Tips for moving home with a dog

Dogs thrive on routine and familiarity, all of which are thrown into chaos when moving homes. While moving homes is stressful for all involved, it’s particularly hard on dogs as they become uprooted from everything they know.

While it's important to plan your move ahead of time (packing, lifting, cleaning, moving trucks etc), it is also important to help your pooch prepare for the transition to reduce stress and anxiety once you're in your new location.

●      Purchase moving materials like boxes, tape, bubble wrap etc at least 2 weeks in advance so your dog can get used to having them around.

●      Let your dog investigate the items as much as they like (whilst supervised), and try and create a positive association with them by offering treats and playing near the items

This is a super disruptive time and can easily become a stressful time for your dog. If you can, entrust your family or friends with minding your dog while you do all of the heavy packing.

If this isn't possible, then try and stick to your dog's routine as much as possible. That means feeding and walking at the prescribed times so that they feel a sense of normality amongst the chaos.

You may also want to hold off on packing their favourite spot in the house until last, and allow them as much time as they need in that space whilst you pack the rest of the house.

After the trauma of the move itself, it's important to help your pooch transition into its new home.

●      Create a new safe space for them and include their favourite toys, bedding, blankets etc which all hold familiar smells.

●      It's critical that you stick to their existing routine. That means feeding, walking and playing with them at the same time every day.

●      Do not introduce anything new at this point (eg. food, toys, collars etc.)

●      Give them extra love and attention and try to allocate part of your day to spend quality time with them (over and above regular walk and play sessions).

●      Wait as long as you can before leaving them home alone.  You can rotate shifts with family members or take them with you on short trips to the shops etc.

If you do need to leave, ensure you have a safe spot to retreat and unwind as well as toys and enrichment activities to keep their mind occupied.