Screen Shot 2017-11-17 at 1.26.26 PM.pngIf you’re looking to move one thing is certain: your dog is coming with you. A big move can create a lot of uncertainty in your family’s life, but no matter what, Fido will be a part of it. And just as moving is an incredibly stressful and often overwhelming life event for humans, it can be downright traumatic for your canine pal. That’s because most dogs value consistency, and moving throws that out of whack. You owe it to your beloved companion to consider their feelings and desires when house hunting, moving, and settling into your new place. Here’s how to do that.

Phase 1: House Hunting

You can’t make all of your home buying decisions based on what your dog needs. That’s just not practical. But you can consider them.

Think about your dog. Are they an energetic breed that needs a lot of exercise and room to run? If this is the case, a house with a decent backyard may be the best bet. If your dog is going to remain indoors most of the time, think about whether or not they will have space to run around and play inside the house. You may want to buy a home that’s within walking distance of a dog park or regular park/playground if you value exercise. If you have a new dog and don’t yet know their traits and needs, check here.

You can’t just consider your dog, however. You must also consider the dogs that will potentially be living around you and your dog. Know your pet’s personality. As PetsBest.com notes, many dogs do great with neighbors as companions, but in others it brings out their worst tendencies (especially if the neighboring dogs are poorly-behaved). Scope the neighbor situation before signing any paperwork.

Phase 2: Moving

Are there any two words in the English language that elicit more groans than “Moving Day”? Well, probably. But moving day is generally disliked by most people. That’s because it’s stressful and chaotic. Here’s a tip: your dog thinks it is too. When actual moving day rolls around, you should strongly consider what you can do to make the day easier for him/her.

It’s usually best to keep your dog as far removed from the fray of moving as possible. One good way to do this is to board them for the day/night. Apps like Rover make it easy to find people in your area that are ready and willing to board your dog for you (in lieu of pricier kennel options). If you don’t want to board, you should at least keep your dog cordoned off in a guest room or outside in the yard while the bulk of the moving is happening. Also make sure to tire them out with a long walk or some intense play beforehand. This will help them stay calm.

Phase 3: Settling In

So you’re all moved in. Your dog is now in a foreign environment. It’s going to take them some time to get used to their new home. But you can facilitate that process.

Like we mentioned before, dogs like consistency. This means you can help them feel more at home by giving them familiar things to do and play with. Stock a specific area of your new home with all their favorite toys, games, and bones. Try to stick to their regular schedule - walks, meals, sleep, etc.

If you can swing it, The Spruce strongly suggests scheduling some time off work so that you can spend it at home with your dog following the move. Having you around will make them feel more comfortable in their new environment.

So that’s it! Three stages of a move. Of course every dog and every situation is different, but most dogs exhibit enough personality that you can tell what they want in a living situation. While you can’t do everything Fido wants, they surely deserve a good amount of your focus during this big life event.

Photo Credit: Pixabay.com  

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Cindy Aldridge

Cindy Aldridge

Cindy is a freelance writer and dog lover. She started OurDogFriends.org as a fun side project for herself and to educate pet owners and potential pet owners about how dogs can enrich our lives. She enjoys writing about dogs and pet ownership.