Have you ever been away on vacation or traveling for work and had a difficult time getting to sleep at the hotel? Have you ever moved and it took a while for your new house to start to feel like home? Dogs experience these feelings as well, especially older dogs who have gotten used to their environment at their old home. However, there are some things you can do to help your dog become acclimated to her new home. Whether you and your family already have a dog and are planning a move or if you’ve recently adopted a new canine friend here are some tips that will help them feel at ease and welcomed in their new home.
Adopted dogs
Adopting an older dog is a wonderful thing. When you adopt, you are supporting animal shelters that provide an indispensable service to our communities. You’re also giving a dog a second chance at a happy life, rather than being overlooked for a puppy. Adopted dogs require special care when moving to a new home. Not only is their environment new, but so is their company. Here are some tips for acclimating your adopted dog to her new home:- As soon as you get home, take the dog to where she will be doing her business to get her used to the area. Reward her when she urinates there
- While your dog gets used to her new home she may have accidents indoors, but with time she’ll learn where her bathroom is. Be patient.
- When your dog first gets inside her new home, let her explore it freely so she feels safe
- If you have small children, remind them to give the dog her space while she gets used to her new environment
- Establish training rules with your family. You should all be on the same page about what behavior is acceptable. Similarly, you should all be using the same commands (i.e., everyone should say either “come” or “here, girl,” not a combination of both)
- If the dog had a crate that she liked to stay in or a favorite toy make sure you let her have these items in the space that will be her bed
- Show your ne dog plently of love when she comes to you, but give her space when she needs it
Moving with Your Dog
If you and your pet are moving to a new home, many of the same techniques apply as adopting a dog. Your pet will be unfamiliar with their environment, but you’ll have the advantage of them being familiar with you. Here are some tips for moving to a new home with your pet.- Bring all of their favorite items into the new home before the dog sees it. Food bowls, crate, toys, leashes, etc. Having these familiar sights and smells in their new home will help them acclimate
- Bring your dog to their new neighborhood for a walk before the move if possible
- Stick to your dog’s old schedule as much as possible; breakfast and dinner times, walks, and when to go out to the bathroom should be the same as before the move
- Have your dog around often during the moving process. Remain calm so that your dog understands that everything is okay