How do I make moving an easy transition for my dog?

Question

We are moving from a house with a large yard to a condo with tiny, tiny yard.

Answer 1

Be sure to have his/her favorite things out for him when he arrives. (toys, blankets, beds) That way he will smell his things as soon as he gets there. Have his food and water bowls set up as well. Take him out to his new yard. As soon as he initiates it (and he will) praise him!

Believe it or not, dogs adjust real well in a move.

Answer 2

Since I went through a similiar situation (i moved from a house with a huge yard to an apartment in a city...no yard at all) I can tell you what I did with my 2 pups.
When you first move, just understand that it's going to take maybe a week or so for them to transition. Dogs are really adaptable, so they will eventually get used to the change. However, some things you might want to do are things like taking long walks around the neighborhood with your dog (regardless of whether you'll be keeping in the yard or not), socializing him with other dogs/people in the area and talking in an upbeat tone when dealing with him/her.
If you're moving, it might be wise to take your downtime and give special love and attention to your pet. This is always a stressful change (they're going from one place they know so well to a completely new environment). One other thing I did which actually really really helped calm my dogs down was to get something called "Comfort Zone" (i believe you can find it at petsmart). It releases these phermones that mother pups secrete after they birth their dogs---so it's a smell (only they ca smell it) that is very comforting to them. This helps them relax when you're not there.

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

If possible try to take the dog over to the condo before you start moving in and let him/her sniff around. Bring a favorite toy or the bedding he/she sleeps on and lay it down about where they are going to sleep. While you are moving try to have someone else keep the dog so you cut down on the stress of the dog's belongings being taken away in front of them. Get everything pretty much put away before you bring the dog to the condo again. Put some of his/her toys in the new yard and have a good playtime when you bring him/her over and before they go inside. It will take a few days for them to get adjusted but try to keep the same routines (sleep,eat and play) as before to lessen the stress level.