Someone recently asked me if we were “chronic movers”. I never heard that term before, but I reluctantly answered yes. Six years is the longest we’ve lived in any one home.
In my 29 years of marriage, we’ve moved seven times. Yikes, that seems crazy as I write that! With the exception of our move from Illinois to Wisconsin, we have had dogs moving with us each time. So, am I an expert in moving with dogs? Perhaps not, but I do have extensive experience with dogs transitioning to a new home.
We found a house on 5 acres, with a backyard that’s a dog’s dream! We decided it was time to downsize our house and upsize our backyard. So, I guess you can say we moved for our dogs. They now have their own personal dog park in our backyard! I always want to ensure that we limit the anxiety of moving to a new home for our dogs.
I’ve compiled this list of our experiences with moving our dogs, including those that are stressed from the move, those that exhibit anxiety when transitioning to a new home, and my personal tips for moving with our dogs. I hope this helps your next move go smoothly and as stress-free as possible… for you and your dog.
Tip #1: Routine Before and After the Move
With my own stress level on high, I know our dogs picked up my anxiety. But I did make sure to keep their routine the same; breakfast and dinner were served at the same time every day, we still took our daily walks, and we made sure we gave them extra hugs and kisses.
Even with the routine staying the same, the dogs watched us as we moved our belongings into moving Pods all week long. They knew something was up and wouldn’t let us out of their sight. I wish I could read their minds. I wish they could understand when I told them we were moving for them, that they would have their very own dog park in their backyard. But I fear they feared the worst, that we were going to abandon them, and all I could do was reassure them that in a few days, they’d understand.
After we moved into our new home, we continued to maintain their routine as it was. Breakfast and dinner at the same time, we would walk together each night after dinner (although this time, it was in our backyard). We even added extra playtime and exercise.
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Tip #2: Reduce Stress and Anxiety for Your Dog During the Move
As I mentioned earlier, you and your dog will likely be stressed. Honestly, there is no way around that. But there are ways you can reduce the anxiety level. Exercise, natural calming products, and anxiety shirts for dogs can all be beneficial.
Exercise
Exercise releases endorphins for humans and dogs. Take long walks or go for a run anytime you start feeling overwhelmed. It will help you and your dog stay calm. Play an extra 10 minutes in the backyard, train some basic obedience for 5 minutes, or play your dog’s favorite game. The exercise part was huge because by the end of the day, both dogs were exhausted… I don’t think they had time to be stressed.
Natural Calming Products
Thundershirts, hemp oil, essential oils, this list can go on and on… enough for its own article. I’ve used these Calming Vests for our dogs, and they seem to work. I’ve also used essential oils with success. Every dog is different, so you will need to make this decision for yourself. Research each product and decide which will be the best fit for you and your dogs’ needs.
Prescription Drugs
If your dog has anxiety issues on a normal day, you may need to consider prescription drugs to help him stay calm during your move. Consult with your veterinarian about the best solutions for you and your dog.
Tip #3: Choosing a Stress-Free Moving Method
Moving day, without any doubt, is the most stressful day of the entire moving process for you and your dog. We’ve used just about every method of moving, from moving ourselves to hiring professional movers to using moving Pods.
Hiring Professional Movers
The least stressful method of moving for me was using professional movers. I didn’t have to lift any boxes or heavy furniture… I just had to direct four strong men to do it for me. For our dogs, the act of having strangers in our house and taking their belongings away was pretty stressful. However, I was able to take some time out of my supervisory position to spend with the dogs, calming them and reassuring them that everything would be okay.
The first time we had movers, I kept our dogs in an empty room to ensure they didn’t escape through the many open doors. They barked a lot and appeared very stressed by this process. The second time we had movers, I sent our dog JJ to doggy daycare (see Tip #4).
Moving Ourselves with Family and Friends
Moving by yourself may be the least expensive way to move, but you’ll need a few strong men willing to help. We’ve moved ourselves more than any other moving option. I think it was the least stressful for our dogs, as it was only us and people they knew.
Again, keeping the dogs in an empty room is important so they don’t run away. Even though our dogs know to stay in their yard and would never run away, with all the anxiety, I wouldn’t want to take the chance of them freaking out and taking off.
Renting Moving Pods
On this last move, we decided to try the moving pods route. We knew we didn’t want to move all of our belongings into the new house since we have a lot of remodeling to do. It took two weeks to move our belongings into the Pods. Our dogs watched, and the dog’s anxiety level increasingly grew over the two-week time period.
Honestly, I’m not sure I would do this route again; it was a lot of work and seemed to stress our dogs out for a longer period of time. At least when moving all in one day, whether it’s by yourself or with a moving company, it’s done and over in 10 hours or less.
Tip #4: Doggy Daycare and Family
If your dog already attends a doggy daycare or you have a trusted boarding facility, I’d highly recommend this route. Or even better, if you have a family member or friend who watches your dog when you are out of town, moving day would be a great time for your dog to take a little vacation.
The second time we hired movers, I sent our dog, JJ, to doggy daycare. Even though doggy daycare in itself was stressful for him, I think it was less stressful than watching the movers take our house apart. I was able to drop him off early on moving day and pick him up at the end of the day when we had all our stuff into the new home.
Tip #5: Moving with Pets Checklist
Alright, there are some basics to go over when moving with any pet.
- Order new tags
- Update microchip info online
- Find a new vet if moving far away
- Keep health records handy just in case of an emergency
- Pack a special bag for your dog (food/water bowls, favorite toys, blanket, crate, leash)
- Prepare to pet-proof the new home. Purchase gates if needed.
- Register your pet in your new city if needed
Tip #6: Introducing the New House
When you first arrive at the new house, let him explore outside. On leash, bring him around the entire house, letting him sniff, mark, and do whatever he wants. While your dog is exploring, you should also be exploring any hidden dangers in the yard. Check the fencing, gates, any poisonous plants, or other dangers.
Once he calms down from the initial excitement, you can bring him inside, still on a leash. Restricting your dog’s access to the entire house is key to keeping him less stressed. Depending on the size of your new home, introduce your dog to one area of the home at a time. Show your dog his food and water bowls, his bed, crate, toys, and everything that is familiar to him to let him know this is his home now.
Tip #7: Settling in After Moving In
Don’t be surprised if your dog does not want to eat, has diarrhea or has potty accidents. All these are normal for a dog under stress. Give him several days to calm down and adjust to his new home.
Now that we have been in our new house for almost two weeks, the dogs are settling in and becoming more and more comfortable. They absolutely love the 5 acres we have for them to play and run in. They have been exhausted by the end of every day… goal achieved!
Reflecting on it, would I have done anything differently? Maybe. The last time we moved, we hired movers and put our dog JJ in doggie daycare for moving day. Even though he was stressed watching us pack up, he didn’t experience the actual move, which I think really helped. Next time we move, hopefully not for a really long time, I think I would opt to do that instead of the Pods route. I feel it would be less stressful for both humans and dogs.
I’d love to hear your moving stories. Please comment below, and I’ll respond as soon as possible.
