Moving, particularly moving out of state, can
be a confusing experience for a dog. There are
several ways you can minimize the stress and
ease the transition for your canine companion:
1. Make sure you pack a special box of your
dog’s things. Let them help you pack it
and put some of your own personal items in the
box as well. Be sure that it is the last box
loaded into the truck and the first box unloaded.
You should unpack it as soon as you get to your
new house and make a big deal out of it. "See
-- here's your bowl and water bowl.”
2. Place the water and food bowl first. A dog
will orient himself relative to his food and
water bowl. If you have an older pet in the
new house, if they ever seem confused you should
gently guide them back to their food and water
bowls. Having their food and water bowls on
the floor say permanency to a newly relocated
dog.
3. Place your dogs crate or bed next, his “home”
shouldn’t be left in a box in your new
home!
4. If you have the chance, hide bits of dog
food throughout the house and the backyard before
your dog arrives. Your dog will naturally be
curious about the new surroundings. Making investigation
and exploration of the new home a rewarding
experience will help insure that the dog’s
first experience after moving to a new house
is a positive one.
