Moving Stress also affects your Dog
What you need to know about incorporating your dog into the moving process is vital for a successful move.
Tips and tricks for moving with your dog without stressing them or yourself out.
Moving is stressful. Period. Whether you are human or canine, it is an arduous process. What are the best steps to take to make this transition successful?
Your Emotions About Moving Affects Your Dog
Dogs can sense a human’s emotions and if you are stressed out, the dog will follow suit. The best thing to do is talk to your dog about the upcoming move in a calm manner. No, the dog won’t understand what you are saying; but a calm and positive voice will do wonders to help not only your k-9 friend but you, also.
Items to Consider when Moving with Your Dog
Make sure the dog is microchipped and has ID tags. Be sure to update with your new address so if your dog goes on a walk-about your best friend can be traced back to you.
If you are moving away from your current veterinarian, coordinate with them about moving your records to your new veterinarian’s office.
If you are moving out of state or overseas, be sure to understand the new area’s tests, vaccinations, or paperwork needed to move your dog.
If you are using a carrier to move your best friend, let them get used to the crate by leaving it out for them to investigate and become comfortable.
You may want your dog to visit relatives, a favorite dog spa, a playgroup, or a friend while you are moving for the day. This will help with keeping your dog away from the chaos of the move and keep you stress-free about worrying if your dog is underfoot.
You may not want to throw out that old furniture. Dogs are scent-sensitive. They need the familiarity of scent to tell them that everything is OK. You may want to gradually add new furniture instead of a wholesale new change right off the bat.
Introduce your best friend to the new home. Walk with them on a lead through the home and the yard. Let them direct the walk and adjust to the new environment.
Get back into your routine as quickly as possible. Dogs are pack animals and love stability. They want to have that familiarity with your schedule so they can feel familiarity again.
Conclusion
Dogs are such sensitive creatures, and they look to us as pack leaders to understand their environment. We need to lead them with calm and purposeful leadership in their new surroundings.