How to Get Your Dog Accustomed to His New Home

Moving with a dog takes forethought and preparation. For example, dog owners should find a home that accommodates their dog. They need to consider their dog's size and activity level as well as any issues the dog has, such as noise aversion. Dog owners should also know that moving can be stressful to pets. However, by taking the following steps, owners can minimize a dog's anxiety as it adapts to its new home.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog leash
  • Dog crate
  • Travel crate or doggie seat belt
  • Water and food bowls
  • Baggies
  • Paper towels
  • Dog treats
  • Dog toys
  • Dog food
  • Water
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Instructions

  1. Preparation

    • 1

      Leash- and crate-train your dog, and make both positive experiences. The leash gives you control over your dog, while the crate gives your dog a safe, secure environment no matter where it is. These items also prevent your dog from getting lost during the move.

    • 2

      Before you start packing, give your dog some food and allow it to relieve itself. Then put your dog in a crate or secure it in some other way. This will prevent your dog from getting hurt or loose while you are packing. Also, talk to, praise your dog and give it treats, which will reassure your dog while you are packing.

    • 3

      Go through all the rooms of your new home and eliminate any hazards to your dog, such as electrical wires or poisonous cleaning products or plants. Be sure all gates, doors and windows are closed.

    • 4

      Set your dog's crate up in your new home. Put the dog's favorite toys, food and water inside. You might want to include a blanket or a dirty T-shirt of yours. If your dog does not like a crate, prepare an area with these items for your dog.

    • 5

      Before you move, put a tag that states your dog's name, your name, address and phone number on your dog's collar.

    • 6

      Put food, water, bowls, plastic baggies and paper towels in your car. Feed your dog and let it relieve itself. If traveling by car, put your dog in a crate or secure it with a doggie seat belt.

    Moving In and Beyond

    • 7

      When you get to your new home, walk your dog around the perimeter of your yard. Praise your dog and give it treats. If the yard is fenced, take your dog's leash off and play with him. Give the dog a new toy, and continue to praise him and offer treats. Let your dog know this is a good place to be.

    • 8

      Put the leash on your dog and lead it inside to its crate or special area. If your dog does not want to enter its new home, do not force the issue. Instead, go inside and hold a treat or toy out to your dog and call it to you. When your dog enters, praise it and give it lots of treats.

    • 9

      Let your dog explore the rest of the house while under your supervision. You might want to let your dog acclimate to one room at a time. Afterward, feed your dog. Then gently play and relax together.

    • 10

      Slowly explore your new neighborhood with your dog. Add one block at a time. You dog will likely encounter other new dogs as well as new smells, noises, sights and people.