Moving with your dog: all our tips
Moving can be a stressful event. Indeed, it often symbolizes a change of life and involves new habits.
Are you about to move and are you worried about your dog's reaction? You are right to be concerned about this, as dogs are very sensitive animals, so it is essential to accompany them to ensure their well-being during a move.
Prepare your dog before the move
Dogs are intelligent and often understand what is going on around them. Dogs can be confused when they see their owners busy filling boxes and their homes being emptied.
It is therefore essential to prepare your dog for the move, which is a real change for him. To do this, make sure you don't rush the move.
We advise you to involve your dog as much as possible in the preparation of this event and not to leave him out, as this could put him under more stress. For example, if it's possible for you, take your dog to your new home once or several times before the move, so that he can get a feel for the place. This way, on moving day, your dog will be more comfortable and less fearful.
The day of the move
It's time to move! You are stressed and your dog certainly feels it. To make things easier for you on the day, but also for your dog's well-being, we recommend that you leave him in the care of someone close to you for the duration of the move.
To finalize your installation and welcome your dog in good conditions, think of creating a dedicated corner with objects that are familiar to him, where he can take refuge and rest in tranquillity.
If you can't leave your dog in someone's care on moving day, then you'll need to give him plenty of attention. Consider giving your dog a few treats and creating a cozy space for him as soon as possible, away from the hustle and bustle and the comings and goings.
Be sure to keep your dog's habits after the move
Once the furniture is in place and the boxes are unpacked, you can welcome your dog into your new home. It's best to do this in a calm environment, where nothing can make him anxious. If possible, try to stay at home with him for the first few hours or days after his arrival.
During this period, avoid changing the habits your dog is familiar with. A daily ritual provides him comfort, but changing it during this time could upset him even more.
As the days and weeks go by, you should see your dog relax and get used to the place. However, be careful not to rush things and be patient. Indeed, each dog reacts differently, with a more or less long adaptation time. On average, it takes 2 weeks to 1 month for a dog to be completely at ease in his new environment.
As a web editor for several years, writing about animals and especially dogs is a real pleasure for me. I deeply love them and I am always eager to discover more about them. It is therefore a pleasure for me to share my knowledge and precious advice with you through articles on DogsPlanet.com.