Dogs are born explorers. Migration comes naturally to them, just as it does to many other animals, humans included. But the process of moving is very different for people — and can often leave your dog feeling confused and anxious. Here are a few tips that may make the transition easier for you both.
1. As always, pay attention to your energy. A move can be highly stressful, and tempers are likely to run high. Your dog will already be feeling unsure once the things that are familiar to him around the house begin disappearing, so it’s important to give him stable energy to feed off of.
2. Allow your dog to explore the new house before the move. You wouldn’t feel entirely comfortable packing up and moving if you had no idea where you’d be moving to, would you? Trust me, neither would your dog! If you live close to the new house, consider walking him between the old house and the new, letting him get used to the sights and smells of the new neighborhood. This will help him feel more at ease when moving day arrives.
3. Take a nice, long walk before any kind of travel. This is important before any trip. The object is to make sure your dog is in a relaxed resting mode before putting him in a car or plane. If it’s a particularly long trip, make it a longer walk, or add an exercise backpack to maximize the workout.
4. Don’t give him the run of the new house right away. The last thing you want is to leave your dog alone to take command of the house while you unpack. It’s important to establish that you own the new space. Consider introducing him to one room and making him comfortable there while you put the finishing touches on the move. Then introduce him to the rest of the house, room by room, communicating that you are the leader in this new “den,” just like you were the leader in the old one.
These are tips from everybody’s favorite dog whisperer, Cesar Millan.
