The Quick Guide to Moving with a Dog
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Moving to a new home can be equal parts exciting and anxiety-inducing. That holds true for you and your dog. You will both need to acclimate to new surroundings, but at least you will know why.
Your dog might get stressed with all the new smells and sights. Plus, when you leave for work after the move, they might become even more anxious wondering if you’ll be coming back.
There are ways to minimize their anxiety, and it has a lot to do with establishing routines. Here are some tips you can put into action when moving with your dog.
Let Your Dog Watch
Packing up a home can become overwhelming. You might have an inclination to put the pup into doggie daycare while you prepare to make the big move.
Imagine how you would feel if you came home to discover everything you owned was packed in boxes. Let your dog watch while you pack up.
They’ll get the sense that something is going on, and you can reassure them through the process with soothing chats.
Get Your Dog Used to a Kennel/Crate
If your dog isn’t crate trained, then you might consider training them in this manner for the new home. Crate training actually provides them with a safe place where they can relax. There isn’t going to be “sensory overload” in a dog crate. It also keeps them from dashing out an open door.
Start by letting your dog eat its food inside the crate with the door open. Then start shutting the door while it’s eating. Once they’re used to this, carry your pet in the crate and practice taking short drives.
After spending time in the crate, always give your pet treats and play time. By moving day, your dog should be ready to travel inside the crate to your new home.
After you move in, you can continue to practice taking short drives with your dog in their crate.
This is the safer way to travel especially on long road trips. The more time they spend in their crate, the more comfortable they will become.
It’s especially helpful for dogs with travel anxiety. Our boy Rico always got very nervous on car rides. Once we started getting him comfortable in his crate, we would load it into our car and he was much calmer and more relaxed on car trips.
Wash the Dog, Not the Bedding
On moving day, you won’t want your dog underfoot. This is the day to send them to the groomers. You should try and time it so that they can be with the groomer for the duration of the move.
Just because you’re giving them a bath doesn’t mean everything should get a bath. Avoid washing their bedding for the first few days after the move-in. This will provide them with familiar scents, and that can bring comfort.
It is important to reestablish the same feeding and walk times once you move into your new place. Your dog will become used to their new surroundings just as you will.
