Moving can be a stressful experience for your dog. All pets love to be in their safe zone and exposure to a new environment can make them anxious.
So, it’s better to be prepared for some unusual behaviors in your dog that you haven’t seen since he was a little puppy. Some of these may include indoor ‘accidents’, excessive chewing and separation anxiety- all of which are common among dogs who have gone through a move.
Here are a few ways to ease the transition and help your dog feel at home in your new place.
1. Stick to his routine
While our canine friends bring about a positive change in our lives, many dog owners make the mistake of ignoring their routine in the first few days. A typical day in a dog’s life probably begins at 5:30 am when he wags his tail trying to wake you up. Whatever routine your pup follows, try to stick to it during the move and in your new home too.
This sense of familiarity will comfort him – he’d know that not everything has changed. If you feel your dog is a little distant and standoffish, just give them time to decompress and force things. On the other hand when they come to you for attention be as affectionate as you can. The sooner you make your pup feel ‘normal’ the sooner he’ll get used to the new home.
2. Pack all their favorite stuff
Nothing will make your pup feel more comfortable in your new home than their favorite bed, crate, toys, and other familiar items. So, don’t forget to pack his old things. It may be tempting to throw out that worn old blanket that your dog has chewed the life out of, but that old rag holds comforting scents which will help in making your dog feel at home.
After all, dogs rely on their sense of smell more than anything else and filling his new space with familiar scents will work like a charm. Having his old bed and toys in the new home will help him adjust quickly.
3. Don’t take a lot of stress
Pets are more observant than you think. And a dog who’s been a part of your family for a while is tuned into your emotions. If you are feeling stressed out about the moving ordeal, then it is as contagious as the common cold.
Worried about unreliable movers or thinking about ways to fit in your furniture in the new home? Chances are that your dog will pick up on these feelings and exhibit his own signs of anxiety.
However, moving with pets is a stressful process and you can’t always control your thoughts. It might be better for your pup to hang out at a friend’s place while you sort out the logistics of a stress-free move. If that’s not an option, try your best to remain cool and calm in front of your dog.
4. Explore safely
A new neighborhood can be overwhelming for both you and your dog. So start by exploring it bit by bit rather than all in one go. Learning so many new things can make your dog anxious, especially because they smell and hear so much than a human. They may have never experienced the sound of a basketball court or a pool before. So give them ample time to soak in the details.
Second, meet your neighbors and take your pup along, so that he knows who is allowed near your home and who is considered ‘stranger danger’.
5. Be patient
Depending on your dog’s personality, it may take a few weeks for him to adjust to the new surroundings. Give him the opportunity to explore as much as he wants. Allow them to sniff every nook and corner of the home. Don’t worry if you don’t see them for days and find them hiding under the bed. Even though your pet might act aloof and scared, a bit of patience and love will help them enjoy their new home soon.
You might even experience a few ‘accidents’ but keep your calm and take them out for regular walks. Always put down fresh food and water even if they don’t eat it. Consistency is key and they will come out at night and eat it whenever they feel like.
Don’t forget love and affection go a long way for comforting a pet. However, even if weeks go by and your dog is still displaying signs of extreme distress or anxiety, we recommend talking to a professional behaviorist.
Conclusion
A home isn’t complete without the sound of paws skittering across the floors. So, helping your pup adjust to your new home is as crucial as any other step you have to take during the whole moving process.
We hope this article gave an insight into different ways to make your pet feel more comfortable during the moving process. Using these techniques will help smooth their transition and soon you’ll find them jumping here and there in the new home.
Do you have any other tips and tricks to help adjust a pet in a new home? Share your suggestions with us in the comments below:
About the Author
Jenny Harrison is a passionate technology and lifestyle blogger. She loves to engage with readers who are seeking tech, home, lifestyle-related information on the internet. She is a featured blogger at various high authority blogs and magazines in which she shared her research and experience with the vast online community. Currently associated with New York moving company ‘All Around Moving Services Company Inc.’ Specializes in arranging and assembling services of professional and skilled local movers locally in New York City as well as areas in New Jersey, Connecticut and the Miami Dale area in South Florida for their blog operations. Follow her on twitter @MJennyHarrison for more updates.
