When you buy a new home in Boca Raton, you may be pretty concerned about helping your dog adjust. This guide contains seven tips you can use right now to help your pooch step right into the swing of things.
7 Ways to Help Your Dog Adjust to Your New Home
Some dogs are more resilient than others are, and regardless of which end of the spectrum yours falls on, there are things you can do to help them adjust. Let’s be clear: the whole moving process is stressful – not just for you, but for your dog. Here’s what you can do to help:
- Get back on your routine.
- Make sure your new place is pet-proof.
- Create a familiar space.
- Make sure the home isn’t overwhelming.
- Take your time exploring the neighborhood.
- Provide plenty of mental stimulation.
- Give extra exercise and extra cuddles.
Scroll down for a closer look at each.
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Tip #1 to Help Your Dog Adjust to Your New Home: Get Back on Your Routine
Dogs thrive on routines, and there’s a good chance your pooch is missing yours. Try to get back on your routine as soon as you possibly can, even if it’s tough. Your dog will be grateful to be back in the swing of things.
Related: Get your FREE e-book, Family First: The Pet Parent’s Guide to Real Estate
Tip #2 to Help Your Dog Adjust to Your New Home: Make Sure Your New Place is Pet-Proof
Double check that everything in your home is safe for your pet before you allow them to explore. That means walking along the perimeter of your property and checking the fence for weak spots, ensuring cleaning supplies and other potentially hazardous items are put away, and even making sure your pet has a safe way to get up and down stairs.
Tip #3 to Help Your Dog Adjust to Your New Home: Create a Familiar Space
Your dog may be feeling a little bit homesick, so try to recreate their favorite spot as best you can. Whether that means setting up a dog bed in the corner near the sofa, putting the food in a particular area, or ensuring their kennel is always open for a good hiding spot, it’s important to show your dog that some things are pretty similar to the way they were.
Related: How much can a down payment change your monthly costs when you buy a home?
Tip #4 to Help Your Dog Adjust to Your New Home: Make Sure the Home Isn’t Overwhelming
Even if they don’t always show it, dogs can be overwhelmed easily. In your new home, everything’s unfamiliar – and remember, your dog didn’t even know you were moving. Many experts suggest letting a dog explore one small space at a time, particularly if they’re a bit on the neurotic side. You might consider keeping your dog out of bedrooms for a while (except the one they’ll be sleeping in), at least until they begin feeling more comfortable with the rest of the house.
Tip #5 to Help Your Dog Adjust to Your New Home: Take Your Time Exploring the Neighborhood
you don’t have to scout out the whole neighborhood on one walk. In fact, it may be better to simply walk around one block several times to let your dog get the lay of the land. As your dog becomes more familiar with your walking route, you can expand your reach and walk farther. This has two benefits: The first is that you and your dog are getting plenty of exercise, and the second is that you are keeping your dog mentally stimulated because they’re experiencing new things a little bit at a time.
Related: What buyers need to know about Highland Beach oceanfront condos
Tip #6 to Help Your Dog Adjust to Your New Home: Provide Plenty of Mental Stimulation
Dogs love mental stimulation, especially when they are stressed. That means it may be time to invest in some brain-teasing puzzles and toys that keep your dog on their toes. Toys you stuff with treats, puzzle toys that require a dog to solve them to get a treat, and even sturdy ropes for tug of war games with you can all help your dog adjust more easily.
Tip #7 to Help Your Dog Adjust to Your New Home: Give Extra Exercise and Extra Cuddles
Moving is stressful for both of you, and fortunately, exercise and cuddles can help make things easier (again, for both of you!). Now is a great time to walk five minutes longer and spend a little extra time snuggling on the sofa.
Related: Should you hire a dog-shipping service when you move to Boca Raton?
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