Dreaming about having your own home is one thing; getting ready to find one is another.

It’s more than just having the money to purchase a property because the truth is, when you find the home of your dreams and you’re ready to move into a new chapter of your life, you have to do a lot of things… and maybe more when you have a pet, such as a dog.

Like us, our dogs can become stressed, too. Moving with a pet can require care and skill as they adjust to their new environment and new home. You can make the process a little less stressful for them by following these steps to help ensure a smooth transition for our fur friend. 

Prepare For Your Dog

Before you get them ready for moving, prepare and plan the things you need to keep your pet safe and secure. 

• Find a new vet – Do some research about the area and find a new vet. Ask if there are things that you need for your pet. As they say, prevention is better than cure. Waiting for them to get injured or have their rounds of vaccination expire before you search for a clinic is a NO. 
• Check local laws – Find out if you need a new license in your area or if there are breeds that are banned. Some places won’t allow certain breeds. You can also check if there are leash laws and everything related to your pet.
• Dog identification – Get your dog a collar that has information about you so when your dog gets lost and somebody picks them up, they’ll know where to reach you. You can also have your veterinarian microchip your dog for permanent identification. 

Make A Routine 

Dogs, like humans, live in a world of routine. They expect to be fed, walked, and sleep next to you at a certain time. Dogs are creatures of habit and become vigorous in a secure and loved environment. Any changes to their routine can stress them out and might cause problems like:

• Loss of appetite – Like humans, stress dogs are less likely to eat and won’t touch their food
• Whining or barking – If dogs are afraid or tensed, they may whine or bark to get your attention
• Chew everything they reach – chewing every time they see things can also be a sign of stress.
• Hiding or escaping – Tense dogs tend to go hide behind their owner. They may also dig or go in circles as a means of escape.
• Pacing or shaking – Stressful situations, such as being in a new place, can cause our pets to shake or pace
• Changes in bodily functions – When they refuse to eat food and lose bowel function, it might be a sign of stress

Help your dogs become familiar with the moving supplies by letting them sniff and examine the boxes. This way, they won’t be alarmed when you pack your things at home.

Take It Slow

Dogs may be confused if the surroundings seem to be chaotic. You can help them relax and be familiar by moving out a few boxes at a time. Don’t let your dog be startled on the day of the move with the movers going in and out of your home. Allow them to adjust to one room and include their favorite toys, food bowls, treats, and of course, water. 

You can also start taking your dog to the new home a couple of times before the actual move so they can get familiarized with the place and sniff the new smell. If they chew and urinate while exploring you can teach them and reinforce desirable behaviors while interrupting them so they won’t do it again. Keeping them close while you teach them and while they explore can help. 

Let Dogs Have Plenty of Exercises

Getting plenty of exercise is a stress reliever for both humans and dogs. You can walk them around the neighborhood or play fetch with them. Take a break from packing and burn that extra energy. 

Keep Your Dog Safe On Moving Day

When your dog feels safe and comfortable in the environment, it will feel less anxious. You can help them feel safe by carrying them with you or putting them in a crate in a safe and quiet area of the house. You can also ask a family member to look after your pet or put them somewhere they’re familiar with.

Keeping Their Favorite Belongings Nearby

Prepare your pet’s belongings in one place when you pack. Keep their bed, toys, blankets, favorite bowls, and other comfort items for your dog. This way, it will help your pet feel more at home when you move to your new place. Designate a place for all your dog’s items so you won’t have a hard time finding them on the day of the move.

Pet-Friendly Environment

Check every corner of your home and remove anything harmful to make sure that your pet is safe. It’s a plus if your new home has a gate or fence, so they can move and play freely. Just make sure to check every inch so they cannot escape. 

Be Patient

Your dogs might find it difficult to understand what’s happening, causing them to bark, be clingy, or present bad behavior. You need to be patient as they explore and settle into their new home. It may take weeks before your dog can finally settle down and become comfortable. 

Use Positive Reinforcement

To ensure a smooth transition, remember to show good behavior with your dog. Even if they show bad behavior as you go through the moving-in process. Showing bad behavior can add stress to them aside from the changing surroundings. 

Saying “no” consistently when they do something you don’t like in a good way or without yelling can help them understand and can change it. Trying other words or sounds aside from “no” with your dog can also help them cope and avoid being confused or anxious. By reinforcing good behavior you make your dog as content as possible and you’ll also be stress-free. 

Conclusion

Dogs adapt fairly to new situations, putting in good behavior and spending more time with them will make it easier for them to adapt to their new surroundings. Being aware of the potential stress-related behaviors of your dog can help you prevent it. 

To learn more tips on moving to a new home with your pets, you may visit our website or call us at 317-316-8224 so we can assist you.