In the U.S. alone, there are over 76 million dogs owned by families. For many people, their four-legged friends become a part of the family, and you couldn’t imagine ever leaving them behind.
So, what do you do when you’re planning on moving? Changing locations can be hard on everyone, but for a pet, making a move has unique challenges. You won’t be able to explain the move to your dog the same way you would to your children. So, it’s important to make it a comfortable, seamless experience for your canine companion.
Maybe you’ll be moving into a bigger house that will give your dog more space to run around. Maybe you’re losing a backyard, or gaining a better neighborhood for long walks. Whatever the case, there are things you can do to make your move easier on your dog. Let’s take a look at some helpful tips.
1. Crate Train Your Dog
If your dog isn’t already crate trained, now is the time to get started. If you’re moving somewhere far away, your dog will undoubtedly have to be in a crate for a long period of time, either in your car or on another form of transportation. You can also utilize services like Shiply to safely transport your dog to the new location.
But, the last thing you want to do is put them in a crate for the first time on the day of your move. Make sure they’re comfortable in their crate and actually enjoy it before you decide to take them across the country. You’ll save yourself (and your dog!) a lot of stress.
2. Put Any “New Rules” In Place Now
You might have to have some new rules in your new home. For example, if you’re moving into an apartment and your dog tends to bark, you’re going to have to train them not to do so as frequently (or you may have angry neighbors on your hands!).
Similarly, if you’re moving to a place that has a garden, and your dog has no clue what that is, why not make good use of Hidden Dog Fences right now? They’ll help to teach your dog where they can and can’t go in your little outdoor area, which you can use out the front of your current place, and they can be easily moved to your new place as well.
Don’t wait until you’ve already moved to try to change your dog’s behaviors. The stress of the move might already be a lot for them. Instead, start training them in the comfort and familiarity of your current home.
3. Create a Safe Space
One of the best things you can do when you arrive in your new home is to create a safe, familiar place for your dog. Set their bed out, as well as a few blankets and familiar toys that they are used to.
Those items may still have the lingering smell of your old home on them, which can bring your dog some comfort as they get used to the sights, sounds, and smell of your new place.
The reality is, some dogs will handle moving better than others. But, unless you’ve moved before with your furry friend, you won’t know how they will react until you’re actually going through with it.
So, do what you can ahead of time to prepare your pet and to keep things as comfortable as possible for them. You may run into a few issues like behavioral problems or even accidents along the way. But, remember this is a new and likely stressful experience for your dog. Be patient, be consistent, and they will become comfortable in your new home quickly.
My ex-husband work took us to different places and the most challenging issue used to be my 2 dogs. Soon, they got used to all this packing, travelling and unpacking routine and started enjoying themselves.
That’s so cool how your dogs just learned to adapt.
These are great tips. We have dogs and cats and they adapted easily. Moving out isn’t that hard for our pet’s adjustments.
It can be a little stressful for both at times. These are some really great ideas.
These are some really good tips. It’s not always easy with pets when you make a move. I don’t have any dogs, but I do have cats. When we moved at first, it wasn’t that easy. The cats were not to happy about it.
Nice tips and I am glad that I got my dog after I moved to my new place. I will share this with others, thank you!
Great tips you’ve shared! So glad we don’t move too much.
Great tips! Luckily our doggy didn’t struggle with our move a year ago. She’s pretty easy going and adaptable.
These are really helpful tips. It will be a little hard to move with your dogs. They might be confused of the changes.
My dogs are pros at moving! Ha! However, they haven’t moved in several years now, so they would need these refreshers!
These are good tips to help dogs transition into their new home. We have only moved with cats and they did alright.
I’ve never tried moving with an animal before. These are awesome tips!
I never thoughtl there would be difficulty moving with pets. I have two dogs and I take them with us on all our trips and they usually adjust quickly so moving might not be that bad.
It was hard enough for us to move without a dog. I can imagine moving is that much more stressful for dog parents! Good tips.
These are excellent tips. Dogs aren’t quite as freaked out by moving as cats are, but they can still get confused and feel out of place.
We only have cats, so it was slightly easier. They just sat in their cages when we moved and meowed hysterically for a bit, then gave up and went to sleep.