At first, moving can be thrilling – an adventure filled with opportunities. However, for our canine companions, it may be disorienting. New houses, smells and sounds create sensory confusion, which may trigger anxiety, withdrawal or destructive behaviours in them.
But don’t panic, fellow dog lovers! We all understand. With some careful planning and following these seven key guidelines, you can help your furry friend adjust seamlessly to his/her new environment. Let’s dive deeper and create an environment in which they’ll feel safe, secure and at home!
Why Moving is a Big Deal for Dogs?
Imagine having to navigate an unfamiliar landscape. Landmarks become unknown sights and smells. Familiar sounds become replaced with foreign noises, disorienting even your daily schedule—this is what dogs experience when moving to new homes!
Disturbed Routine: Dogs are creatures of habit; their entire world revolves around routine. Moving disturbs these regularities, leaving your pup confused and stressed as though you had abruptly dropped them into another country where neither language nor customs are understood.
Lacking in Familiar Scents: Dogs rely on scent as their sense of direction in life and to feel secure and safe in their world. Their previous home held comforting scents of family, furniture, and pathways. Now, those comforting scents have been replaced by strange new aromas that trigger feelings of insecurity and anxiety in them.
Loss of Control: This can be especially distressing for dogs. In their old environment, dogs knew exactly where their treats were stashed, where the sun puddle was best located for sunbathing, and which corner of the couch belonged to them. Now, these landmarks have gone, and dogs must re-learn the rules in a foreign setting.
The 7 Golden Rules for a Happy Dog After Move
Here, we have listed the seven tips or rules for comforting your dog after you have done the move.
Routine is King (or Queen!)
Pet dogs thrive when given familiar routines for feeding, walking, playtime, and cuddling. Any disruption of these schedules during relocation could prove disorienting to their psyche. Prioritise as much normality during this process as possible to ease the transition and keep your pup feeling at ease in his new surroundings.
Stick with Your Schedule: Create an atmosphere of security and predictability by feeding, walking, and playing with your dog at regular times. This gives them peace of mind in what may feel like an unfamiliar world.
Establish a Safe Haven
Your pup might feel overwhelmed during the moving and unpacking process, so to help ease their transition, provide them with a crate or quiet corner with their familiar bed and favourite chew toy for some peace and quiet during this chaotic time of transition. It serves as their haven from all the activity.
Crate Training Advantage: Crate training offers many advantages during a move, as the crate provides both security and an inviting den-like space for your dog to rest peacefully in. If they haven’t started already, consider beginning several weeks ahead to create positive associations between their dog’s name and his/her crate.
Provide Family Scents
Pet dogs rely majorly on their sense of smell to navigate their world, making familiar scents from home an effective way to ease the transition into their new environment. Introducing familiar aromas can significantly lessen stress while simultaneously increasing comfort levels in this strange new place.
Snuggle up with Old Blanket: For maximum comfort in their new environment, pack a blanket that has become familiar through time with your dog’s scent—this familiar scent cue provides comfort and security in their new space.
Gradual Exploration is Key
Allow your new houseguests to explore it at their own pace by gradually opening doors room by room. Don’t overload their senses with all sorts of information all at once! Give them time and let them discover at their speed what awaits them in each new environment they encounter.
Leash for Safety: When beginning their exploration phase, keep your dog on a leash to prevent him/her from being startled by unfamiliar noises and sights that could potentially startle them and cause them to bolt from your sight or escape your control.
Positive Reinforcement: Reward your dog when they explore a new area with treats and praise in order to create positive associations between it and them.
Play With Them
Play is an ideal way for dogs to release energy, relieve tension and form bonds within new environments. Engaging your pup in familiar games such as fetch and tug-of-war will ensure he feels relaxed and secure within their new environment.
New Toys = New Fun: While familiar toys provide comfort to your pup, introduce some unfamiliar ones for added stimulation in his new environment and enrichment of enrichment activities.
Interactive Play: Schedule regular play sessions with your dog to strengthen the bond and provide much-needed mental stimulation. This is particularly important when moving them into new surroundings.
Patience Is Key
Every dog adjusts at his or her own pace; some might take only moments, while others could take weeks or even months before becoming fully comfortable in their surroundings. Be patient with your furry pal and avoid forcing situations that cause anxiety.
Read the Signs: Pay close attention to how your dog moves. Any whining, pacing, panting, or hiding are signs of stress for any animal, and it should be given some space and freedom to return safely home. If these indicators appear, allow enough space between yourself and them and let them find comfort elsewhere in their safe havens.
Seek Professional Assistance When Needed
If your dog has difficulty adapting after several weeks or is showing anxiety-inducing or destructive behaviours, consulting with a certified animal behaviourist or veterinarian could prove invaluable in providing personalised strategies tailored specifically for him/her and addressing his/her anxieties in adapting to new environments.
Conclusion
Keep these guidelines and planning tips in mind to create an effortless transition for your furry friend. Recognise and celebrate their progress – no matter how small – while creating happy future memories together in your new home.
Pets to England is here to make the process smooth! With years of experience and all necessary paperwork and travel arrangements taken care of by our dedicated staff. Visit us online now or contact us right now for your complimentary quote – peace of mind for this new chapter in your lives is assured with Pets to England