6 Tips for Moving with Your Dog
You’re moving! How exciting. And sometimes stressful. Believe it or not, it can also be stressful for your furry friend. They often don’t know what’s going on and they have ties to the house you’re leaving as well. They may feel nervous about why things are being packed up in boxes, or if they’re being left behind. Here are a few tips to make the transition a little easier on your pooch.
1. Schedule Showings During Walk Time
If you’re still in the process of selling your home, talk to your real estate agent about the best time to show the house: when you and your fur-baby are on a walk together. This will give them less anxiety by not having to experience new people continuously coming into their space and confusing them as to what’s going on.
2. Pull Suitcases and Boxes Out in Advance So They’re Not Caught Off Guard
As you’re preparing for your move, start getting boxes out slowly so they don’t associate your packing up with you leaving. Instead of doing it all at once, getting them used to it over time will cause less anxiety and gradually adjust them to what’s about to happen.
3. Familiarize Them with the New Neighborhood
If you’re not moving too far away, take them for a few walks in the new neighborhood. Let them sniff around and see where they’ll be spending their time. They can also get used to the new noises they might be experiencing once the move actually takes place.
4. Pet-Proof Your New Home
Once you’ve gotten all your things to your new place and you’re getting ready to settle in, make sure your pup is safe. If your dog has previously never been a runner (takes off when you’re not looking), you may want to take extra precaution because they may get a little nervous and try to find their way back to their old home.
5. Make it Fun for Them
If you can, give them their own space in the new house to show them that they’re apart of this new experience. Buy them a new toy and give it to them when you get there to associate the new spot with joy and reward so they don’t feel like they’re somehow being punished by leaving where they’ve been for X amount of time.
6. Board Them
When making the move and unpacking, it could be fun for your pup to go to a kennel where they can run and play with other dogs and not have to worry about all the bustle of the moving process. Another great option is having them stay with a friend or family member. Imagine having your whole life moved into vans in front of you and having no idea what’s going on. This is a great opportunity to get them to a place where they can feel calm and at ease. Here are a few great boarding kennels in Bend:
Do you have any tips for moving with your little furry loved ones? Share them with us!