How to Move With Your Dog

Whether it is a move across the neighborhood or a move across the country, moving can be stressful. Packing everything you own in boxes and moving to a whole new place can be a daunting task. The last minute boxes, things you need that are packed who-knows-where and the cleaning of the old place can be quite overwhelming. Moving is also complicated further when you have a dog to consider during the process. While it can be an added challenge for you it is important to remember how stressful it is for your dog as well. Dogs are creatures of routine and they get used to the way things are so any major change can be a real struggle for your pooch pal. There are things that you can do before, during and after the move to ease his worried mind.

Before the move is the planning and preparation stage. During this period try to pack your belongings over time, not in one fell swoop. While you do this over a week or two span try to keep his daily routine as normal as possible. Pay a little extra attention to him, but do not coddle and baby him. Your behavior should quietly assure him that everything is going to be fine. You should also prepare a box that you pack last or carry with you including his Veterinary records and first aid items. This pack should also contain food and water so he will have a meal and fresh water on the ready upon arrival at the new place. You might also want to go have a new identification tag made with your new contact information so he can wear both on moving day. In case he gets loose or becomes lost there are two places his people can be found.

On the day of the move decide where the dog will stay during the loading process. If he is crate trained then he can stay in his carrier while the house is being packed away in the truck. If you do not have a crate; then use a bathroom. Place food, water and a toy in the bathroom with your dog and shut the door. Place a sign on the door saying keep out to make sure the movers do not inadvertently let your dog out. It is very easy for a loose dog to slip out of the house on moving day. With loads going in and out the door it doesn’t always get shut properly. Your dog also runs the risk of injuring himself or others if loose on moving day. Having a dog underfoot while trying to move a heavy piece of furniture is not safe for anyone involved. Your dog and his carrier should e the last thing loaded at the old place and the first thing unloaded at the new place.

Upon arrival at the new place take your dog out and let him explore the yard and use the potty before placing him in the new house in his carrier. If you have the time, bring him in the house, shut the door and let him explore for a few minutes. If possible, set up his crate in an out of the way area where he can have some peace and quite. If this is not possible, secure him in the bathroom and begin to unload the house.

After the move your dog will be extremely curious about all of your belongings stacked up everywhere. Be patient with him and let him explore. As soon as you can do so make sure to set up his bed, carrier, bowls and toys. Try to settle him in before you focus on the rest of the house to make him feel at home. The more at home he feels, the more relaxed he will be and the more relaxed he is, the easier it will be for you to take care of the business of unpacking. While it sounds like a lot of extra work, it will be worth it in the long run. Dogs get stressed easily and stress can lead to destructive behavior if left unattended to.

Article sent in by a site with invisable fence, dog kennels and dog training collars.