How to Help Your Dog Adjust During A Move

M. A. Kropp is a contributor to That Mutt. She is an animal lover and enjoys working with her current dog, a pitull mix named Lambeau.

We moved to a new home a few months ago. It’s been a good thing, mainly because it has cut my husband’s commute time in half.

We are settled in and things are good, but there were days before the moving trucks showed up when I was sure the stress was going to be the end of me.

Moving is not only stressful on the human members of a family. Your dog will feel the stress, also. Boxes are everywhere, routines can be upended, and the general feeling of “something going on” takes its toll on a dog also.

There are things you can do that will make the transition easier on your pup. I’m going to give you a few tips to help your dog adjust during a move.

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6 tips to help your dog adjust during a move

1. Try not to change your dog’s routine.

Of course, there will be times that can’t be helped. That’s part of normal life even if you are not moving. But constant changes in routine will add to your dog’s stress and confusion.

Try to keep meals, walks, exercise, and other daily habits as close to normal as possible, both before and after you move.

You may be tempted to buy all new toys, beds, collars, and leashes to go with a new home. Don’t change it all.

Having familiar things with him will help comfort your dog. Keep his favorite toys, blanket or bed, and crate. You can gradually change them out for new later.

2. If you can, take him to the new area before you move.

Just a walk around a new neighborhood a few times will get him used to the new sights and smells.

If he’s used to going places with you and doing new things, this will be easier on him but a dog who stays home most of the time will benefit from a walk or two in a new neighborhood.

3. Keep your dog safely secured on moving day.

When moving day arrives, make sure your dog is securely contained, either in a room with a closed door or his crate. The room should be one that the movers won’t be in and out of constantly.

If you need to, have them empty this room first, and then put your dog in there with his bed, water, and a toy or two.

Put a sign on the door to remind everyone not to let the dog out. Or move his crate to a spot that is out of the way of the main activity and put him in there. A blanket put over the crate, at least partly covering it can help him feel more secure, especially if he gets nervous easily.

Sometimes, it’s better for everyone if you either board your dog for a day or two, or take him to doggie daycare while the actual moving is taking place.

You can concentrate on the movers and other last minute details, and your dog will be out of the stress and commotion.

4. Once moved, put your dog’s things in familiar places.

Once you are moved into the new place, try to put his food, water, crate, and other items in familiar places. If he always had water in the kitchen, put his water bowl in the new kitchen.

If his crate or bed was always in the living room where you sit and relax, put them there in the new house.

You can begin to move him to a new location later if that is your plan, but at first, you want the new house to feel at least somewhat familiar.

5. Update ID tags.

Make sure he wears a collar with an ID tag with your new information on it all the time, at least for a while. Even if he doesn’t usually wear his collar in the house, it’s a good precaution just in case he gets scared and runs off. If he has a microchip, make sure to update that information also.

6. Be patient with him.

Anxiety can cause some dogs to regress on training. He may forget his housetraining temporarily, or seem to not remember behaviors he knew solidly before the move. Don’t punish him for mistakes.

If it’s a housetraining problem, go back to taking him out for more often potty breaks again. If he seems to have lost some of his other training, get out your clicker and treats (or whatever training method you use), and do some reinforcing.

Not only will it remind him of proper behavior, but it will also strengthen your bond with your dog, and help to reassure him that things are fine, even if everything looks and smells different.

Moving is a big change for everyone, but just like you plan your packing and moving ahead of time, a little thought and planning for your dog will help the move go smoothly for him, too.

What other ideas would you add to this list?

Let us know in the comments!

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