While moving to a new home might be an exciting experience for you, it can cause lots of insecurity and stress for your pooch. Dogs count on routine, and when things around the home start to change, they don't understand what's going on, which may result in bathroom accidents in the house, excessive barking, and even vomiting. To make the process of moving less stressful on your furry family member, consider implementing these methods throughout the process of your move:

Focus on Exercise

Dogs thrive when they're exercised well because they don't have any pent up energy to deal with that can exacerbate their stress. A long walk of at least thirty minutes in the morning and some playtime outside will do wonders for your dog's stress levels while you're busy packing boxes and moving things around the house.

If you don't have the time for a long walk, you can train your dog to walk on a treadmill in your home if you have one. Start by putting your dog on the treadmill so he gets comfortable with the situation and then turn it on low while offering treats as he walks to keep him on the machine. If you don't have a treadmill you can throw toys up and down the stairs so they can run and chase them, or use a laser pointer to get your pooch safely active indoors.

Maintain a "Safe" Room

When you're getting ready to pack, organize the process so that a room in your home can be used as a safe space for your dog. The room should have familiar items in it along with bedding, toys, and food dishes. Your pooch can hang out in the room with the door closed while you're packing the rest of your house to keep stress levels low.

You should also set up a space in an empty room with your dog's bedding and toys where they can stay while your moving company transfers your boxes and furniture out of the house. This will eliminate the chance of him running out the door and getting lost during the hectic moving process.

Invest in a Comfy Crate

It's a good idea to invest in a comfortable crate that your dog can be transported in from your old house to your new one for their safety and your peace of mind while you're on the road. The crate will come in handy when you get to your new place too, as they'll be able to rest in a familiar space while they get use to their new surroundings.

Put your dog's favorite bedding and a couple of toys in the crate to keep them comfortable and give them some entertainment. If possible, avoid crates that are all wire and choose one with a solid top and sides so it acts like a cave – your dog will be less likely to feel vulnerable and exposed when solid walls and a roof are in place.

Introduce the New Place Slowly

When you get to your new home, your dog won't understand that it's where they will be living from now on, so they'll need to slowly get used to and comfortable with the space before getting full access inside or out. Start by putting the dog's crate in a quiet room of the house and letting them spend an hour or two getting used to the sights, sounds, and smells.

Then open the crate door but keep the room door closed so they can explore the space when they're comfortable. Once your dog is stress-free while spending time in the room, open the door and let them check out the other rooms of the house. Your dog should always be kept on a leash or in a fenced yard for the first couple of weeks after moving so they don't run away in hopes of finding their old home.

By using these techniques, you'll maintain a safe and comfortable atmosphere for your pooch and help to reduce stress levels for everyone in the household. 

For more moving tips, you may want to contact a local moving company like Wheaton World Wide Moving.