MOVING HOUSE WITH DOGS

It’s finally here, the day you move into your stunning new home and you are finally rid of the 80’s décor of the old place.  The removal trucks are on their way and you hit the road with a rising sense of excitement.  But you’ve a nagging feeling that you’ve forgotten something…THE DOG!!

This scenario is more like a bad scene out of ‘Home Alone’, but dogs often get overlooked when their human companions move. Dogs are very sensitive to changes in their environment, and not being able to sit down and explain the move, it’s difficult for them to understand why they are leaving familiar territory. To help make moving with your dog a walk in the park, here are some tips for before, during and after you move. Have your dog vet checked in the weeks before you move.  Make sure your dog is in good health and check that you have enough medication and sundries for any pre-existing conditions requiring special attention. Find out where the nearest animal clinic is to your new home, so that if any emergencies occur on the day you know where to get help quickly. And if you have pet insurance, make sure it is up-to-date. With the buzz and excitement of removal trucks, strangers and travel, the chance of an accident involving your dog is much greater.

Before you get to your new home, decide where in the house your dog is going to live, sleep, eat and most importantly toilet. Allocate these areas and start to use them as soon as you arrive, so that your dog gets clear, consistent information about the new house rules. If you don’t want your dog in the bedrooms then don’t let them in the bedrooms from day one. Take your dog to their ‘toilet’ as soon as you arrive, to avoid the need to purchase a new piece of furniture to cover any accidents!

Establish a good rapport with your neighbours by letting them know you have a dog. If there are other dogs in the area, speak to the owners and even organise doggy meet-ups. If practical, take your dog to the nearest park or take a walk around the streets near your new home to help familiarise your dog to the sights, sounds and smells they are likely to encounter. This can be a great way to meet the locals and to find out where the best dog walking areas are.

On the day you move, keep a close eye on your dog. Reduce anxiety by keeping your dog as quiet as possible and away from the hustle and bustle of moving. Confinement to one room while doors (i.e. escape routes) are opening can be a good option. Make sure everyone knows where the dog is, provide plenty of water and toilet breaks and pay them regular visits to keep them reassured you are still close by. Feeding your dog when you arrive in the new house is a great way to establish it as home. And keep familiar things such as bedding, bowls, cages, toys and so on, until your dog has settled in. If the dog blanket clashes with your new home’s interior design, wait a few weeks before you get a colour coordinated one!

Moving can be just as stressful for your dog as it can be for you, so spare them a thought and ensure that all their new house experiences positive.  Remember that each dog is an individual and will react differently.  Try to stay aware of how your dog is coping, keep them calm and quiet, and if their behaviour changes dramatically then seek professional advice.  And lastly, don’t forget to update your dog’s ID collar tags with your new contact details.

This article appeared in the June/July 2010 issue of Fetch! magazine.