Moving With A Dog: How to Help Your Pooch Adjust to Your New Home

Do you own one of the 5.9 million dogs in Canada?

If you do, then you understand that dogs are a part of the family. Just like with children, we would do anything for them and we never want to see them upset.

However, sometimes when a major change occurs, our favorite furry family members can experience high levels of anxiety. Preparing your dog ahead of time can help prevent anxiety levels from rising.

Are you planning on moving to a new home? If you want to keep your dog’s tail wagging happily, you’ll need to learn these dog care tips. Read on to learn about how to prepare for moving with a dog.

Prepare Yourself for Moving with a Dog

Moving is an exciting time for you and your furry companion. Your dog is constantly monitoring your emotions and energy levels. Staying calm is one of the most important things for you and your dog during the move.

Always Stay Calm

Here are a few tips for keeping yourself calm:

• Notice when stress levels are rising
• Give yourself time to handle new challenges
• Monitor your breathing
• Observe your vocal tone

If you need to have an emotional or passionate conversation, take time to remove yourself from the house first. It’s crucial that you’re able to appear as a confident leader rather than a frazzled mess.

When you are around your dog, let him or her, know you’re okay. Speak to your dog in your loving voice, letting them know with certainty, that you’re alright.

Avoid Stress by Knowing the Laws

Certain places have laws requiring you to maintain a permit or dog license. There are also states that allow off-leash dog walking, and those that don’t. Knowing the rules ahead of time will help you avoid unnecessary legal complications such as tickets or warnings.

Here are a few other things you should do to prepare for moving with dogs:

• Find your new local vet
• Microchip your dog
• Learn local laws

Next, we’ll discuss the best ways to transport your dog to your new home.

Help Your Dog Enjoy the Ride

Do you normally take your dog for car rides? If your answer is yes, then the transporting experience will instantly be easier for you. However, if your dog isn’t accustomed to driving in the car, the first time could be difficult.

To prepare for driving with your dog, conduct a few test runs before the move. In the weeks before moving to your new home, take your dog out for short 5-minute car rides.

Always limit the amount of food your dog has eaten shortly before getting in the car. This will help minimize the chances of car sickness and vomiting. During the 5-minute test rides, monitor your dog’s reactions to being in the car.

Once you know how your dog reacts to being in the car you’ll be able to decide how many more test drives you to need. When the day comes to complete the move you’ll want to bring a few supplies.

Here’s a list of items that can help enhance the driving experience for your pooch:

• Calming medication (if vet recommended)
• Soft-sided popup crate
• Blanket from kennel
• Antianxiety gear (vest, shirt, toy)

Of course, you might not need any of the items above to keep your dog happy. Plenty of dogs enjoy riding in the car and can do so without any issues. Now let’s look at how you can help your dog adjust when you arrive at your new home.

Stay Home the First Week

Once you arrive at your new home, you may want to go out and explore the town. However, for the sake of your dog, you should spend most of the first week at the house.

Similar to moving with young children, maintaining a routine will help your dog settle in faster. Continue to do all of the activities you normally would, at around the same time windows. Walks, feeding, potty time and play time should all be a part of the daily routine.

Do you have a job that will require you to be out of the house? Arrange for yourself or a third party to walk your dog while you’re away. Allowing too much time alone can cause increased anxiety levels. Exercise is an important part of a dog’s physical and mental health.

If you have to be away from the house, go for a long walk in the morning. This will help get out some of your dog’s energy, while also promoting structure and leadership.

During your walk, you can expect your dog to need extra time than usual for exploration. They will want to smell and investigate every new plant, object, and person they come across.

If your walks usually take 20 minutes, the first week they could take 30 or 40 minutes. Prepare for the extended walking periods by leaving the house at an earlier time. Then you can leisurely enjoy the walk with your dog, rather than stressing about finishing on time.

Smells are everything

Your dog’s nose is their guide to the world. Smells allow dogs to interpret their outside world. One whiff of another dog and they can learn about their age, health, and diet. Dog’s also use smells to help themselves feel calm.

The smell of a dog’s owner is one of a dog’s favorite aroma’s. This is why you should spend time hanging out on the floor with your dog. Being on the floor will help transfer your smell to the new house’s surroundings. Floor time is also a powerful way to bond with your dog by getting on their level.

Another way to help your dog recognize familiar smells is with old toys. When you move make sure you bring old blankets, toys, and gear for your dog. Instead of buying a new leash or harness, wait and continue using the previous one.

Using familiar items and providing familiar toys will help your dog adjust to his new surroundings. The same idea goes for your dog’s food and treats. Continue to feed your dog the same food as before, in the same bowls from the previous house.

Tips for Keeping Your Move Stress Free

Moving with a dog can seem challenging at first, but it doesn’t have to be.

Simply take your time and focus on being patient. Another way to make moving with dogs easier is to hire a moving company. Hiring a team of professionals means you’ll have more time for yourself and your family.

Alero Moving And Storage would love to answer any questions about moving you may have. We have been serving Canada for over 24 years, with the finest North American moving services available.

Are you looking at making a move and want help from a team of experts?  Don’t delay in finding the help you need. Reach out to us today using our contact us page to receive your complimentary free quote.