How to Help Your Dog Deal with Moving Day
Moving day, when the removalists arrive and begin to remove the contents of your home—it can be a little bit unsettling, can't it? And of course, you know precisely why this is happening. Spare a thought for your dog, who doesn't understand what is going on. You don't want your dog to be upset or overly excited to the point of being disruptive, nor do you want them to be aggressive to all the removalists. So what's the best way for your dog to deal with moving day?
The Day of the Move
On moving day, your dog is going to become extremely excited and perhaps overstimulated. Some dogs might also be territorial to the point that they will become aggressive when the removalists arrive and get to work. You have a few options to keep your dog out of harm's way:
- Take them away from the excitement, and have a friend or family member take them for the day. A boarding kennel also works.
- Remove all the furniture from a single room first, and then confine your dog to that particular room while the moving company works.
- Put your dog outside for the day. They'll be safe and out of the way, and you can keep the curtains closed so the removalists can work without your dog getting upset.
Your Dog's Needs
Pack a care box for your dog containing everything that they'll need on their first night. Food, feeding bowls, treats, toys—these are the types of essentials to keep handy, allowing you to keep your dog calm and content during this potentially confusing time. This box should be transported in your car with you and presumably your dog too. Their bedding should also be transported with you so it can be set up immediately upon arrival, but you should perhaps wash that bedding prior to moving day.
The New Home
At your new home, again you should confine your dog to a certain room (the furniture contents of which can be left until last), or you can put them straight in the backyard. Be sure to carefully inspect this new space to make sure that there are no escape routes or potential hazards for your pooch.
Your dog will quickly get used to their new home, but you need to make sure that they're not in the way during the nitty-gritty of the actual move. Talk with removalists for more tips.