How to Handle All Stages of Moving as a Loving Dog Owner

Guest Blog by Cindy Aldridge, Founder of OurDogFriends.org

Are you a dog owner that thinks of your dog more like a child than a pet? Do you like to consider your dog’s health and happiness in nearly every decision you make? Are you about to start the process of moving? If so, you need to know how to navigate it all as the loving dog owner that you are. Here are some tips for all stages of your big move.

Finding the perfect new home

There are many things that make a home great and a lot of things that make it less than ideal. When constructing your mental pro/con list, don’t forget to think about your dog. You can take steps to make sure you pick a place where he will be happy, comfortable, and safe.

Above all else: know your dog. Be realistic about his proclivities. If he is prone to jump fences, living near a busy road may not be the safest move. If he tends to get riled up and behave poorly when matched with another misbehaving dog, you may want to get to know your potential neighbors. Do they also have dogs? If so, what kind? How do they interact with your dog? Often you can take your dog to a house showing (as long as you clear it with the owner first — don’t be rude!).

Moving day

The stress of moving day will not be lost on your dog. It’s a tumultuous time, and he can sense that. His state of mind should be on the forefront of yours on the days leading up to and on your actual moving day. In the days leading up, make sure he gets enough attention and, more importantly, exercise. This will help him be less anxious amid the chaos. Use some of these alternative methods to tire your dog out in tandem with walking and going to the dog park.

Another thing to strongly consider is getting your dog as far away from the moving day action as possible. Not only will he be a potential nuisance to you and/or your movers, but getting him away from the stress is good for him. Consider boarding your dog or asking a kind friend or family member to watch him for a few hours.

Settling in

In many ways, what comes after the move — unpacking and settling in — is more difficult than what comes before. It’s important you remember that your dog is in an unfamiliar environment too, and he has much less of an understanding of why. There are things you can do to help him better acclimate to his new home, so don’t forget about him during this stressful time.

The number one thing is to stick to a familiar routine. Feed your pup at the same time as you always have. Keep regular exercise times. While the surroundings have changed, nothing else should. The AARP notes that you may be tempted to get all new stuff (new home, new stuff!), but this is ill-advised. Make sure your dog has familiar toys, blankets, bowls, etc., from the old house. For more helpful ideas on how to help your dog adjust, check here.

You can’t possibly make every moving decision with your dog’s interests as 100 percent of the focus. That would be crazy. But what you can do is realize moving is just as stressful for him as it is for you — if not more. Keep your dog involved in the home-choosing process (in spirit), get him out of the way on moving day, and keep a familiar routine once you’re settling into your new home. Your pup will feel safe and comfortable in no time.

Photo by Mike Burke on Unsplash