Hey Woofa’s,

I was chatting to a customer a few weeks ago who told me they were moving house.  I asked whether she had prepared her dogs for the move!

She wasn’t quite sure what I was talking about.  I mentioned how important it is to introduce the dogs to the new area before they actually move there and how this will make the transition a lot easier for them.

As a dog owner, you already know that dogs are intelligent and emotional beings.  If they don’t understand what’s going on in their environment it can cause changes in their behaviour.

They need to be part of the moving process.  Yes it’d be great if they could pack the boxes, but that’s not what I mean.

Dog’s are mostly pack animals so if the pack looks like they’re moving on, your dogs need to know they’re going to be part of the move.

I hear you say, that’s all good and well Janine, but how do we do this?

Here’s a list below of things to try before you move.

8 THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR DOGS BEFORE YOU MOVE HOUSE!

1) Scenario – You’ve bought a house/unit/villa/apartment etc but don’t have access yet.

One thing here you can do is start walking your dog around the area/street you’ll be moving to.

This will allow your dog to get a good smell of the area.  Also allow them to mark/pee as much as they need, because it’s a way of them letting other dogs know that they have been in the area.

As annoying as it is to stop start when on a walk, this type of walk is to introduce your dog to their new area.

The more times you can walk them around the new area the more they get to explore the new smells and sounds of the area.

2) Scenario – No matter what the scenario check out the surrounding area for local dog parks, dog cafes, dog beaches, dog groomers, vets etc

If your dog is a social bug – once they have sussed out their new street a few times, take them to the local dog areas so they can socialise with the local dogs.

If you’re uncertain about the new area dog parks etc, try to take your dog at an hour where there would be less dogs and allow your dog to sniff and mark in the area.  This will let other dogs become familiar with your dog’s smell.

Let your dog meet the dog cafe owners, while there ask about the local groomers and trusted vets.

3) Scenario – If you have access to the new house/apartment/unit/villa etc

Take your dog to visit the new place as many times as you can.  If they are inside dogs, allow them inside the new place to sniff (but not to mark).  They can mark all they like outside in the backyard.

Allow them to check out the front yard and/or back yard, or local park area where they will be going to do their business.

Play with them in the new place, make it a fun adventure to be there the first few times.  Take their favourite toys and let them learn that the new place is a good safe place to be.

Don’t be concerned if they don’t want to play at first as they may be too busy gathering information about the area.

4) Scenario – You’re building a new place.

Most importantly here, make sure you have authorised access to the area before visiting.  Then see if you can take your dog with you while you’re doing inspections.

So they can inspect their new area too.  This will also depend on how far along the build is, you’ve got to make sure everyone including your dog will be safe.

Walk your dog around on a lead if you need to, so they can sniff the new home and yard.

5) Scenario – You’re moving in with someone who doesn’t have a dog.

Do all of the above before moving in.

As well as discussing rules and boundaries regarding your dog.  You want to make sure you’re both on the same page regarding your dog and what they are allowed to do and what is not appropriate.

6) Scenario – You’re moving in with someone who already has a dog.

I would suggest even before moving in to introduce the dogs.

You could take them to the local dog park, dog beach, take them on a walk separately and then together (so they are tired when they meet).

The dog that will be new to the area and home, do all of the above as well to introduce them to the area as well.

The idea is for the dogs to become friends outside of the home before bringing them into the home together.   Also try all going out together, all people and dogs.  Let the dogs know that this is the new pack.

You’ve got to remember you’re bringing a dog into another dog’s territory, it may take a while to get use to.

If they are okay in the home together, be careful around feeding time, giving bones and if one dog is protective over their toys or their owner.

If you are still in doubt after all this, then I suggest contacting a good Dog Trainer, who will be able to give you some techniques to try with both dogs.

7) Scenario – Once You’ve Moved In.

Hold off on buying your dog all new bedding and bowls etc.  Let them have something they use to have at the old place that’s taken to the new place.

It will give them a level of comfort, once they are settled in then bit by bit get them new stuff.

Change in scenery, change in home, change in things etc may be too much too soon.  So ease into buying all new stuff.

Unless they are a new puppy, then they’ll need all the usual things.

8) Scenario – While You’re Packing.

Let your dog sniff and see what you are doing.  Your dog will pick up on the change in energy, the excitement, the dread, the anxiety whatever emotion you express while preparing to move, your dog will pick up on.

So allow them to be a part of it as much as possible, whether it’s sniffing around the boxes, sniffing what’s going in the boxes.

You could also have a box next to your stuff, with their stuff in it too, so they know they’re coming too.

The pack is on the move and your dog needs to know they’re coming too.

WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN?

When moving, it’s important to prepare your dogs for the move too.

They are pack animals and need to know that they are moving with the pack.

Where possible take them to the new home/yard/street and let them do all the sniffing and marking they need to.   This allows them to let other dogs know they are here and also to get a sense of other dogs in the area.

Try taking them to local dog parks, beaches, cafes etc to introduce them to the area as well.

Your dog needs to become familiar with the area, BEFORE the move as much as possible, just as much as you do.

IN THE COMMENTS BELOW – BILLY WOULD LIKE TO KNOW – WHETHER YOU’VE HAD A MOVE WITH DOGS AND HOW IT WENT?

Cheers