Moving Into a New Home With Your Dog 

I don’t often talk about my personal life here on my website blog, but recent events is relevant to my point here in this article. Within twelve months, I have had to move into three different homes. Every time it was no fault of my own, but rather just a string of bad luck. The first move was intended — me and my family were staying in the neighborhood but getting more space, including more yard space for the dog. We took over someone’s lease with the intention of signing a new one, and it was made clear to the property management associate. Unfortunately, a couple of months before the sublease was up, I was informed that the associate I worked with closely made a ton of mistakes, was terminated from the company, and the home I was living in was going to be put on the market for sale. This was very upsetting but luckily thanks to some great Grant Park neighbors, we found a place quickly afterward and right across the street. Unfortunately a few months into that lease, the landlord enforced the early termination clause in the lease I signed, as her mother-in-law was ill and needed the home I was staying in. While totally understandable, it was another blow, and just this past weekend, I have moved into my third home (still in the neighborhood, thankfully), and I hope this moving streak is over for awhile.

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In times of great change, stay patient and consistent with your dog and they’ll adjust smoothly with you!

What I had to do was stressful, but even if it was just once, moving itself is a big stressor. It is listed up there as one of the top stressors for people, right up there with death of a loved one and getting a divorce. Each time I had to move, me and my family had to go through serious changes. It wasn’t just the physical labor of moving that was stressful (though that didn’t help), but the shattering of our routines and lifestyles. Of course after every move, me and my family adjusted and got back into our normal schedules, but everyone adjusts at their own pace.

Moving affects everyone, including your pets. For every move, I did everything I could to make sure my dog, Moses, adjusted as best as she could. While she did and is doing well now with acclimating into her home, some dogs require a lot more help with these sudden changes. Below are a few tips that might help you and your dog when the time comes for you to move:

1. If possible, try to set things up for your dog as they were in your previous home. For example, if your dog’s crate was in your bedroom at your old place, try to replicate that (at least in the beginning of the move). Many dogs will want to stay close to their owners in the early stages of a new environment. Try not to add to many more changes in your dog’s life for now, even when it comes to their things (unless that means rewarding them with toys and treats for good behavior, and giving them something to focus on!).

2. Keep your dog’s routines the same as much as you can after you move. Don’t suddenly change meal portions or times if you can help it. If you take your dog to the dog park once a week, try to maintain that, along with walks and exercise. Exercise can help your dog ALOT – it calms a dog down and brings better behavior overall. If exercise is difficult for you, consider hiring a dog walker or doggy daycare.

3. Allow your dog to explore the new home, inside and out. If your dog is known for dominant behavior or destructive behavior though, monitor your dog and eliminate the opportunity for poor behavior. As for yourself, if you have yard space that your dog is going to explore, make sure it is safe, whether it means having a fence, pest control, etc.

4. Self-care is just as important! Make sure that you are taking care of yourself. Your dog will pick up your energy quick, and try to keep it as positive as you can. After all, if you can’t care for yourself, you won’t be able to care for your dog. Be patient and consistent with your dog, and make sure you’re not stretching yourself too thin with the move, and all the other life responsibilities you have.

If your dog is having trouble adjusting to a recent move or other life change, give me a call at 800-649-7297! Whether it’s anxiety, destructive chewing, hyperactivity, or even aggression, I can help your dog find behavioral balance and help both of you find success and happiness in your new home!