Moving always comes with the excitement of setting up a new home and exploring the creative possibilities of interior décor. However, the tedious task of home packing and the hassle of transporting your belongings from one place to another make moving difficult. To top it all off, moving with a dog can prove to be more hectic.
You will have to pack your belongings, lift all the heavy items, do the intense cleaning, and do everything all over again as you enter the new home. It’s time-consuming, and all the surprises make it more stressful. If you don’t like all the unnecessary concussions, your dog will neither enjoy them.
Here are a few tips that will help in training your dog for the move:
Tips to Handle Moving with Dogs
Moving Resources
Get Your Dog Used to Packing Boxes
A few weeks before the move, start desensitizing your dog to moving items. You can gather some boxes and arrange them in a corner for your dog to investigate without making a fuss.
If your dog is afraid of these things, you can make a positive association by giving him treats when he approaches them. You can start bringing boxes around the house and putting your stuff inside them once the dog has become accustomed to their presence.
Stick to His Regular Routine
As the moving day approaches, you must ensure that your dog’s routine does not change. Maintain their normal feeding and walking schedules. Also, if you and your pet have a few specific bonding activities, don’t stop doing them.
Your dogs will feel safe since they will know what to expect if you have a constant routine for them. They might be agitated by drastic changes in their environment, especially if they are being neglected. Allow them to relax by taking them out for normal play and engaging in things that your dog enjoys.
Give Him Time in His Favorite Space
Your dog will always have a favorite spot in the house. As you begin packing, save that room for last. They can rest in that room and avoid the noise generated by the move in the rest of the house.
Offer them goodies so they don’t get bored while you’re on the move. Turn on the fan or utilize other soothing sounds to keep them from becoming anxious due to the commotion in the house.
During Moving Day
Prepare for the Trip
The trip distance is an important consideration when traveling with dogs because it impacts your pet’s temperament. Whether you’re going on a road trip with your dog in the car or flying internationally, make sure your dog’s comfort isn’t jeopardized.
You can simply find a car harness to keep your dog safe while driving. The travel creator, which can be used in vehicles or flights, is another worthwhile buy. If the distance is too great, pick a dog-friendly hotel to keep your companion calm during the frantic travel schedule. Also, make sure his microchip is updated with the new address.
Ask a Friend or Relative to Take Care
Moving dogs to a new home can be stressful, especially when they watch strangers removing their favorite toys or furniture. For them, a change in their environment might be traumatic.
Request a play date with your dog on moving day if you have any friends or family members who are as friendly with your dog as you are. When everything is a mess, your dog will enjoy being away from home.
Pack Your Dog Last
Taking your dog to the car too early could cause him to overheat. To begin, safely load all of your possessions into your car and moving truck. Then, when you sit in the car, bring your dog along.
You can use a blanket to cover the dog’s crate so that the scenery does not overwhelm him. After a while, after he’s settled into the car, you can remove the blanket and allow him to enjoy the ride.
After the Move
Keep Regular Dog Schedules
While moving can be exhausting, don’t put off your dog’s playing or walks outside. All of this will assist you in dealing with your dog’s anxiety following a move. Maintain the same routine as before the move so that he begins to associate himself with the new home. Take some time for your dog if he enjoys playing tug or fetch.
Never change their feeding schedule, and the location where they are fed should be the same as before. For instance, if he always ate his meals in the kitchen, serve him at the same location in the new house.
Set Up a Comfortable Space
The first thing you should do in your new home is create a comfortable environment for your dog. Create the same location or a dog bed for your dog in the new house if he liked a certain couch or floor cushion in the old one.
Place carpets and blankets that smell like the old house so your dog can feel at ease in the new environment. Always give children the option of engaging or not engaging in their new surroundings. If they are stressed throughout the relocation, they will need somewhere to help them cope with the anxiety that follows.
Don’t Change the Furniture
While you may desire everything new in the house, retaining certain familiar furniture pieces will aid your dog’s transition to the new environment. While you may be tempted to toss that old chair, if it is your dog’s favorite, keep it.
Don’t get rid of the pieces of furniture that your dog adores. However, after your dog has adjusted to his new home for a while, you can replace your old furniture with new furniture to achieve the desired new look.
Packing for a Move
We can facilitate your move, take over the packing process, or carry out the whole process from A to Z. For a free estimate, additional information, and peace of mind, don’t hesitate to contact us today!
