Most dogs love adventures, but leaving a familiar home—forever—isn't the same as a trip to the dog park. If you're planning on moving with your dog, there are some things you can do to help your furry friend make the adjustment. Here's how to make the moving process easy and stress-free.
How Moving Impacts Dogs
As trainers and dog specialists frequently point out, structure and routine help dogs feel safe and secure. They know what's expected of them and where to go to have their needs met.
When routine falls apart, many dogs become nervous and unsure of exactly what is expected of them. That's because dogs aren’t always great at generalizing positive behaviors, meaning they need help transferring skills from one place to another. For instance, they may have learned not to bark at your current neighbors, but they might have trouble understanding that those rules apply at their new home.
It can help to remember that dogs have the mental maturity of a human toddler. They know things are different, but they don't know why or what that means for their safety. Helping them feel more comfortable can go a long way toward easing their transition during and after a move.
Pre-Move Prep Tips for Your Four-Legged Friend
For dogs, the disruption of a move starts well before the large trucks arrive. You can make things easier for them by gradually bringing empty boxes into the house and letting them sniff them. Heavy chewers will need supervision for this process.
As you start packing, let them investigate what you're doing. Allow them to sniff your bubble wrap or newspapers with supervision. You can even bring their bed and toys into the room while you pack, so they can be extra comfortable.
Notify any packing helpers about your dog, and encourage them to give it a treat if they're comfortable. As a full-service moving company in Austin, TX, our team wants to make the process as easy as possible for your whole family—including your pets.
Make sure your dog is up to date on vaccinations, especially if you plan to board them during the move. If your dog is prone to anxiety, think about scheduling a vet visit to talk about anti-anxiety medications or supplements.
Reducing Stress for Your Pet on Moving Day
Planning ahead can make moving houses with a dog much easier. Start the day with a long walk or an off-leash run in a secure area to burn off their energy. Then, settle them in a closed-off room where the movers won't disturb them.
Make sure they have fresh water, a comfortable place to rest, and access to their favorite toys. Dogs who feel safe in small spaces might want to lie in their crates.
Another option is having them spend the day with a friend or family member. You might also consider sending them to doggy daycare or boarding them starting the night before, but try not to make this their first visit to that location. If no one they know can take them, it may help to have a trial session at the daycare or boarding facility before moving day.
How to Get a Dog Used to a New Home
Before you bring the dog into your new home, set up a quiet corner where they can rest and recover from the day's chores. Have a family member stay with them at first, if possible, and explore the new house with them when they're ready.
Show them where to find their food and water, and lead them through their routine of asking to go outside. Be ready to build a new routine from scratch, especially if the living situation is very different (e.g., house versus apartment, urban versus suburban).
Keep them on their familiar schedule as much as possible, including mealtimes and walks. Some dogs backslide on house training, so be prepared for extra potty breaks and some occasional accidents.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Moving With a Dog
A lot happens with dogs and moving, and you don't want Fido to fall by the wayside. Here are some common missteps we've witnessed as house movers in Austin, TX:
Not updating tags and microchips: It's not uncommon for dogs to escape and get lost during a move. It’s best to update their ID and chip information at least a week in advance.
Allowing them to roam too early: Dogs need time to learn the routine of a new home. Keep them with you as you settle into your new surroundings, for both their behavior management and their mental health.
Leaving them too soon: If possible, avoid moving on the weekend and returning to the office on Monday, leaving them alone in the house not 24 hours after they start to settle in. That’s often not possible, so you could try moving into your place several days before you start your new job.
Let MASH Movers Help: Affordable Movers in Austin
At MASH Movers, we've helped many families with dogs move into, out of, and around our city. We're Austin local movers and musicians who love welcoming new neighbors, including their pets, to the coolest city on Earth. We'd love for you to contact us and let us know how we can help.
