HomePurchasing a new home is an exciting and life-changing experience, but the actual move is one of those necessary evils that come along with it. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could just snap your fingers and be in your new home, everything unpacked, with Fido napping soundly beneath your propped up feet? While a snap move isn’t possible just yet, you can make moving with your pooch a snap with these helpful tips.
Keep Them Comfortable
Whether you’ve lived in your current humble abode for a few months or a few years, your home is your dog’s safe space. He knows exactly where to sit to get the best views of the squirrels from the window, and he has more napping spots than even you can count. However, when the movers arrive and invade his space, he might be left feeling pretty confused. On moving day, place your pooch in a quiet room away from the moving frenzy. Knowing your dog is safe and secure will leave you to focus on other moving-related things such as securing boxes and tidying up the home for the next owner.
Make sure your pooch is surrounded by comforts such as toys, blankets, bedding, food, and water, and pop your head in from time to time for a quick snuggle to reassure him that everything is okay. If your dog gets stressed easily, it might be a good idea to have a friend take him for the day or hire a pet sitter to get him out of the house.
Safety First
To ensure a smooth move, it is important that you make travel plans well in advance. Book pet-friendly hotels if you will be making a stop, and give your pooch several weeks to get acclimated to car travel if it isn’t something he does often. When it comes to car travel, your pooch must have some sort of restraint to reduce injury should you be involved in an accident. There are three restraint options to choose from:
Carriers – For anxious dogs, a crate is a great option, as it can be set up like a comfy den with their bed and toys, while also allowing them to stand and stretch. If your pooch isn’t crate-trained, spend a few weeks leading up to the move getting him acclimated to the crate.
Seatbelt/Harness – For larger dogs who enjoy sitting upright or riding shot-gun, a harness with a seat-belt attachment may be the best option. Keep in mind that all harnesses are not created equal, so check up on the safety ratings or ask your vet for recommendations.
Barrier – If you have a large dog and a large car such as a sedan, a pet barrier is a great option, giving your dog room to move while also keeping him from ending up in the front seat should you have to brake suddenly.
Stick to the Routine
Once you arrive at your new home, it’s important to stick to your dog’s routine as much as possible, including feedings, walks, and playtime. Now is not the time to change your pup’s feeding schedule or try out a new doggy bed. Changes should be made after your dog has had plenty of time to adjust to the new home. Settling in will be a little chaotic, but try not to stress out, as your pooch may pick up on your mood.
Once the last box is unpacked, plan a doggy day together to de-stress and discover the dog-friendly fun in the area. Cruse Dog Park is a great place to start for some off-leash fun, or the two of you could leash up for a relaxing walk on the Frisco Highline Trail. Afterwards, enjoy a some tacos and a cold brew at Springfield Brewing Company.
Moving is an adventure to say the least, but it doesn’t have to be stressful for your or your pooch. Keep your dog as comfortable as possible on moving day, use safe travel methods, stick to routines, and most importantly, fall in love with your new home together.
Article provided by Tamara at pupjobs.com