Moving With A Dog

If you think moving is stressful for humans, imagine how a dog feels? One minute you’re dreaming of chasing the perfect stick, next thing you know, your basket’s in a strange new house and every room smells of cat. But there are a few tips to make things easier.

Before Moving Day

Don’t Wash Bedding & Toys

It’s tempting to prepare everything for life in your new home. But washing toys and bedding can remove the familiar scents that are vital to reassure pets they’re in a safe space. Save washing things until after they’ve settled into their new home.

Find A Dog Sitter

To avoid putting them through the stress of moving day, ask someone to look after your dog

Finding a friend or relative to look after your dog for the day will remove moving stress and also give you one less thing to worry about. Overnight stays could be helpful. Where this isn’t possible (if you’re moving a long distance), arrange for them to look after your dog until you’re leaving and collect him/her on the way.

Update Collars & Chips

Update your collars and microchips before the move. Your new garden might not be dog-proof yet and should they go walkabouts, it’s vital they’re carrying your new address and contact details.

Have Treats & Love On Tap

A pocketful of treats and plenty of reassurance will help reduce dog-stress during the day.

Stay Calm

They’ll be looking to you to know that everything is ok. If you’re calm, they’ll feel calmer.

At The Old Property

Create A Safe Room

For nervous dogs, create a quiet space away from the hustle of moving day. Put a doggy, ‘Do not disturb’ sign on the door to keep removals men out. Make sure they have water, chews and items like toys and bedding with their own scent.

Appoint A Dog Chaperone

If you have older children, make one of them ‘dog-sitter’ for the day. Having one person overseeing your dog’s needs and behaviour will give you one less thing to worry about and ensure canine companions are looked after throughout the day.

Keep Away From Strangers

Some people are scared of dogs of any size. Moving day can create canine stress, making them more defensive than usual, so keep nervous animals away from those strange removal men, who keep entering their home. Even friendly dogs can be hindrance, playfully getting under the feet of men you’re relying on to carry your fragile items to their van.

Stay On The Leash

Keep dogs on a lead for as much of the day as possible. The unusual day could prompt unusual behaviour. It’s better to be safe than sorry as doors and gates will invariably be left open, there’ll be loud noises and a lot to take in at ground level.

Let Your Dog See Your Crew

Let your dog see the people helping you and a little of what’s going on. While they won’t comprehend what’s happening, the fact you’re clearly not disturbed by it, will help reassure them that it’s nothing to worry about.

Leave Your Dog’s Items Until Last

Keep those familiar items where your dog/s can find them. Pack them last and place them in the car with you for the trip to the new property. They should then be the first things going in with you, to create a safe, familiar smelling area in the new house.

In Transit

Secure Travel

Your dog should always be securely fastened, equally travel cages should be strapped in place to avoid injury. Place toys and water inside the cage along with a pad or blanket.

Familiar Smells

Give them a well loved toy or blanket to travel with.

Plan Journey Breaks

If it’s likely to be a long journey, check your route and plan safe rest points rather than service stations, where your dog can get out and stretch their legs away from busy roads.

At The New Property

New Safe Room

Much like the moving out process, create a safe room in your new property, with familiar items and smells where they can quietly adjust to their surroundings while things are still being moved.

Let Your Dog Have A Walk

If someone is available, ask them to take your dog for a walk give them a break away from the moving madness. Burning off that energy will also help once they return to the new house, where hopefully things will also be starting to calm down.

Check Your Boundaries

Are there any potential escape routes from your new garden? Do a quick tour to find and fix holes in fences and boundaries even if it’s just a temporary measure.

After Your Move

Day 2 – Getting Back To Normal

Dogs like routine. Try and re-establish their usual walking and feeding times as quickly as possible.

Marking Their Territory

It’s not unusual for dogs to mark their territory in their new home. Rather than punishment (they’re still acclimatising to the change), reward them when they do their business in the right place instead.