7 Tips To Make Moving House With Your Dog Less Stressful

It's time to prepare for moving house and you know it is going to be stressful for everyone involved including your dog. There will be so much disruption, imagine what it is like for your family dog, their normal routine has gone as everyone is busy doing different things. The whole world your dog has become familiar with, such as smells and household objects has changed dramatically and you should be aware that your dog could become stressed.

One consideration is to place your dog in a boarding kennel for the whole period of the move. If you decide to do this you will need to ensure the dog is up to date with vaccinations and worming. Placing your dog in boarding kennels ensures your pet is kept safe and has a minimal affect on their stress levels whilst you and the rest of the family deal with the move. After the move to your new home and everything is unpacked and a semblance of normality has been restored you can collect your dog. It is important that you then give the dog the required time and attention needed for it to settle into the new environment.
However, for whatever reason boarding kennels may not be an option and you will want to keep your dog with you. If this is the case then here are 7 tips to help make the move as smooth as possible.

1. As early as possible on the day of the move empty one room as quickly as possible and then that room can be used to keep the dog in. Make sure that all the doors and windows are closed, that way you know the dog is safe and where to find it when it is time to go. Let the removals people know where the dog is so that they do not let it out by mistake and also so that they do not enter the room and either scare the dog or get frightened themselves.
2. If you can, feed your dog as you normally would but try not to feed it too close to the actual moving time. If you do, your dog may become ill during travelling especially on a long distance journey.
3. Hand over responsibility for the dog to one member of the family. That nominated person should know how your dog is doing and where your dog is at all times.
4. Everyone will be excited on your arrival at your new home and that includes your dog. You should do exactly what you did when leaving your old house, find a room to keep the dog in and leave some familiar belongings in the room with the dog and don't forget to provide the dog with a bowl of water. Once again make sure the doors and windows are closed and if you can, lock the door to that room and even put a notice on the door telling everyone who is inside, this should prevent anyone opening the door accidentally.
5. Once you have your dog safely in a room you and your family can get on with moving everything into the house. As you work through the day please think about your dog and remember to feed them. Also, provide your dog with a blanket or an old jumper which smells of your old house, this will make your dog feel more secure and keep them warm if it gets a little cold.
6. Don't forget your dog will need exercise at some point during the day. Whilst you have been looking around your new surroundings you should findan area around your home where you can exercise your dog. The opportunity to have some free exercise will be greatly appreciated by your dog especially after being cooped up in one room for a large part of the day.
7. At the end of the day walk around the house and garden with your dog at your side. This will let you and your dog explore the new surroundings together without your dog becoming too overwhelmed. Make sure your garden is secure before you do this. Take this time to explore and get to know your new home together.

If you follow these tips your move to your new home should be less stressful for both you and your dog.


Rosie Harvey runs a site on dog training and dog care. This site provides tips, advice, reviews, products and information all about training and taking care of your dog. www.gowingpublishing.com/dogblog [http://www.gowingpublishing.com/dogblog]