How to Make Moving With Dogs Easily
Moving can be challenging. It involves a lot of packing, cleaning, and heavy lifting. Things can be even more difficult when you are moving with your dog. After moving, settling into your new home could take a while.
The process is frustrating, time-intensive, and full of surprises. Things can be just as hard for your dog as they are for you. After relocating, here is how you can help your dog adjust.
1. Maintain Your Schedule and Routine
If your dog is used to a particular routine, keep it up even after relocating. Don’t slow down on the playtime and regular walks. If they sleep or eat at a specific time, maintain it. Their feeding area should look pretty similar to what you had in the previous home.
If, for example, they enjoy eating dinner in the kitchen, do that in your new house too. Do not introduce new treats, collars, or harnesses. Try to limit change as much as possible.
2. Be Patient
Settling into a new home takes time. You must remain patient and understanding throughout the entire process. Your dog may struggle with stress and anxiety for a while.
They may exhibit behavioral changes like increased growling and restlessness. Separation anxiety may prompt them to try following you everywhere you go. Many dogs stop playing and eating as usual when they move.
Consider working with a certified trainer or behavior consultant to help them adjust. Online veterinarians in the U.S may help you understand different symptoms and how you could alleviate them. They can help you put your dog at ease when moving.
3. Give Them More Affection
Your dog needs a lot of love during this period. Playing and spending time with your dog seems pretty straightforward: after all, it is what you do every day. However, you have to prioritize it after relocating.
The moving process can be overwhelming. You may unintentionally neglect your dog with all the planning, cleaning, and packing involved. Come up with a plan to ensure that you spend quality time with your furry friend every day.
4. Make the Space Comfortable
Ensure that your dog’s new space is warm and comfortable. They should have a lovely space to retreat, especially when you first move out. If they enjoyed your old couch, try creating something similar in the new space.
Place toys, blankets, and rugs all around the house. Anything that smells like your old home could ease anxiety and make them more comfortable.
In addition, give your dog the freedom to decide how they want to engage with their new environment. Don’t push them to move around or play if they prefer to sit back and rest.
5. Don’t Leave Them Alone In the Beginning
Even if your dog has been comfortable being alone for a long time, avoid leaving them alone during the first few days after moving. Dogs can be very sensitive to new places. It may be a while before they get accustomed to the new location.
Wait until your dog is comfortable before leaving them alone. Even though taking them everywhere you go may be an inconvenience, it could be necessary.
When you finally leave them home alone, start with short departures and increase gradually. Always leave them with their favorite toys and treats.
6. Retain the Familiar Furniture
Do not change all your furniture at the same time. Retaining some of it could give your dog a sense of familiarity.
While you may be excited to redesign and decorate your new space, you would be smart to wait a few days or weeks. Keep the furniture pieces that your dog loves for as long as possible.
7. Don’t Have People Over
When you first move into your new home, you may be excited to invite your loved ones. However, it may not be suitable for your dog. Having many visitors in your space could stress your dog. In addition, you shouldn’t force your dog to play with other dogs or meet your new neighbors.
Introductions should be slow. Stretch them out over a few months and let things happen naturally. Even if your dog loves to socialize, don’t put too much pressure on them.
Moving can be just as hard for your dog as it is for you.
Luckily, you can help it adjust and enjoy your new home. It is easy to be overwhelmed with all the hassles of packing, traveling, and cleaning. You must be intentional about making the transition easy for your dog.
We hope you enjoyed reading Moving With Your Dog: Help Your Dog Adjust After Relocating. Be sure to check out our post Make Your Moving Stressless For Your Pets! for more great tips!
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