Rodi Moving & Storage Miami 9385 NW 101 St. Miami, FL 33178 305.863.9005
Helping Your Dog Adapt to Your New Home
Moving can be an exciting experience, but it requires that all household members make some adjustments — this includes your dog. Here are some tips to help your dog adjust to and be content in the new home.
Prepare Your Dog for the Move
Acquire your moving supplies at least two weeks ahead of time and put them in a neutral place, such as the spare bedroom. Be careful not to impede the dog’s ability to play in the space or prevent any regular habits. Instead, play with the dog near the supplies and praise them when they investigate them.
Pack up a little at a time. Your dog will become nervous if they see you packing up the whole house at once. If your dog has a favorite room, leave that one for last to give them some alone time in their favorite space.
If you’ll be moving or transporting your dog in a crate, provide plenty of time for the dog to get used to it.
If your dog is prone to anxiety, talk with your vet about anti-anxiety medications or anti-anxiety gear.
Consider a Pet-Sitter on Moving Day
Moving day can be stressful for your dog. Consider leaving them with a friendly neighbor, relative, or pet-sitter while the movers are there. Or set up a special “safe room” in your house where your dog can stay on moving day. Make sure the room is marked, and the movers know not to enter that space.
Microchip Your Dog
If your dog has not been microchipped before, now would be a good time to do so, just in case they escape in the confusion. Also, be sure the dog’s ID tags are up to date and include your cell phone number.
Keep Routines
Dogs are creatures of habit, so keeping your routine as similar as possible will help them adjust. For example, feed and walk your dog at the same time each day.
When you arrive at your new home, set up the bowls, bed, and toys as similar to the old setup as you can.
If possible, keep at least some familiar furniture and arrange it as it was in the old home. Also, having some familiar smells at the new house will help settle your dog.
Train the Dog
If your surroundings are very different, you may need to train the dog in new habits. For example, if your dog has never had a fenced-in yard before, they’ll need training and supervision before you just turn them loose in it. You might try keeping your dog in an escape-proof pen inside the house and then move the pen outside within the fenced-in area until you can trust your pet to be alone outside.
Realize that your dog may make some mistakes as they adjust. Therefore, reward good behaviors and avoid intimidation; otherwise, the dog will learn to misbehave when you’re not around.
Explore Safely
Gradually acclimate your dog to the new neighborhood. Walk with them on the leash and allow them to explore. Remember that they hear much better than people do, so that small sounds may be intimidating to them. Meet your neighbors, so the pet knows who belongs in the neighborhood and who doesn’t.
Moving With Ease
Families with dogs know how important a smooth transition to a new home can be. Contact us for a free quote. We can help with a smooth transition for you and your furry friend.
