Pitfalls to avoid if you are moving with your dog
Moving is strenuous. Apart from the excitement that comes with setting up a new place, no one likes moving. It is even worse if you are moving with your pet(s). But that does not always have to be the case. Moving with your pet can turn out to be so fun if you plan well for it and on time. That’s something that most people fail to do. They forget all about their pets until the last-minute complicating their relocation experience even before it starts.
This article will help you prepare for your next relocation with your dog pet. It will highlight the most common mistakes you should avoid when moving with dog.
- Avoid Catching Your Dog by Surprise
Dogs and pets, in general, are sensitive animals. They do not like surprises. They adapt to things that are familiar to them like, the surroundings, sounds, smells, movements, etc., and do not respond well to changes. Anything unfamiliar can easily set them off and trigger stressful and anxious behavior. In extreme cases, they can suffer from separation anxiety.
To avoid such things from happening, you must prepare your dog for the relocation early enough, preferably two weeks before the D-day. Pull out your moving supplies like suitcases and packing boxes for your dog to see. Let him get used to the relevant sounds like that of a masking tape. Do not be in a hurry. Let him register the situations at his own pace. By doing so, your dog will see these things as positive or neutral but not a threat. That means that he will not get upset when he sees you packing when the time comes. It’s a win-win for you and your dog.
- Do Not Let Your Dog off Your Sight on the D-Day
Pets and especially dogs like to move around, and sometimes they take long hours to come back. The worst part is that they love to hide in weird places that are hard to find. Your dog might decide to take that walk they like and take their time while at it. If you do not know all the places your dog goes to when they disappear, which is the most likely scenario, it will ruin your moving experience in ways that you cannot imagine. You might end up wasting so much time trying to find them. If you are lucky, you might find them after a few hours. But if you are unlucky, you might not. That will mean postponing your move until you can find them or end up leaving them behind altogether. In any case, that will mess you up.
By all means, your dog during relocation must not leave your sight if you do not want to spoil your moving experience.
- Don’t Assume that Your Dog Will Adapt to the Changes Immediately.
Another mistake that most people make is assuming that their pet dog will adjust to the new environment as soon as they arrive. They end up getting disappointed finding out how wrong they were. Don’t make such a mistake.
As stated above, dogs and pets, in general, do not respond well to changes. Your new home and its neighborhood might upset him, and you will not like it. You must help your pet dog adjust to the changes, and you must be gentle with him. Gradually introduce him to the new situations one after another and be patient with him. The most important thing here is to avoid stressing your dog during the transition process. Keep them as calm as possible otherwise, do not expect them to cooperate with you. How you handle your dog will determine how long it takes to adapt to the new environment.
- Don’t Assume That Pets Are Allowed in The New Environment.
Another common mistake you can make is assuming that it’s okay to move in with your pet in your new home. That’s a deadly mistake that you cannot afford to make.
Most people indeed do not mind pets, but it’s also true that some others do like them. So if you find this beautiful flat that has everything you love, stop and think about your dog first. Find out whether it is okay to move in with him before you invest in the property. Different kinds of properties have different rules and regulations concerning pets. Some regulate the type or types of pets one can own. Others will control their numbers instead. Some others do not care what pets you have or even how many they are as long as no one is complaining. And some do not want them at all.
Make sure you read the terms and conditions to avoid breaching the tenancy rules. That will help you avoid messy and embarrassing situations during your relocation.
Conclusion
There are some of the most common mistakes that you must avoid while moving. But the list is much longer. Other important things include but are not limited to
- Updating the microchip
- Finding a new vet
- Booking a kennel
- Packing the medication where applicable
The bottom line is, having your dog in mind throughout the whole moving process.
