Moving into a new home is a pretty exciting time for new couples and for families. Besides the proud and fulfilled feelings that come with owning a home, there are some things to consider along with the big life event.
Getting the U-hauls loaded and unloaded isn’t the only challenge you’re going to run into as you make this transition. If you have kids in school they may need to readjust to new settings, friends and schools and if you have pets, you’ll have to plan to help them accept and feel comfortable with their new stomping grounds.
Many pets can become fearful and confused by the new smells and might even try to run away. Here are some helpful tips for moving a dog to a new home.
Keep Things Familiar
If you have a dog then chances are you already know how important it is to keep the dog calm and at ease. Anxious, barking dogs are no fun to be around. A tip when moving to a new home to calm anxiety is to try to recreate the dogs old space. Keep things familiar by placing his same bed and feeding bowls in similar areas of the house. Having these places similar to his old routine and space will make it more comfortable and ease stress for the dog as he adapts to the new settings.
Rely on Scent
Another element dogs rely on is their sense of smell. If they are moving to a new home, chances are there will be new, unfamiliar scents around that can make your dog anxious. A trick to alleviating some of the confusion for your pup is to start getting him used to a familiar scent in your old home before you move. Perhaps the smell of a particular essential oil in your home and then, once you are in the new home, bring that same scent with you and spray it around the home. This can help the dog to feel at ease with the space since he will recognize it from the old space.
Spend Time with Your Dog
The best thing you can do for your dog as he familiarizes himself with the new home is to spend time with him. If he senses you are at ease and comfortable he may also start to react positively to this vibe. Consider taking a few days off of work at the beginning to help your dog understand this is the new permanent place you’ll be. It will also help the dog to be more adjusted for when the time comes to be away for work and have less trauma during that transition.
Hidden Dog Fence
If your dog is known for being a runner, or you think there is a chance your dog could take off once outdoors, anxious to find his other home, then you might want to consider a hidden dog fence. This will give you the ease of mind that your pet is contained within your yard and cannot take off outside those limits. There are also indoor options for pet containment that can be strategically used to keep your dog in designated, safe areas of the house.
Contact DogWatch of Western Mass to learn more!