Moving house can be a difficult time for you and your dog. Owners have many worries about how their companion will cope and how to ensure that their dog does not wander off and get lost in a new environment. If the new house is not far from the old one they may worry that somehow the dog will end up back a t the old house! However, done carefully and with fore thought, you can successfully reloca te your dog with minimum stress.
Safety first
The days leading up to and immediately after your move can be stressful for everyone in the household including your dog. For you, it means disruption while everything is located, packed up or thrown out. For your dog, it usually means normal routine goes out of the window in addition to the general disruption. All your dog has known and become familiar with, in terms of household objects and smells, changes dramatically and it is not surprising that some do gs become stressed.
You may wish to consider placing your dog in a boarding kennel for the dura tion of the move, which has the advantage of keeping your pet safe and stress-free while allowing you to attend to the details of the move. Once safely ensconced in your new home, with everything unpacked and order restored, collect your dog and dedicate the time needed to settle your dog into the new environment. Do not forget, if you intend boarding your dog, vaccinations and worming will need to be up to date – allow for this when planning your move.
Should you decide, however, to keep your dog with you, there are a number of things you can do to facilitate a smooth transition during the period of the move. Put the dog in one room with all doors and windows closed early on the day of the move, so that you know your dog is safe and can be found when it is time to go. Do not forget to let the removals staff know which room the dog is in. Remember, not everyone will be as fond of your dog as you are. Feed your dog as normal, but not too close to moving time in case of illness during the journey. (See the later section - Travelling with your dog.) One member of the family should be soley responsible for your dog on the day of the move.
This way, you always have a point of reference and know that the nominated person knows where your do g is. If possible, keep the dog on a lead or in a secure dog cage if you have one.
On arrival at your new home, ensure your dog is kept secure until one room in the new house is sorted out, some familiar belongings installed (such as bed and toys), and water provided.
Ensure that the doors and windows of this room are kept closed and lock the door if possible as this will help you remember your dog is inside and prevent others from opening the door accidentally. Alternatively a large sign stuck to the door may help.
You can then get on with moving everything into and around the house knowing your dog is secure. Provide a meal and, if your dog is cold, a hot water bottle wra pped in a blanket, towel or jumper which smells of you or your old house to make your animal feel secure.
Hopefully, you will have familiarised yourself with the areas around your new home where you can exercise your dog. Having been constrained for what could be a considerable period of time, your dog may well apprecia te and benefit from a period of free exercise.
At the end of the day, when the house is organised, let your dog out to explore the new envi ronment a little (make sure all the doors are closed and the garden is secure). It is usually best to accompany your dog during this initial exploration, so that the animal is not over whelmed and you know exactly where they are
Safety first
The days leading up to and immediately after your move can be stressful for everyone in the household including your dog. For you, it means disruption while everything is located, packed up or thrown out. For your dog, it usually means normal routine goes out of the window in addition to the general disruption. All your dog has known and become familiar with, in terms of household objects and smells, changes dramatically and it is not surprising that some do gs become stressed.
You may wish to consider placing your dog in a boarding kennel for the dura tion of the move, which has the advantage of keeping your pet safe and stress-free while allowing you to attend to the details of the move. Once safely ensconced in your new home, with everything unpacked and order restored, collect your dog and dedicate the time needed to settle your dog into the new environment. Do not forget, if you intend boarding your dog, vaccinations and worming will need to be up to date – allow for this when planning your move.
Should you decide, however, to keep your dog with you, there are a number of things you can do to facilitate a smooth transition during the period of the move. Put the dog in one room with all doors and windows closed early on the day of the move, so that you know your dog is safe and can be found when it is time to go. Do not forget to let the removals staff know which room the dog is in. Remember, not everyone will be as fond of your dog as you are. Feed your dog as normal, but not too close to moving time in case of illness during the journey. (See the later section - Travelling with your dog.) One member of the family should be soley responsible for your dog on the day of the move.
This way, you always have a point of reference and know that the nominated person knows where your do g is. If possible, keep the dog on a lead or in a secure dog cage if you have one.
On arrival at your new home, ensure your dog is kept secure until one room in the new house is sorted out, some familiar belongings installed (such as bed and toys), and water provided.
Ensure that the doors and windows of this room are kept closed and lock the door if possible as this will help you remember your dog is inside and prevent others from opening the door accidentally. Alternatively a large sign stuck to the door may help.
You can then get on with moving everything into and around the house knowing your dog is secure. Provide a meal and, if your dog is cold, a hot water bottle wra pped in a blanket, towel or jumper which smells of you or your old house to make your animal feel secure.
Hopefully, you will have familiarised yourself with the areas around your new home where you can exercise your dog. Having been constrained for what could be a considerable period of time, your dog may well apprecia te and benefit from a period of free exercise.
At the end of the day, when the house is organised, let your dog out to explore the new envi ronment a little (make sure all the doors are closed and the garden is secure). It is usually best to accompany your dog during this initial exploration, so that the animal is not over whelmed and you know exactly where they are
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