Preparing for the Move with Your Dog

Most dogs seem to take moving in their stride and are content with moving as long as their social group people, other pets, remain fairly the same. Before the move three important issues should be considered; the change in routine, the new home and other pets or people in the new household. Routine should be established prior to move. A fairly structured daily program of feeding, exercise, play, and training and down times (such as resting, self-play and naps) can be very helpful to introduce a more predictable daily routine which can also be provided in new home. Older dogs and pets with chronic illnesses could be more sensitive to change. Drugs, supplements and therapeutic diets like CALM for the treatment of brain aging and general calming may be helpful. You should consult your veterinarian for special drugs and supplements suitable for individual pets.  While preparing for the move, the boxes and suitcases should be kept out of view of pet and pack the pets sleeping area at last, so that home remains constant as possible. If your dog seems overtly sensitive and anxious, it is advisable to have someone care for your pet, while you are packing and dismantling your house.   

Alternatively, if you have time, it might be possible to desensitize and counter condition the dog to the boxes and household disruption by providing favored toys, treats and play sessions in conjunction with the packing. During the actual move the dog should be securely confined or out of the home to avoid anxiety, injury or escape. 

To make your dog accustomed to new home more quickly provide an environment with all the amenities as much possible to the previous home, especially in regard to the sleeping, feeding and play area. If a dog bed or crate has been used in the previous home, then this may help the dog to better adapt. It is also better to introduce the dog to new rooms and storage areas yourself, while in a positive mode to avoid anxiety and unwanted chewing and or spoiling of belonging’s with urine due to their natural investigative behavior. The pheromone diffuser, DAP might help your dog to more quickly settle into its new home.

Most dogs adapt very quickly to their new home with the help of established routine. Play toys, affection, and food treats can help the pet to make the move to the new home a positive experience. In the beginning, it is best to match the time of your departure from home with a time when the pet is normally sleeping or playing with its own toys, and increase time alone gradually, allowing the dog to adapt. Same technique is used to introduce new pets and people. The basic principle is to associate all that is positive in the pet’s day with the new people in the household.