Written by Cindy Aldridge, Ourdogfriends.org
Moving is one of life’s big stressors, right up there with losing a job. Chances are you’ve had to move a few times in your life already, but it never gets any easier. Adding children and pets to the mix makes an exhausting process that much harder.
While moving is isn’t easy for us, try to see moving through your dog’s eyes. He doesn’t know why everything comforting and familiar about his environment has disappeared. A dog can’t tell why the people he loves are irritable, stressed, and ignoring him. And he doesn’t know why he’s suddenly in a strange place where nothing smells right and he’s always in the way.
Fortunately there are several steps you can take to counter your pup’s stress and ease the transition into your new home.
Make your dog feel secure
You know your dog better than anyone. Figure out how you can minimize his anxiety. Will he want to be with you, no matter how crazy the action? Would your dog do better staying with a pet sitter or boarding at a local kennel? Or will crating him and keeping him closer be a better option?
If you choose to crate your dog and he isn’t used to being crated, start familiarizing him with his new crate well before the moving process begins. Just like lions and bears, dogs are instinctively drawn to dens. With proper introduction, the crate can become your dog’s den, giving him a secure space of his own that makes the move with him. Putting an old sweater of yours in the crate will comfort him with a familiar odor.
Extra comfort for your pet
The single most important thing you can do for your pet is staying calm. Pets quickly pick up on our emotions, and your dog will get anxious if he senses your anxiety. Your dog loves your voice. Calmly talking to him while packing and unpacking is one way to make him feel more secure and part of the action.
Make a space in your new home where your pet can find his favorite things. His water bowl, food dishes, and toys should be arranged in a similar way as in your previous home. And try to not deviate too far from your former feeding and exercise routines.
Let your pet feel the love. Extra cuddles and attention will go a long way toward easing any anxiety and reassuring your pet that it’s “business as usual.”
Keep your dog safe
There is always a worry that your pet may make his way back to the old house. Before moving your pet to your new home, make sure that his identification has your contact details and that his vaccinations are up to date.
A new neighborhood means new neighbors and their pets, new sounds, and new smells. All the strange and unfamiliar sensory information can overwhelm your pet. By accompanying him the first time he’s out in the new yard, you can help him acclimatize to his new surroundings.
Having a secure fenced-in yard is essential for your peace of mind when your pet first goes out to explore his new territory. Installing a fence helps give your dog a safe environment of his own, and it’s a cost-effective way to improve your new home. According to HomeAdvisor, the average price to install a wood fence in Oakland is $1,758 to $4,151.
Dogs are resilient creatures, but they can still develop behavioral problems if they aren’t properly introduced to their new home. Helping your pet adjust to his new environment will avoid problems on down the road.