Moving can be a stressful experience for everyone involved, including your dog. Dogs thrive on familiarity and routine, so the upheaval of moving to a new place can leave them feeling anxious and confused. Here are some tips to help your dog adjust to their new surroundings and ensure a smooth transition.
Introducing Your Dog to the New Home
Tour the New Space:
Just like humans, dogs need to explore their new environment. Take your dog on a tour of the new home, introducing them to each room and showing them where their food, water bowls, and bed will be.
Use Familiar Items:
Place familiar items such as your dog’s bed, toys, and food bowls in the new home. These items carry your dog’s scent and will help them feel more at home.
Consistent Locations:
Try to place items in similar locations to where they were in the old home. If the food bowl was in the kitchen, find a spot for it in the new kitchen.
Establishing a New Routine
Walking Routine:
Get back to a walking routine as soon as possible. Your dog might be hesitant to step outside at first, but using positive reinforcement with treats and verbal praise can help coax them along.
If your dog starts marking new areas, understand that this is a way for them to create familiar scents in their new environment. With time and consistent walks, they will become more comfortable.
Patience and Calmness:
Stay patient and calm during this transition. Avoid yelling or showing frustration, as this can increase your dog’s anxiety. Treat the situation similarly to training a puppy to walk on a leash for the first time.
Dealing with Separation Anxiety
Gradual Adjustment:
If possible, spend extra time with your dog to help them adjust to the new surroundings before leaving them alone. Rescue dogs, older dogs, and dogs that have never moved before may feel particularly anxious.
Use patience and reinforce the rules and routines your dog was familiar with in the old home. This can help reduce anxiety and prevent the re-emergence of unwanted behaviors.
Enlist Help:
If you can’t be home all day, consider having a friend, family member, or a dog walker check in during the day. This ensures that your dog isn’t left alone for extended periods and helps them feel more secure.
Making the Transition Easier
Quality Time:
Spend quality time with your dog during this transition period. Coming home right after work, staying in on weekends, and taking more frequent walks can help your dog adjust faster.
Consistency:
Maintain as much consistency as possible in your dog’s daily routine. Regular feeding times, walks, and playtime can help your dog feel more secure and comfortable in the new home.
Swifto's Dog Walking Services
At Swifto, we understand the challenges of moving with a dog. To make the transition smoother, we offer a complimentary meet-and-greet with your new walker. If your new home isn't far from the previous one, we can often arrange to keep the same dog walker, providing stability for your dog during the move.
Looking to book a dog walk? Visit Swifto today to schedule a walk and ensure your dog gets the exercise and support they need during this transition.
By Callie T.
