How To Help Your Dog Adjust After Moving To A New House

It is often said that moving house is one of the most stressful things you can do in life. What you might not realize as a dog owner is that the stress doesn’t just exist for you – this huge life change can also have a profound effect on your dog’s anxiety and stress levels.

In this article, we’ll look at precisely why moving is stressful for your pup; how you can prepare them for the change; and what to do once you’ve moved in to create routines and positive associations in the new environment.

Why moving is stressful for dogs

When you move into a new home, the world is turned upside down for your dog. The familiarity of their previous home is taken away from them. Perhaps they have a specific area for their crate or bed, or they know exactly where their food bowls will be set down at mealtimes. Outdoors, they might have a favorite spot to sniff in your back yard. Those familiar places will no longer exist.

Unlike humans (for whom moving house can also be stressful), dogs cannot rationally comprehend the change in circumstances. There is no way for them to plan or anticipate ahead. The smells at the new home are different, and it can take them some time to readjust. In fact, the whole process of moving – the countless boxes stacked up to the ceiling, the moving truck, the professional movers coming in and out, the travel (depending on how far you’re moving), and just the sheer piles of stuff everywhere in your home – can be tough on your dog. It is going to have an impact on your dog’s routine, even if only temporarily.

Preparing before the move

Most of the time, you’ll have some advance warning that you will be moving. As part of the planning process, take a moment to think about how you can optimally prepare your dog for the move. This can include:

Keep routines the same (as much as possible). Things will get busier until they reach the crescendo of moving day – but in the days and weeks leading up to the move, keep your dog’s routine the same. That means taking them for walks at their regular time, feeding them the same meals at their typical mealtime, and so on.
Familiarize your dog to their crate and traveling. If you go on frequent roadtrips, then your dog may already be familiar with traveling in their crate. However, if they are a homebody who never ventures more than a few minutes from the house, it can definitely be worth doing some trial runs if you are moving a couple of hours (or more) away. Take a drive out with your dog in the same setup you’ll be using for the move – this will help make it less stressful when the big day arrives.
Keep the dog’s essentials out until the last minute. Your dog is very attached to their toys, treats, bowls and bed. It helps them to feel secure. While these will obviously need to be transported, it is best to try and ensure that these items are some of the last things to pack up.
Plan where your dog’s essentials will be in the new home. Try to have an idea in your mind of where your dog’s bed is likely to be placed in the new home, where they will be fed, where their crate will reside, and so on. If these are among the first items to be unpacked, it can help to create some immediate comfort for your dog.

Building familiarity in the new home

Getting your dog’s belongings set up as quickly as possible will help your dog to settle in. There will be a lot of changes in your dog’s new environment, but one thing will likely remain the same – you and your family. In this regard, your presence can be very reassuring for your dog, and helps them to get acquainted with the new surroundings far more quickly.

If your dog appears comfortable in the new home, you can let them explore room-by-room. How you approach the front yard and back yard will depend on the environment and your dog’s usual behavior – for example, if there is no fence, will they stay within the confines of the property? How many neighbors are in close proximity to your home, and do they own dogs? It is best to be studious and careful, particularly when you first allow your dog to explore outdoors.

Your dog will adjust more quickly to the new home if you are able to reestablish a routine that works for them. Dogs thrive on structure, and the predictability will help to reduce any anxiety or stress arising from the move. Reintroducing a regular schedule creates expectations and removes uncertainty for your dog.

Finally, while we all know that moving is stressful, it is important to remain calm around your dog and when interacting with them. Dogs are attuned to our emotions, meaning that they are able to sense when we are stressed or anxious. Do your best not to get frustrated, particularly if your dog starts to exhibit undesirable behaviors in the new home – remain patient and see it as a training opportunity.

How to manage anxiety and behavior changes

There’s no escaping the fact that moving home is going to be a huge change for your dog. It is vital to remember that any changes in behavior that coincide with the move are likely to be a result of stress, not pure disobedience. There are a few ways you can mitigate against these behavioral changes:

Provide mental stimulation and enrichment activities. If your dog is preoccupied with a different activity, their mind is less likely to wander and worry about the new environment. Snuffle mats, ‘hide the treat’ games and puzzle toys are great ways to give your dog’s mind a workout.
Physical exercise. Give your dog an outlet for their pent-up energy by taking them on longer walks or playing games of fetch. If you are moving to a new area, this can also be a great way to explore potential walking routes.
Remain calm. As we said earlier in this article, your dog can sense if you are stressed or anxious. Try not to lose your temper and keep interactions positive.
Seek professional help if needed. If you try these remedies without success, then turning to a professional dog trainer can help to implement solutions to calm your dog in their new environment.

In conclusion

Moving to a new home is stressful for everyone involved – and that includes your dog! Advance planning of the move can help you take into account your dog’s needs to make the move less anxiety-inducing for them, and re-establishing their routine as quickly as possible is also beneficial. If you’re still struggling with integrating your dog at the new location, our team of professional dog trainers can help. We have trainers located across the United States who can help build a plan for your dog to feel comfortable in their new home – reach out to us today.