How to Help Your Dog Adjust to Your New Home

During the relocation, it is natural that you feel stressed. There is a lot on your mind, and you can’t wait for everything to be done, so you can finally relax and enjoy the new home. If you have a dog, in all this commotion you might forget to remember that your pet also goes through a transition. It is harder to notice because we, for now, don’t speak a dog’s language. However, there are ways you can know that your dog is going through an emotionally rough period. You just need to learn how to spot them, and I am here to show you the way! Here are some of the best tips to help your dog adjust to your new home fast!

Help your dog adjust to your new home!

The best way to learn about a dog’s behavior is to read about them. When I started, I was reading articles about dogs that I found online. It gave me an insight into this amazing animal, and I learned a lot of clever tips. One of the most crucial things to understand is to spot differences in your pet’s behavior. The signs you must look for are:

• unusual changes in the dog’s mood
• lack of appetite, or refusal to eat
• he won’t play
• he isn’t barking like usual
• he is lying down on its own a lot
• there is no desire to go out for a walk

If you notice any of these signs, you immediately should start asking yourself what’s wrong! Now, there are exceptions to the case, and one factor on its own might not mean anything. However, if you start noticing a few or all of the symptoms, it’s time to start worrying.

Dogs are emotional creatures

Just like humans, dogs are emotional creatures. They can also tie to a place or an object, just like you or me. The difference is that dogs don’t have our capabilities to fully comprehend what’s happening. When the relocation starts, your dog will notice a lot of commotion. Maybe you won’t have as much time as you would like to play with him. The entire process is strange, so think about that. So, how can we make the whole move easier for our pets?

Hire a moving company

I know that you won’t hire movers just because of your dog, that’s obvious. If you are on a budget, you have to find the most affordable way. Nevertheless, movers are there to help you, so you won’t feel too stressed or busy planning the relocation. In return, you will have more time for yourself, and for your dog! 

With that in mind, start looking for moving companies online. For example, a friend of mine moved with allstatemoving.net, and he had only praises. They were very kind and expeditious, and most of all, pet-friendly!

Spend extra time with your dog

Once you let professionals handle packing for you, use the time to be with your dog. Make it so he doesn’t feel neglected during the relocation. Make sure you prepare all of your dog’s toys for packing, they will play an essential role in helping your dog adjust to your new home.

First few weeks after the relocation

As soon as you move into your new home, you will have the urge to change things and make adjustments for your comfort. That includes buying new furniture or home appliances. Have in mind that your dog probably feels a bit scared, because he is in a new location now, one that he is not familiar with.

Leave old furniture for a few weeks, so your dog has some sort of connection with the place, something that he can recognize. If you wish to buy new stuff, do it gradually. Furthermore, do not buy new items for your dog, like a bowl he eats from, or his toys. If your dog has a favorite chair or a pillow, do not replace it!

Do not leave your dog alone

Until you notice that your dog is used to the new place, do not leave him alone for a lot of time. Dogs require constant attention, so make sure to be there. Clever advice is to spend some time with your dog on the floor. Lie with him, play and crawl. That’s an activity they know and like to do, and you’ll help them bond with the new house much faster.

Get to know the neighborhood together

When your dog becomes familiar with the place, you can start taking him out. For some dogs that happens instantly, while others need some time to adjust. When you do go out, walk the neighborhood together, but don’t change the walking route too much in the beginning. Let him remember where the home is, so if he gets lost somehow, he might remember how to get back.

If there are pet-friendly parks, allow your dog to socialize with other pets and other humans. Unlike cats, dogs like company and they seek it!

Do not force anything!

It is crucial to remember that dogs are sensitive. If you truly wish to help your dog adjust to your new home, do not force any actions until your dog is ready. Be patient and give them time. It might be in a couple of weeks, or it might be in a day or two, but it has to happen at the pace they can handle.