Moving can be traumatic for any pet and care should be taken with their travel arrangements and introducing them to their new home. Small dogs should travel in a pet carrier, but larger dogs may need to be crated if they are not used to going with you in the car. If they are used to car travel, make sure they are securely a harnessed to keep them and you safe.
Once you arrive at your new home, don’t just let the dog out to explore his new neighbourhood, especially if the removalists are still unloading furniture. He may run away, or get in the way and cause someone to trip and fall, not good if they are carrying heavy furniture. It is better to keep the animal on a chain and tie him up in the back garden somewhere, where it is quiet and he will have the chance to look around a little.
Once all the furniture is in place, you can bring your pet inside and introduce him to his new home – if he is an inside pet. Remember to not allow him too much freedom unless the fence and gate are secure and he can’t get out. Dogs like to explore their territory, but make sure you go with the dog on his first foray into the garden just in case there is something there that could harm him. Inspect the bottom of the fences all around to ensure there are no holes for him to get out of.
You may have walked your dog to the nearest park, then let him off to run around. Don’t do this in your new area until you have taken him on a leash and walked with him around the area. It’s important that you know whether there are other, bigger dogs around that may consider it their own area. If your dog tends to run off and not come back until he is ready, never let him off the leash until you are sure the area is safe for him and he knows how to get home.
It’s a good idea to take him walking around all the nearby streets so that if he does get lost he’ll be more likely to find his way home again. This will also help you to know your new area and you’ll find out who has what kind of dogs around your neighbourhood.
Find out if there is a club for dog walkers or a dog training club around and take your dog to that. This will help him to make friends with other dogs in the area and they won’t be so likely to regard him as an intruder. It may take some weeks before your furry friend truly settles into his new home. Be patient with him and give him lots of attention during this time.