your new residence.
If your new home or apartment is vacant and available, take your dog to visit it a few times before you actually move.
This will help make it feel more familiar to him when the time comes to move in. If this isn’t possible, a walk in your new neighborhood will at least familiarize your dog with its sights, sounds, and smells.
6. Use natural stress relievers.
For dogs who are particularly sensitive and anxious, natural stress relievers like Rescue Remedy can be helpful. They can be added to his water bowl days ahead of your move to help keep your dog calm during the packing process. On moving day, to help during the car ride, a few drops can be put directly into his mouth or rubbed into his ears or paw pads.
7. Unpack your dog’s things first.
As soon as you’ve moved in, unpack your dog’s bed, bowls, and toys, and put them out in a quiet area. The presence of familiar belongings will help him feel at home more quickly.
8. Make exploring the new house rewarding.
Under supervision, allow your dog to explore his new environment, providing encouragement and rewards in the form of treats or praise. Try hiding high-value treats around the house for him to find. This will help him associate the new place with something pleasant and enjoyable.
9. Don’t let your dog out on his own.
It’s going to take a while for your dog to settle into his new environment, so it’s best not to let him outside by himself for a while, even if the house has a fenced-in yard. An anxious dog may try to escape an unfamiliar area by jumping the fence or digging underneath it. Keep your dog on a leash, and/or supervise him when he’s in the yard to do his business.
10. Stay home as much as possible.
For the first few weeks after moving, it’s a good idea to stay home with your dog as much as possible, or have a family member or friend stay with him. Leaving him alone in a strange place, especially for long periods, can trigger stress, fear, and even separation anxiety.
HOW FAR ARE YOU MOVING? DOG PARENTS SHARE HELPFUL HINTS
Local moves
Debbie Daw moved her two dogs, Ollie and Piper, across town. Because Ollie can be an escape artist and hard to catch, she opted to board him and Piper until everything was in the new house.
On arrival, the dogs found familiar furniture along with their beds and bowls. After a brief walkthrough, they explored the yard and declared the house home.
Long distance moves
Walt Boyes and Joy Ward moved from the Midwest to the Northwest, a distance of 2,200 miles, with Pretty Girl and Midas (both Weimaraners), and Jersey (a foster dog they adopted). “Plan ahead for dog-friendly hotels, stop at every rest area for exercise and potty breaks, and have treats handy for all of you,” Joy says.
Wendy Harrison and her dog, Cooper, moved from Florida to Washington State after a hurricane flooded their home. She found a pet transportation service that drove Cooper in her own car while she flew to Washington. “It was somewhat expensive, but I would never have Cooper put in the cargo area of the plane,” she says. “He got plenty of walks along the way.” She received regular text updates and photos from the driver. “Cooper was a bit stiff after riding in the car for three days, even with frequent stops, but otherwise seems happy to be here. It was the easiest and most convenient way to get both him and our car across country while we were setting everything up at the new house.”
Your first night in your new house or apartment should be as relaxing as possible for your dog. A favorite book or TV show for you, a toy and some healthy treats for your dog, and a quiet, cushy spot to relax in together will help make the place feel like home for both of you.
Sandra Murphy lives in St Louis, Missouri. When she’s not writing, she works as a pet sitter.
Ann Brightman is Managing Editor for Animal Wellness Magazine and Integrative Veterinary Care Journal. A lifelong animal lover, she has also been a writer and editor for over 25 years. Ann is a member of the Professional Writers Association of Canada and is also a Tai Chi instructor.