Tips for Moving With A Dog
Moving can seem a very daunting task in itself, we try to think the opposite, but we know how it can be. There has to be a lot of planning, lots of scheduling, lots of packing and unpacking. The last thing you would want to face is trouble from any other source. You want to be as calm as possible, clearing your head throughout the entire process and coming out with the best result possible. One thing you should know is that once you have a pet, a dog, in particular, the entire process becomes different.
Dogs are smart; they have very good reasoning ability and can understand when things are taking a new form. When you plan for a move, you should actively try to make them understand what is going on, so you don’t stress yourself out totally. There is no rule of thumb when moving with dogs. They are all different, but there are certain tips and helpful guides that you can use to move with your four-legged best friend very easily.
Here are some of the tips for moving with a dog in California or anywhere else.
1. Help Them Feel at Ease with Moving Supplies
Some dogs are very sensitive and will react when they see new items. Most dogs are very smart that they can have an idea of what a bag, a suitcase, or even boxes are used for. Try not to alarm your dogs by bringing your moving supplies on an actual day for the move. A little preamble would do. First, get your moving supplies some days before the actual move, leave the tapes around where they can see it, do the same for the boxes and other items. This way they will have a feel and observe the items.
This trick will help them panic less when you start to fill the boxes with items. Dogs like their space very much, and you can help them understand that their space might be gone in the next couple of days. It’s a thing of the mind, and it works with humans too. Once you see something frequently, you get less frightened by it, even if it seems harmful at first. So it’s that simple for the first tip.
2. Try to Get in Touch With Your VET
This is very crucial because the health of your dog needs to before the move. You have to keep in touch with your vet for two reasons. One is to help you with any existing prescriptions, and important health issues you need to know about. Two is so that you can inform him about any challenges or changes in health after moving to your new home. The vet is the number one person that can help you with your dog, and as much as you would like to keep your moving private, they should be informed.
Just like humans, dogs also adjust to new environments. They can develop certain health issues and allergies. You should not panic, see it as a normal process, except they have eaten something they are not meant to. All you need to do is get back to your vet, and inform them of the new situation, explaining in details the aftermath of the move on the health of your dog, and they will help you with all the necessary things you need to do to restore your dog to a normal state.
3. Continue the Regular Routines
This is something you need to try as much as possible to do in all of your busy schedules. Humans can adjust, that’s our sixth sense, the ability to adapt. Dogs have that ability too, but it takes much longer than it does for humans. So to make your dog feel less threatened, you should try as much as possible to stick to your usual routine. This way, they still feel the same amount of love, even though your head is high in the clouds with adjustments to make, and plans on your new home.
Dogs are tied to routine more than any other pet. They know what to expect, and when to expect it, and they also know your moods. Amid the hustle and bustle, trying to make arrangements, taking them out for a walk at the normal time will ease them a lot, and will send signals to their mind that everything is still perfect. Just in case you never knew, dogs take your consistency to these routines as a sign of love, and when you do them, they bond with you better.
If you need to set the alarm to guide you through the entire routine, then do it. Maintain the same schedule and routines that you would on a normal day. Set the alarm for the meals, set the time for taking the dog on a walk. If you also have playtime with your dog, don’t hesitate to play with your dog still. If you usually play for about 30 minutes, you can shorten the time to 15 – 20 minutes if necessary. Fulfilling these routines keeps them safe and sound; they will have no reason to panic. Instead, they will be filled with anticipation of what new and exciting things the boxes hold.
4. Steer Clear from Involving your Dogs in the Process
When we started this article, we made it clear that we want you to be as calm as possible, and have your move done with a clear head. Involving your dog in the moving process can cause you to be imbalanced, and frustrated if you have a very hyper dog. Leave the dog isolated from the entire process to make it quicker, and more productive. Those who have a place they tie their dogs to will find this very easy, but if your dog is more like a part of the family, then you need to find ways to keep them somewhere.
The best way to keep your dog away from the entire moving process is to try as much as possible to get them to a friend’s place where they can play and have fun. It’s always very interesting if your friend is friends with the dog, or has a dog too. If you can’t get your dog to stay at your friend’s place you can try another option. The dog sitter is another great option for you to try out when you need to get things done quickly.
If you are too scared to let your dog leave your sight, then you can try clearing a portion of your room for your dog to stay in. Clear a room entirely, and leave your dog with enough food and water. Be sure to know that your dog will miss you, so you should periodically check on the dog, and make sure you leave it in a favorable condition, with enough air and space for it to play on its own.
5. Rent a Hotel or a Pet-Friendly Condo Before Hand
On the actual day that you are going to be moving, if you don’t know how things would turn out before the end of the day, it would be best for you to rent a place to stay. This is particularly important for long-distance moves. While you wait for your things to arrive at your home, you can rent a hotel where you and your dog can stay. Keeping your dog nearby means a lot both to you and the dog itself. They feel safer seeing you around; they might even think it’s one of those regular trips you’re taking them on.
Now, the big deal about renting a place is that you must do it on time. You must also try as much as possible to check if pets are allowed where you are renting. Once you have gotten all things in place, it is safe for you to stay overnight at the hotel, condo, or air BnB. Check how secure the place is. Make sure you close all windows, holes, and any potential threat you can find. It will be very sad for you to lose your dog on the day you move.
6. Take Your Dog in Your Car
Remember that dogs are intelligent creatures; you need to treat them so. If you need to move your dogs after the entire moving process has been completed, it is a smart idea to choose to move them with you inside your car. Most moving companies will advise you to take your dog with you in your car because it makes them feel a lot safer and calm. There have been reports of dogs that suddenly turned aggressive and wild when they were placed in the moving trucks.
If you have a little dog, the better for you, you can place your dog in a carrier, and have them at your back seat. That way you can always turn and see them and know how they’re doing. They will get ventilation there too. If you have a larger dog, you should have your dog placed in a kennel and put them at the back of your car. You should know what keeps your dog calm from the trips you’ve had with it. Some dogs love to be oblivious to the environment, while others want to know what’s happening by having a view.
Also, note that you need to keep your dog locked during the entire trip. If you must release the dog, let it be when you arrive at your new home. You don’t want to introduce yourself to your new neighbors as the man looking for “a small brown dog, with brown eyes”. Dogs are intelligent; all they need is a few days or weeks to get familiar with the environment and understand they are in an entirely different place.
7. Prepare for the Unexpected
As much as you have tried to cover up on all possible outcomes that might pop up during your move with your dog, you cannot tell what next to expect. Instead of being shocked at a strange reaction from your dog on the day you are moving, prepare your mind that anything could happen. You might need to carry your dog’s mouth guard, their favorite toys and another thing you feel might help your dog calm down. Some dogs are very emotional, and at times like this, even a mouth guard is no use when the whining begins.
If your dog has a medical record of anxiety, then that is a good reason to see your vet before the move. There are countless anxiety solutions for dogs, and you should get one for your dog. You can either use CBD oil, Diazepam, Alprazolam or any other type of anxiety-reducing medication suitable for your dog. You need to work closely with your vet to know how effective anxiety aids are before moving. You can test them before the day to know which works perfectly on your dogs. Oh! Calming collars and Thundershirt work pretty well on dogs too; you might want to try them out.
In conclusion, all these plans to move with your dog will only be successful if you have a well-thought-out plan for moving your items too. The quality of services from any of the moving companies in California plays an effective role in contributing to whether or not the entire trip will be successful. There are no rules on how to handle your dogs during a move. All dogs are unique and have an exciting way to react to situations. We have provided you with the basic tips you can use to help ease yourself, and your dog too to have the best moving experience with your four-legged family member. We hope you have an excellent moving experience.
How to assist your Dog Adjust after Moving
The things you do after your move are important to acclimation of your dog – you must leave enough time for your dog to get familiar with the new home. It will take few weeks or possibly months before your furry friend is completely comfortable in their new area. Avoid rushing this process. Allowing your dogs to get comfortable with their new environment, as life is an important step in making sure the new home feels like it to them.
1. Maintain Regular Routines and Schedules
Don’t lag on their walks or playtimes. If your dog often takes a walk at 5 p.m., then make sure you continue with this time. Their feeding routine should also remain the same, and the location that you feed them should be the same as what they are used to in the past. For example, if you usually feed your furry friend dinner in your kitchen at the same time you have dinner in your old home; continue that in this new home. In addition, this is not the time to introduce new dog foods or try out a new collar or harness. Try to leave things as same as much as possible.
2. Arrange a New Comfortable Space for your Dog Only
A space for your dog to relax should come first among the things you do in your new home. If your furry friend lived the couch in your living room or discovered an extra bedroom bed to be their preferred retreat area, make that same case in the new house. Place blankets, rugs, and toys that have the same scent as your dog, your former home, and you in the new space you are leaving for them.
Also, always leave your dog to pick whether or not they want to explore their new environment. When your furry friend feels stressed, like they do when you move, they need so much space and places they can retreat to.
3. Maintain Familiar Furniture for Now
It is indeed tempting to want to re-design and decorate the aesthetic of your new home, and if you are smart as a mover, you possibly dispose of that old couch you had ever since college dorm days. But make sure you don’t dispose of every piece of furniture you own. Keep the ones your dog is familiar with and wait for some time before you buy an entirely new set for your living room. First, place your furniture in the same arrangement as your former home. Your dog and your purse will appreciate you.
4. Don’t Yet Take Visitors
You are surely excited to share your love for the new home with your loved ones. But aside from the pandemic, bringing many people over the first few months to your new home brings more stress for your dog. Reduce visitors to the barest, like your parents or your best friend. Do not invite your neighbors right now, and avoid forcing your dog to have a play date with your neighbor. Slowly introduce people strategically over many months. Even if your dog often loves to greet strangers, the process of moving together with getting familiar with a new environment can be stressful for any dog.
5. Be Patient and Understanding
The entire moving process is filled with stress and anxiety-causing tasks for both you and your dog. As dog owners, we need to know that our dogs need time to feel like themselves in any new area. You may observe changes in your dog’s behavior that starts from changes in their life. Your dog may not want to walk around with you, they may be experiencing separation anxiety, they may not play or eat as usual, or they may bark or growl when they hear sounds or see people they are not familiar with. These can all be signs of a dog going through so much stress and should be quickly addressed.
Partner with a certified positive reinforcement-based expert or canine behavior agent to assist your dog familiar with these changes, creating comfort as well as getting rid of those frustrating feelings- and making sure they are enjoying their time there.
FAQ
How long does a dog need to adapt to a new home?
There are certain things we can do to assist them to settle and feel at home in those first few weeks. Remember that it takes around 21 days for a dog or puppy to begin to feel at home and to reveal they're true identity
Can moving house stress dogs?
Residential change is stressful for everyone, but one can easily forget the huge impact it can leave on your dog. Their life is dependent on routines and familiarity and dogs well on your emotions. Disruption to your life, and both your routines, can be so hard on your dog.
Do dogs have a difficult time adjusting to relocation?
Many dogs need only a few days to relax, but some quickly enjoy the exploration of their new abode, while others need weeks to adjust to the new norm. If there are different routines in your new home from what you and your dogs are used to, it may take a while to settle in.
Where should my dog sleep the first night we moved in?
The best thing is to keep your dog in a crate or inside your bedroom for some nights when you first get to the new place. This helps create vital boundaries while also allowing your dog to know that you are closer in case they need you. Moving with a puppy is also fun but also a huge responsibility.
Do dogs get homesick as a result of moving?
Definitely yes. If you have at a point sitting for a friend, or watch over a dog while your family or neighbor is away, you already know the answer. Dogs are highly emotional friends and they are so much attached to their territory and their people.
What do you do with your furry friend (dog) when you relocate for a day?
If possible, schedule a playdate with a reliable friend or family member who can watch over your dog and prevent them from harm during the move. Otherwise, place your dog in a pet crate or a calm room where movers won’t access it. When you are ready to leave for your destination home, pack your furry friend into the vehicle last, so he won’t feel uncomfortable with the heat.
Are there pet moving companies and how can hire one?
Yes. There are a number of companies specializing in pet moving. You can choose the right one for pet moving by reading How To Choose The Best Pet Shipping Companies
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