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Moving can be hard on our pups.  Here are a few tips to help your dogs before, during and after the big move. 

There are things you can do to set your dog up for success before, during, and after the big move. By planning ahead and following the steps below, seeing them relaxed and acclimated will make move less stressful for you as well.

1. Take Your Dog for Walks in Your New Neighborhood -Obviously, if you're moving far away from your current home this step isn't possible. But if you're moving somewhere that's easy for you to get to on a regular basis, such as across town or even just down the road, it's helpful to introduce your dog to that neighborhood ahead of time. Take your dog for regular jaunts around what will be their new neighborhood, allowing them to explore and take in all the sights, sounds, and smells. This will help them feel more acclimated and comfortable when their regular walks happen in this environment since they've had a chance to read all the "pee-mail" (and leave their own) in the area already.

2. Take a Long Walk to Your New Home - When you arrive at your new home, give your dog a long walk that ends at the new place. Not only does this burn some physical energy but it also creates a nice journey together for you that ends at your new home. Allow your dog to take in all the new smells of the neighborhood during this walk to familiarize themselves with their new outdoor environment.

3. Set Up Your Dog's New Safe Space - Hopefully you've had a chance to set up your dog's safe space in the new place before bringing them home, but if not, set it up with them and make sure they know where it is in case they want to hunker down for a bit. You can feed them in their safe space to build a positive association with the new space and encourage relaxation by plugging in a calming pheromone diffuser nearby.

4. After You Move: Your Dog's Transition Period - Once you're all moved in and unpacked, you can help your dog settle in more quickly by getting back to their normal routine as quickly as possible. Making sure they get enough exercise is also important. A tired dog is less likely to engage in anxious behaviors or boredom behaviors, like destructive chewing. Exploratory walks around the neighborhood provide an opportunity to get both physical and mental exercise, as well as giving you (and your dog) the chance to meet your new neighbors.

- Hoping your move is smoth for both you and your pup!  Evduza Ramaj, Inside Realty