How to Make Moving Go as Smoothly as Possible for Your Pup

Whether you’re moving across town or the country, moving is stressful for everyone, including your dog so you want to make moving go as smoothly as possible.

A new location comes with new things, including smells, sounds, and sights, which could overstimulate even the best-behaved dog.

Getting your fur baby adjusted to their new surrounding will take time and a lot of patience.

Here are some tips on how to move your dog.

Explore the New Neighborhood

Pack up your pup and take a trip to explore the new neighborhood.

If possible, make the visit when the new area is quiet. Allow your dog to take in all the unfamiliar smells and sights.

Keep the visit short to keep your pup from getting overwhelmed, and offer plenty of positive reinforcement.

Keep the Pup on Schedule

During the moving process, things can get chaotic. However, try not to change your pup’s routine.

If your dog takes his morning walk at 6 am, do not skip it. If he has a treat at bedtime, make sure he gets it.

Keeping your pup on his regular schedule will help him from feeling stressed and help to keep him happy.

Pet-friendly Movers

If your dog is present when the movers come, make sure they are pet-friendly.

Dog-friendly movers understand that your sweet dog may not be at his best with all the commotion.

The movers will be patient with barking and your dog’s other behaviors.

They will be sympathetic to a scared pet and try to make things as easy as possible.

Plan Ahead

If you are embarking on a long-distance move, plan ahead.

Before making hotel reservations, make sure they are a pet-friendly establishment.

Also, check to see if there are local dog parks.

A tired pup will sleep better in a strange place than a dog stuck in a car all day.

Make a list of emergency vets and contact information for the trip in case your dog gets sick or hurt during the trip.

Pack plenty of water, food, and treats, and remember to stop often to let your dog stretch his legs.

Moving is stressful for all involved but very stressful for your pup.

Planning ahead and keeping the dog on a schedule will help him transition through this unusual time.

Keeping your patience and offering plenty of positive reinforcement will have him feeling right at home in his new neighborhood.

Soon he will make new dog friends and love his new place.