Moving is ruff on the whole family. The packing, the lifting, the cleaning... It's stressful, it's time-consuming and it's full of surprises. We hate it! And so does your canine companion.
into a new home (whether locally, out-of-state or internationally); requires significant planning, preparation and patience. First, you need to decide how and when you are going to move your belongings; then then you also need to prep your family (including your pets). As the leader, you need to help them transition. Hopefully, the tips below will help the process go smoothly.
BEFORE YOU MOVE
Let's be honest, moving is never easy! And before you get to the point of throwing things in boxes and hoping for the best; try to give your pets time to adjust to all the changes in the existing home (like boxes, tape, bubble wrap & chaos).
Give your dog time to familiarize themselves with your moving materials. Purchase your moving supplies at least two weeks in advance and store them in the house (spare bedroom or office); where your dog can smell them. Aviod packing boxes in the room your dog uses for rest and relaxation; and ensure that packing doesn't impede your dog's ability to play, eat and sleep.
Create a positive association with moving supplies. Don't let your pets be unsupervised with the moving supplies; but when they investigate the supplies, give them lots of praise and treats as you explore this process together.
Prepare for the trip. Consider where you're moving and how/when you will move the furkids. Whether you're moving internationally or just down the street; have a plan! Are you road tripping or flying to your new home? Do you need a doggie seat belt? Travel Crate? CBD for the dog and/or cat? Do you need to book a dog friendly hotel? Do your pets need to be kenneled during this process? Before you start your move, make sure to update all your pets' mircochip information to your new phone number and address. Give the company additional phone numbers in case of emergency.
WHILE YOU PACK
If possible, it's best to have Fido stay with a friend or family member (or at a trusted doggie daycare) on heavy packing/moving days. If this isn't an option, try to stick to your dog's daily routine as much as possible. Most importantly, avoid leaving your dog to just watch and stress over the chaos.
Maintain Enrichment: Enforce breaks to take your dog for a walk; and offer opportunities for mental and physical stimulation. Play with your pup's favorite toy or participate in short training sessions. Invite your dog's bestie over for a playdate. Make time for your dog's mental health.
Give your dog alone time in their favorite space. Ensure your pet's personal space the last room/area packed. Allow your dog time to lay there quietly away from the stress. Offer them a toy or treat filled dispenser/kong as a distraction.
Do your best to keep the home looking and feeling normal. Once you start packing, this seems impossible. However, simple things like cleaning up trash, keeping packing supplies organized and having walkways throughout the home can make a big difference. The less chaotic the house looks and feels; the better it is for your pet's psyche. Plus, you don't want nosey pets getting into unwanted boxes.
AFTER THE MOVE
What you do after the move is critical for your dog's acclimatization. It's crucial to allow your dog ample time to adjust to their new surroundings. It will take weeks (not days) before your dog is fully comfortable in their new environment. Don't rush the process. Giving your dog time to adjust is vital to their happiness.
Keep your routine. Don't get lax with your dog’s schedule (walks and mealtime). If your dog normally goes for walks at 5pm; then take them for a walk at 5pm. In addition, keep your dog's feeding location similar to the location in the old home. For example, if you feed your dog in the kitchen; continue this in the new house.
Don't buy new dog gear yet! It's natural to want to buy new stuff for the new house; but resist the urge. Allow your pets time to familiarize themselves with the new surroundings before indulging them with new bowls, bed, and houses. The smells on the old stuff will help with the transition.
Give your pooch lots of ❤️ love. Playing, walking and loving your dog sounds easy, right? That's your normal routine! However, when you move, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the process. As a result, you may lose sight of your dog's routine or daily desires. By committing to keeping your dog's routine and spending quality time with your canine companion; you'll make the transition easier for them.
Don't leave your dog home alone in the beginning. Even dogs that have been perfectly mannered at home alone for years may begin to struggle in a new home. Most dogs are extremely location sensitive; and they need to learn their surroundings to feel safe. Try to give your dog as long as you can to allow them to adjust to the new home; even if that means taking them everywhere with you for the first few days. Start leaving them alone for short periods before throwing them into a all day situation. Before leaving them home alone, make sure their safe space is set up with their dog bed, blankets, toys, etc.
Spend time on the floor with your pooch. It helps dogs transition faster when the place smells familiar. You can add family smells faster by spending time on the floor with your dog. This also gives your dog the extra attention they need to adjust to the new surroundings.
Be Patient. This may sound obvious, but being patient and allowing your pets to adjust at their own pace is not always simple. Some dogs will feel at home in a few days, while others take a few weeks and a few take months. No matter how long it takes; your patience is vital to this process.
Even for the most easy going pets; CBD can assist them through this process. From packing to traveling to unpacking; CBD can help calm your pet's nerves and relieve the anxiety during this transition. As stated above, big changes in routine and environment, along with the presence of strange people (movers) and unusual sounds can cause even the most stable pets to become unnerved and flighty during a move. Plan ahead to have your pet ready for the stress of relocating the family.
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