How to Introduce Your Dog to a New Apartment

Depending on your dog, moving to a new apartment can be no biggie or a major cause for concern. Here are the steps to take from professional trainers:

1. Make moves no big deal

   For dogs that are a bit more sensitive to change, it’s extra-important to build resilience by practicing the move. Visit other places with your pup, especially unfamiliar apartments and homes. If you can, practice sleepovers at friend’s homes. Make this whole experience extra-fun by bringing lots of treats, and cut the excursion short if your pup starts showing signs of stress.

2. Use a calming supplement like Zylkene or Composure if needed

   There’s nothing wrong with prepping your pet by using some anti-anxiety products. In fact, using Zylkene or Composure is a great way to ensure that your dog loves your new place! Start giving these supplements before you start packing, and continue them while your dog settles into the new home. This is a great way to “take the edge off” for your pup. These products are akin to giving your dog a cup of chamomile tea to soothe some nerves.

3. Let your dog visit during the move-in process

   If you’re moving just across town, let your dog visit the new home and check it out during the day. This is especially good to do if your move will take you a few days. The more you can do this, the more your dog will be comfortable in the new space when you finally settle in.

4. Feed treats and let them explore

   During your visits, throughout the move-in day, and on to the first few days in your new place, make the apartment a great place to be. Let your dog explore at his own pace and hide some treats around his spaces. As he explores the home, he’ll find treats in the places that will be “his” and he’ll learn that this new apartment is a great place to be! It’s important that he can explore at his own pace, and the treats will help let him know that this is a safe place to be.

5. Try to keep your routine

   Dogs are creatures of habit, and they’re happier when we can keep our routine consistent. Try to stick to your normal schedule of daily exercise, playtime, cuddles, and walks.

6. Set up a dog zone

   During the moving process, your pup might feel like you’re breezing past or tripping over him a lot. Give your dog a corner in the new apartment with his toys, bed, and crate. This will smell like home, and give your dog a place to hang out that’s out of the way. Hide some treats around here to keep your dog in that area and show him how great this new apartment is.

7. Up your quality time and puzzle toys during the transition

   Yes, we just said to stick to your routine – but you should also pay a bit more attention to your dog during this stressful time. Puzzle toys are an especially great way to give your dog’s mind something to do. Sniffing-based toys like snuffle mats have the added bonus of hacking into the soothing effects of sniffing. No matter what you do, keeping your dog a bit busier with fun activities will make the transition smoother.

8. Get used to the car

   If you’re moving to another state, be sure to get your dog used to long drives and going potty on the road. Practice taking some long rides and get your dog comfortable in the car. If your dog does really poorly in the car, speak to your vet about medication for nausea or anxiety.