Transitioning Your Pet Into A New Home
Posted by Chris Connors on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at 10:33 AM
By Chris Connors / March 22, 2017
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Whether your move is long-distance or just down the block, there’s a lot to accomplish before the big moving day! Here are a few things that will help you and your pups with your big transition into your new dream home!
Leaving your old home
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Make sure the new house has been cleaned of old pet odors. Otherwise, your dog’s territorial instincts may be aroused—and he or she may start marking the space.
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Be sure your dog is in a secure place and not underfoot when the movers arrive. People will be in and out of the house, making it all too easy for your dog to escape your home.
Continue with Routine Walks
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There’s a lot going on, but it’s important not to neglect your dogs’ needs now. Exercise keeps their energy down, which means they’ll be less likely to engage in messy, destructive behaviors.
Restrict your dog’s access
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If you’re like our family, your dog is welcome in every area of your home, but during moving time, consider making certain areas off limits to keep them cleaner. This can be done simply by shutting doors to certain rooms.
Get Your Dog Familiarized with Their New Location
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Before you make your move to your new home, take your dog on frequent walks throughout the new neighborhood so that he can began to get adjusted to the new area. He can also meet other friendly pups in the neighborhood and it allows you to learn any areas to keep clear of due to bigger dogs in the neighborhood.
Check out other neighborhood animals
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Before you consider purchasing your new home, take a walk with your dog around the block. Note the barking dogs in backyards, roaming cats, or other creatures, and consider how they may affect your daily routine.
Set Up Your Dog’s New Space and Stay Close By
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Try not to leave your dog alone the first few days in your new home. Unlike humans, animals don’t understand why you packed up and shipped out. Leaving dogs alone in a new environment can cause them anxiety. Plan to be home as much as possible when you first move in, and take your dog for frequent walks around the new neighborhood.
Find nearby dog-friendly locations
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Do you currently love taking your pup to the dog park or for a walk down to your local café, where the baristas leave him a bowl of water and gives tasty treats? Make sure you can maintain similar routines in your new location.
Make Sure Your Dog’s ID Tag and Licenses Are Up to Date
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Get your dog a new identification tag! Many pet stores have engraving machines. Be sure to update the current license to reflect your new address. If your dog is found wandering, authorities will be able to contact you in your new location. Being in a new place can increase the chances that your dog bolts and gets lost. Finally, if your dog has an identifying microchip, update your contact information with the microchip company.
Consider your dog’s new living quarters
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It’s likely you’ve ensured the new home has enough bedrooms for the human occupants, but what about your dog? Where will his dog bed stay? Where will you place his water and food bowl.
Now you’ve found your new dream home and are ready to leave the old one. Now it’s time for the dreaded process of putting everything you own in boxes. Here’s how to help your dog through it.
Maintain your calm
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Recognize this may be anxiety-inducing for your dog, but it will be especially so if you are feeling stressed about it. You can also help reduce your dog’s fear about the major changes going on by maintaining his routine as much as possible.
Pack your dog’s room last
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Whatever room is your pup’s favorite, save it for the end. That way, she’ll spend less time with the upheaval there stressing her out.
Get your dogs out for moving day
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There are a lot of people coming and going during the actual moving out and in, and that means many opportunities for a stressed dog to escape.
Don’t wash those dog blankets
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When moving, you may be tempted to get everything fresh and new – but stop at your dog’s items. Keep them smelling just like your pup. That familiar scent can help him feel more at home in a new location.
Getting Settled In
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Now is the time to set up or re-establish good habits! Focus on rules, boundaries, and limitations. Establish your new routine quickly! It’s likely some things will change in the new home, but try to stay as close as possible to your previous routine with feeding, walking, and exercising.
When you're in need of finding a pet friendly condo or neighborhood, be sure to contact the pet lovers at The LUXE Group Global at 386-299-4043!
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