Via Cindy Aldridge @ Ourdogfriends.org
Moving into a new home can be both exciting and stressful. The planning, packing, and actual moving process sometimes makes even the most laid-back individual anxious. But when you add a dog to the equation, many people worry about how to make their move as smooth as possible.
That’s because some dogs may experience anxiety and fear when they see moving boxes littering the floor. They freak out when the moving crew arrives and carries the living room sofa out the front door. They don’t understand what’s happening, and you may find yourself with a terrified dog on your hands. If you’re planning a move to a new home and you have a dog, here are some tips to make your pet feel safe and comfortable during the entire typically chaotic process.
Keep Calm and Pack On
First of all, try to remain calm as you start to get things ready for the move. If your dog sees you’re stressed, he’ll pick up on your emotions and end up stressed out too. As you begin to pack things in boxes, try to keep them contained to a room where the dog doesn’t hang out.
If Fido doesn’t see all of the moving boxes, he may be blissfully unaware that a huge development is underway. Of course, you won’t be able to keep the boxes hidden forever. But the early stages of packing can be accomplished if you keep the moving boxes from Fido’s sight.
Keep a Familiar Routine
Do your best to keep your pooch on his regular schedule. Make sure he eats at the same time every day and take him on his daily walks at the same hour. Maintaining a familiar routine will help your dog feel calmer and more accepting of the changes that are about to take place. Be sure to pack his favorite toys last. You may want to give him his favorite blanket to lay on as he travels to your new digs.
Visit the New Neighborhood
Dogs view their homes as their territory. They feel comfortable and protected on their own turf. Your new neighborhood is full of dogs and cats your pup doesn’t know. To avoid your dog feeling upset and threatened once installed in the new house, try to take your dog on a walk so he can sniff the new smells, become acclimated to the new noises and meet any dogs or cats on his future new street.
Kennel or Doggy Day Care
One of the best ways to move when you have a dog is to see if a friend or family member can take care of your dog on the big day. The friend or family member may even do you a huge favor by keeping your dog for several days. If no one is available to dog sit, send your pooch to a doggy daycare or board him at a nearby kennel. If your dog stays somewhere else for a few days, you won’t have to worry about him getting upset as movers tote boxes and furniture out of the house.
Moving Staff and Your Dog
If you’re using a professional moving company, notify the movers in advance that a dog will be on the premises during the process and ask them about their pet policies. If your dog can be a bit temperamental, try to keep him in a separate room that no one will enter until the house is emptied. If you have a dog crate, it’s best to keep him secure inside. If your dog manages to escape the room, talk to the movers ahead of time about the best way to interact with your pup.
Collar Your Dog
Be sure your dog wears his collar, ID tag and license to protect him in case he gets loose from the old or new house and runs away. If he isn’t already, you might want to consider getting him microchipped with your new home address. Microchips implanted in dogs allows animal control and shelters to access owner information, including your phone number. Be prepared for a worst case scenario. You want to be able to locate your pet if he goes AWOL on you.
Just because you have a dog doesn’t mean your upcoming move can’t go smoothly. Carefully planning and showing sensitivity to your dog’s needs will help you orchestrate a successful move to a new home without causing him too much anxiety.
