It´s moving day. What should you do with your dog on your first day home?

You´ve just closed on your new home. How can you help Spot with the big move?

Moving is one of the most stressful adventures in life one experiences. Imagine how stressful it would be if you did not have an understanding of what was about to happen. Moving day is hard for a dog. How can you help Spot make it through with the least amount of stress possible? The following tips should help you both through the transition.

1. The first time you drive to your new home, try and have two people in the car. You don´t want any added stress for your pooch. There should be one person to drive and one person to keep the dog calm. Be prepared and have Spot on a leash until he is safely in the home. Moving day is hectic and if he gets out of the car and senses a stressful situation he may bolt.
2. Stick to your routine. If you did your homework, you know that you should have implemented a routine with your dog before the move (if you did not already have one). This transition will be much easier if he at least gets walks and food at the same time everyday. Make sure he has all of his favorite toys and familiar food and water dishes from the moment he walks into the home. A comfortable bed that he is used to sleeping in will be a great comfort. If your dog does not currently have his own bed and you are planning on moving purchase one now so he can get attached to it before the big move.
3. The first few days in your new home will be overwhelming for Spot. Having the run of the house may be more than he can handle. Think about having him sleep in his crate or in an area closed in with gates. In his confined area make sure he has all of his normal comfort items such as his bed, a coveted blanket and favorite toys.

Give Spot lots of extra attention while he is adjusting to your new home. If possible, have someone stay home with him for a week. He needs to be walked often to become accustomed to the outside surroundings. Someone should also be with him on all of his first explorations to make sure the environment is safe. You don´t want to find a hole in the fence or a much bigger dog that is allowed to run loose only after it is too late.

Make this time special for Spot. Give him a few new toys to make his new home exciting. Also, keep plenty of treats on hand to reward his positive behavior.