Introducing Fido To The New Place

After months of searching, you finally found the perfect home, but just how do you make the smooth transition with your Fido?

Here are a few tips that could save your sanity and in some cases your dog’s life…

First, make sure the new place has been thoroughly cleaned of dust, dirt, chemicals and other debris that have been left over from the construction. If this place is not new, remove carpets if the previous owners had pets; if that is not practical, then at least have the carpets professionally cleaned, so that Fido doesn’t walk in and detect the scent left from another animal.

Moving day is always a stressful time, so make arrangements for Fido to stay at a trusted kennel or with a friend. Many a dog has been lost because an owner brought the dog to the new place while the movers were going in and out of the home and Fido decided to explore the new neighborhood, but couldn’t find his way back home.

Don’t forget to change all Fido’s identification, even his microchip, to your new address. Should the unthinkable happen and the poor pup is lost in his new neighborhood, at least there’s a better chance he’ll be returned if your information is current.

Pack all of Fido’s belongings in a separate box, so they will be easy to find when you move to the new place, and unpack them first so that Fido can settle in quickly with his creature comforts.

Make room in one closet for Fido’s essential items. Target and other department stores sell over-the-door coat racks, where you can hang his leashes, a large bag that contains small poop bags, a towel, and even a bag for his toys. It’s also a good idea to have your veterinarian’s information as well as the emergency veterinarian’s, laminated and taped to the inside of the closet door. In an emergency, you may need to access the directions or phone number quickly and can’t always rely on information that you may have stored electronically. Also, it may be the pet-sitter who needs the information and cannot reach you.

Once you’re settled and have unpacked yours and Fido’s belongings, you are ready to introduce Fido to his new place. Regardless if Fido is two years old or ten, treat him like a puppy for the first few days and keep him on a long leash near your side while in the house. This way you and he can explore the house together and you can monitor his behavior. Even a well trained dog who is housebroken, does not always use the same control in a new surrounding, so keep Fido close to you when you’re home, and confined in his crate or room while you’re away.

Keep Fido on the same potty breaks and feeding schedule, even if your schedule has changed because of the move.

Take him around the neighborhood and introduce him to new neighbors and shop owners. Should he accidentally wander off one day, residents are more likely to approach a familiar dog and bring him home to you than a strange dog that may end up in the city pound!

Follow these few tips and you’ll both make the adjustment in no time at all!