I’ve moved about 8 times in my life and you would think with each time it would get a little easier. Nope! Moving can be extremely stressful from start to finish. Packing up all of your things just to unpack them again can get frustrating by itself. What about when you have to do all of this with a dog? A couple of weeks ago I experienced this and at times it was a little hectic. This prompted me to reach out to Mychelle Blake, a certified professional dog trainer for some tips to make the move go more smoothly.
Mychelle's tips:
- Do a walkthrough of the new house before moving in to look for any “trouble spots.” For example, things your dog might get into or chew like exposed wires, chemicals, etc. Also look for places she might be able to get loose, like a window, loose door, etc.
- During the move you’re going to want to know where your dog is at all times, especially since there will be a lot of doors opening and closing. You have some options here if you’re worried about letting your dog roam freely. It’s great if your pup is comfortable in a crate, as long as you throw in her favorite blanket and a toy that will occupy her attention. If crates are out of the question, you can find a small space that you can baby gate her into; that way she won’t feel so confined and will be able to see what’s going on. You could also ask a friend or family member to watch your dog during the move if you’d rather bring her later after everything’s moved in.
- Make sure your pup’s collar has up-to-date ID tags! When dogs are in a new place it’s much easier for her to get lost, so having identification info on her will help if a neighbor finds her. It’s also a very good idea to have your dog microchipped.
- Just because your dog was house-trained in the old house, don’t assume the same goes for the new house. Accidents can be common when walking on a new and unfamiliar surface area. You’ll need to be right on top of things the first few days and praise her whenever she goes outside.
- The whole area is completely new territory for her so she’ll be anxious and confused for a while. It’ll help to bring familiar things to the new house, like her bed, toys, blankets, etc. Exercise will also help rid some of that anxiety. Take a walk around the new neighborhood and maybe make some friends!
These tips have definitely helped us make the transition into our new home much easier and we hope they help you as well!
If you have any questions or concerns, you should always visit or call your veterinarian -- they are your best resource to ensure the health and well-being of your pets.