If there’s one thing we all can agree on, moving can be a pain. The packing, cleaning, and heavy lifting can be time-consuming and full of “fun” surprises. However, if there’s anyone who hates moving more than you, it’s your dog. Moving to a new home requires planning and preparation. You need to know how to get your items from one place to another. But you must also figure out how to prepare your dog for the process and where they will sleep in your new home. To help your dog ease through moving to a new environment, here are some tips on how to make your dog feel comfortable in a new home.
Keep the Same Schedule
When you move into your new home, don’t get too lax on your daily routine with your dog. If you take your dog out on a daily walk at noon, then keep that same routine when you move. If your dog loves to play before heading to bed, make sure you start playing before falling asleep. It’s vital to keep these same routines and schedules to keep things running smoothly and to allow them to get acclimated to their new home.
Set Up a Space for Your Dog
It’s important that you set up a space for your dog to play, sleep, and roll around. If you have enough backyard space, go all out and prepare your yard for a garden shed that you can transform into a doghouse! In these spaces, you want to have items like their favorite blankets and toys that smell like your dog and your old home to help them get used to their new home.
Don’t Have Many Visitors at First
We know you love your space, are proud of how you’ve decorated your new home, and want to show it off to your friends and family. While that’s understandable, you should hold off on having too many visitors at your home so you can prevent your dog from becoming overwhelmed. Keep the visitors to a minimum, and don’t force your dog to interact with new neighbors too quickly.
Have Patience With Your Pup
The moving process can be stressful and can cause anxiety in your dog. The best way to help your dog feel comfortable in a new home is to have patience with them. As dog parents, you might see changes in behaviors like your dog following you around, not eating, showing signs of separation anxiety, or coming off aggressive to strangers. Try to curb these behaviors by working with them patiently and offering positive reinforcement.
