Moving to a new home ranks among the most stressful events in life. This also applies to your dog. A new room, new smells, a new garden, and a neighborhood with new people and pets. Introducing your dog to a new home can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a challenge. While you might have the option of relaxing with a glass of red wine or letting off steam with a friend, unfortunately your dog doesn’t have those options.
“To avoid putting additional pressure on your pet, show them where the essentials are before letting them roam freely in the house,” says Rochelle Guardado, animal training manager at Pasadena Humane.
“Take the children to the bathroom area and then give them access to the shelter until they have adapted to their environment. The shelter should contain familiar items such as beds, food bowls, and toys. Avoid long walks or meeting neighbors until the children have at least a few weeks to learn new sights, smells, and new daily rhythms.”
Here are some tips for introducing your dog to a new home.
I’m slowly packing up
During the weeks you are packing your house, try to remain as calm as possible. From gathering packing materials to organizing moving boxes, there’s a lot to do. If you are extremely stressed, your dog will pick up on your emotions and become anxious. Your dog will feel more at ease during this transition if you take the time to get organized and pack up.
Find a new veterinarian
Your local veterinarian may be able to recommend alternatives in your new town. Or, if you’re relocating to a new city like New York for work, check with your new employer. Your human resources department may offer referral services. If the veterinarian’s office you choose isn’t open 24/7, you should also look for an emergency veterinarian in your new area that is open 24 hours a day. Learn how to add your veterinarian’s phone number and address to your phone and find your way there.
Get a new collar tag before you move
You should also get a new ID tag for your dog and wear it before traveling. Many dogs become anxious and may try to escape during the first few days in a new home. There are also lots of new smells and sounds, so if your dog runs away during the first few days in your new home, you might not know where to go back to. That’s why it’s so important to have these news tags.
Check your home for pet hazards
Before you move, carefully inspect your home for any potential dangers to your pet. Look high and low. Bend down to your dog’s level and look for any hazards on the floor, and also look at the level at which your dog can climb or jump. Even if your dog isn’t a climber, a new environment can cause stress and lead to unusual behavior.
Look for the following points in particular:
Possible poisons: household cleaners, antifreeze, paint, pesticides, medications (prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, etc.), houseplants. Drugs are the leading cause of calls to animal poison control centers. CHOKING HAZARD: Clean your home before moving and look for buttons, needles, Legos, and other small toy and game pieces left on the floor. Make sure window blinds and shades are out of reach. Electrical or heat sources: small appliances, furnaces, fireplaces, electrical cords. Evacuation routes: Make sure fences and gates are closed and check for loose or missing window screens.
Make adoption fun
If possible, set up your dog’s bed, toys, and water and food dishes in his new home before you arrive. This will help your dog know that this is his/her own space and that familiar objects and smells will make him feel safe. When you first arrive with your dog in your new home, take him into the backyard and relieve himself wherever he likes. Show your dog the appropriate place to use the toilet. Next, walk around the house and let your dog sniff to his heart’s content.
Don’t leave your children alone on their first day in their new home. Children may be nervous and you are the person they are most comfortable with. If you need to leave your dog alone in their new home, consider finding a new local pet sitter and using pet sitter software to track your dog’s day. Introducing a dog to a new home can be difficult, but with patience and effort, they will quickly adjust to your home.
Keep old routines consistent
Keep your daily routine consistent. Many people want everything new after moving, but to make your dog feel more at home, we recommend using your dog’s familiar leash, dog food, food, and bed. Also, keep the rules the same. Don’t change the rules just because your dog has trouble adjusting to his new home. The more secure your dog feels, the smoother the transition will be. If your dog is anxious, using a crate can help minimize the anxiety.
be patient
Be patient and allow your dog to adjust to his own time. Some dogs become completely comfortable within a few days, while others take weeks or months to finally get used to the house and settle down. No matter how long it takes your dog to adjust, your patience will likely speed up the process and make your dog feel more comfortable.
Take your dog to meet your neighbors
You should take your dog with you when you start exploring your new neighborhood and meeting your neighbors. They begin to get used to new areas, smells, and what the surrounding areas of your home are like. You can also find neighbors with friendly dogs who might want to meet your dog. And if your dogs hit it off, book a date at your local dog park.
Be careful of territoriality and unexpected behavior
After you bring your dog into your new home, some dogs may bark constantly, become destructive, or become overprotective of you and your family. It is important to understand these new behaviors early. Feel free to contact a professional trainer or dog behaviorist if needed.
Give your dog some love
Moving can be hectic, but be sure to take the time to give your dog lots of love and attention. Spending quality one-on-one time will help both of you feel better and show your dog that this new home is a happy and safe place.
