Moving with Dogs: Helping Them Settle Into Their New Yard

Moving to a new home is an exciting experience for you and your dog. It comes with new sights, new smells, new concerns and new puppy ideas.

Before the Move

1. Visit the New Yard:If you can, taking your dog to the new yard ahead of your move can be helpful. It will help minimize the shock of a new place and allow them to learn the basics. Be sure to ask your real estate agent or new landlord if it's okay.
2. Keep Routines: Keeping feeding, sleep and exercise times consistent will help your dog in their new SPOT. It will help calm their nerves and help them adjust to both the move and their new home.

First Days in the New Yard

1. Supervised Exploration: Supervising your dog on their first adventures in their new yard is vital. Keep them on leash until they are no longer startled by sounds and actions. Once off leash continue visual supervision for at least a few weeks. Great escape spots can be hard to find and many dogs will look until they find them.
2. Boundary Training: This is a great way to help your dog know where their property is. Train using commands and keep your commands specific. Enlist a local trainer if needed.
3. Positive Reinforcement: Carry treats to use while training and to enforce calm behaviors. Encourage safe exploration and reward them when they potty, play or nap in the areas you want them to.

Creating a Safe Space

1. Set Up Familiar Items: Placing toys & familair blankets in the yard can help them to recognize this as their new home. Don't wash blankets prior to your move so they still carry familiar smells. A quiet part of the yard is good. Exploring takes a lot of mental and physical energy from your dog and they'll need a SPOT to relax.
2. Provide Shelter: Be sure there is shade or a dog house if your pup will be left outside alone. 

Gradual Independence

1. Short Alone Times: Increase your dog's alone time outside gradually to ensure they are comfortable with both the area and your absence.
2. Interactive Toys: Use puzzle feeders, hidden treats and toys to create and engaging environment. Children's play gyms can also be a great feature.

Addressing Anxiety

1. Stay Calm: Your dog feeds of your attitude and emotions. Be sure to keep yourself calm and only react harshly to dangerous situations.
2. Desensitization: If your dog shows signs of anxiety, spend time with them in the yard doing relaxing activities like grooming or light play.

Regular Exercise and Play

1. Daily Exercise: Exercise is key to keeping your pet healthy and happy. It also goes a long way to helping them relax in a new environment. 
2. Play Sessions: Playing with your pup in their new yard will help them associate the space with positive events. 

Socialization

1. Neighbor Introductions: When introducing your dog to their canine neighbors be sure to both introduce them slowly and on neutral territory. You pup may be nervous or protective over their new home.
2. Pet Playdates: DO NOT arrange "play dates" for your pet. Letting them meet the neighbor's dogs is helpful for peaceful interactions. Aside from that, your dog does not need strangers in their yard, especially as they are learning. It will simply confuse them.

Maintenance and Safety

1. Secure Fencing: Check, double-check and triple check your fence. Be sure there are no ways under, over or through it. Be careful of the type of dog you have. A 3 ft fence isn't holding your Husky. (Then again, no fence may hold your Malinois)
2. Remove Hazards: Thouroughly check the yard for hazards. Sharp objects, old nails stick from fencing, toxic plants, fertilizers and more can be dangerous or deadly for your pup.

Taking these precautions will help ensure your pet has a happy and healthy transition into their new home. Remember, that your dog relies on your training, feeds off your demeanor and expects you to keep them safe.