Acclimating Your Dog to a New Home

If you are moving into a new home, you want everything to run as smoothly as possible. This includes the transition of your pets into your new house. It is normal for furry family members to get a little anxious during a big move. However, there are several things you can do to avoid adding to the stress of the situation.

Signs That Your Dog Is Anxious

Have you just moved house, and your dog seems to be struggling with anxiety? Many people notice one or more of the following signs when moving to a new home with their dogs.

Your dog follows you around like a “lost puppy”

Refusing to eat or eating less

Being constipated or having diarrhea

Being less interested in playtime

 Signs of aggression in new situations

If your dog has any of the following physical symptoms, they may have become ill while traveling. Contact their veterinarian.

Constipation or diarrhea that lasts for days

 Coughing

 Fever

 Lasting lethargy

 Lasting refusal to eat

How to Help Your Dog Adjust

Continue Their Regular Routine

Your dog will feel safer if you continue to keep them on the same schedule as before. Feed them at the same time that they are used to, and it

may help to ease their anxiety. Take them on any regular walks or participate in regular playtime as usual.

Provide Them with Their Own Space

You might notice that your dog may like to be alone more at the beginning, and this is okay. Just like they had in your old home, your dog needs their own cozy little nook that they can call their own. Make it feel like what it was in their old home, perhaps by including a few old items such as a familiar blanket or toy.

Avoid Adjusting Their Diet

Now is not really the time to buy that new brand of dog food that you have been meaning to try out on your pup. Right now, what is familiar will feel more comfortable to your dog, inside and out. For a few weeks, keep your dogs on the same food to avoid stomach upset.

Use Positive Reinforcement in Your New Home

Build positive associations with your new home by training your dog inside of your new home and around your property. Try hiding or tossing treats in various rooms of your new abode and letting your dog find their way to them. This helps them to get comfortable in new areas.

Avoid Over stimulation

Your dog has just been introduced to your new home. Perhaps today is not the right day to have someone new stop by. It might add to their stress. Introducing new experiences one at a time is also recommended. Save the visit to the nice new dog park for another day. During the first few months, avoid hosting multiple new guests.

Know If You Need Assistance

There is nothing wrong with admitting that you need help with your dog. An animal behaviorist that works with positive reinforcement type training can help your dog better relax.

How Long Will It Take for My Dog to Adjust?

Here’s the deal. All dogs are different. What has your dog been through? Did you move a long distance, and this is the first time for them? So basically, it depends on the dog. It could take days, weeks, or even months for your dog to get acclimated to your new home.