Old to New: Moving Home with your Dog

Well, at the time of writing this, Chise, my Husband and I are in the middle of packing up to move home. I think we can all agree that moving house is a big deal.

Among all the stress that we humans have to suffer through, all the things we have to remember as well as changing address, buying new necessities and saying goodbye to old possessions. Of course there is also the emotional weight, old homes have memories and things we would love to hold on to. It could also be emotional in another way. Maybe you can't wait to leave that old place behind and experience a new start.  

For my husband and I, it's a mix of both of these things. Where we are at the time of writing has been his home for a long time, for me I've only been in here around 3 years. There are things we like and dislike about this little place, but we cannot wait to begin our fresh start. 

At the time of you reading this, we will be all moved in and settling into new routines. But for now, as I write this, all of that is to come. Of course, there is so much to do, but other than the practical physical things we need to take care of, Chise is at the centre of our thoughts. She is a sensitive, shy soul and right now has had a lot of exposure to uncontrollable triggers. More loud noises have cropped up, more people passing by, more disruption to routines — any of these things alone wouldn't bother her too much — but stack them together, and you have a verifiable storm of emotions.

Now add into that storm new smells, new sounds, new routines — and for her (and any of our dogs), very little explanation. While we understand that the chaos is temporary, our dogs only know that their familiar world is changing. Things they loved and enjoyed in old homes may be terribly missed, for a while, they may grieve. For sensitive dogs especially, this transition can feel overwhelming and unsafe.

Things To Look Out For

You might notice Regression in Behaviour, this may manifest as the following:

• Increased barking or vocalising

• Clinginess or difficulty settling

• Withdrawal or shutting down

• Toileting accidents

• Reactivity or behaviours you thought were resolved

This isn’t your dog being difficult. Put yourself in their paws so to speak. You are taken away from a place you were in every single day, sure, you're with people you love, but you are thrown into a new environment. You can't ask what's going on, you can't go back to where you were... that backyard you worked so hard on digging up and making smell like you is gone, your favourite window, now inaccessible. 

Your dog isn't purposefully misbehaving and it isn’t a training failure. It’s a nervous system responding to change, emotions are high and at this time, more than ever, your dog needs support.

So, what can be done to help?

Before the Move: Safety and Predictability

In the weeks leading up to a move, life often feels unsettled — and dogs pick up on that long before moving day arrives. During this time, try to keep daily routines consistent. Leave their toys and favourite bedding/bowls etc down until the last possible moment, so they aren't feeling lost.

Let your dog be involved as long as it's safe, let them sniff boxes, let them investigate and help in their own ways. (Chise likes to help me by sniffing boxes and playing with spare packing paper).

Use scent to help them, familiar smells of bedding and toys can be used now and in the new home (if accessible) to make the transition feel smoother.

On that note, if you are allowed access to the new home before moving, take your dog with you. Let them explore the new space at their own pace. If that isn't possible, then take some walks around the new neighbourhood. Simply mapping out the new area surrounding their new home can help dogs feel safer. (We have been fortunate enough to be able to access the surrounding area and yard to our new place. So although Chise hasn't yet been inside, she is very familiar with the surrounding area and gets very excited when we go there to set things up.)

Most importantly, now is not the time for introducing new training goals. Stick to simple things that are achievable. Lowering your expectations during this time can go a long way in understanding your dog and lowering stress for you both. 

Moving Day: This is NOT a Training Day

Well, Moving day is here. It's intense, it's noisy, it's brutally emotional and stressful. This is true for humans and our dogs.

For dogs, it’s noisy, unpredictable, and if you are using movers - full of unfamiliar people and movement. Expecting calm behaviour in this environment isn’t realistic, nor is it fair.

Supportive options include:

• Having your dog stay with a trusted friend or family member

• Setting up a quiet room away from doors, movers, and commotion

• Using familiar enrichment (sniffing, licking, chewing) rather than obedience tasks

• Prioritising rest over stimulation

If your dog struggles more than expected, that doesn’t mean you did anything wrong. Moving day is about management and compassion, not training progress.

After the Move: The Settling-In Period Matters

One of the most important — and most overlooked — parts of moving with a dog is the settling-in period. You might feel at home as soon as furniture is placed and belongings are unpacked. However, your dog doesn’t automatically feel at home just because the furniture is in place.

In the first days and weeks:

• Keep walks short, familiar, and pressure-free (if your dog doesn't feel safe enough to walk, don't push it, simply exploring yard space can be overstimulating enough for dogs under stress)

• Stick to activities your dog already finds comforting

• Allow extra sleep and downtime

• Re-establish simple routines before adding novelty

• Avoid visitors, busy outings, or big changes where possible

Think of this time as nervous system recovery, not getting back to normal as soon as possible.

As I mentioned above, Behavioural Regression Is Normal. It is also Temporary.

It’s extremely common for dogs to show regression after a move, this is also seen when dogs are adopted from kennels or a breeders home and they are adjusting to a new place.

Your Dogs skills that seemed infallible and solid before may become unreliable. Sensitivities and Reactivity may reappear. Your dog may need more distance, more reassurance, or more rest than usual. It isn't a permanent regression, it is an adjustment period that needs to be handled with care.

There is a well known rule known as the 3-3-3. 3 days, 3 weeks and 3 months. The basic outline to this rule is as follows:

First 3 days — Safety & Regulation

• Your dog may feel overwhelmed, anxious, or shut down

• Hiding, reduced appetite, or withdrawal is common and normal

First 3 weeks — Empathy & Nurture

• Your dog starts to orient to daily rhythms and household flow

First 3 months — Exploration & Empowerment

• Your dog begins to feel more secure and at home

• Their personality and preferences become clearer

• Confidence grows as routines feel predictable and safe

Now, the important thing to remember is that the 3–3–3 framework is a guideline, not a hard and fast rule. 

Captain Barbossa anyone? 

Every dog adjusts differently. Dogs with previous stress, trauma, or limited early support may need more time, anything from 6 months to a year or even more. Progress is not linear, and emotional support is vital during this time.

With time, consistency, and compassionate support, most dogs regain — and often exceed — their previous level of comfort once they feel safe again, especially if the new home is better suited to them. 

I for one know that our new home will be so much better for Chise once we are all settled in and feeling safe! But of course, it will take time.

A rough S.E.R.E.N.E. guide to support is:

3 days or more (Safety and Regulation)

• Offer a quiet, predictable safe space with food, water, and a comfortable bed

• Keep the environment calm and limit new demands or stimulation

• Gentle consistency and emotional steadiness help your dog begin to decompress

3 weeks or more (Empathy & Nurture)

• Focus on connection, routine, and low-pressure guidance

• Notice and reinforce behaviours that show relaxation, engagement, confidence or good things you want repeated

• Keep experiences simple, avoid rushing adjustment periods

3 Months or more (Exploration & Empowerment)

• Continue offering choice, consistency, and positive support

• Slowly expand your dog’s world at a pace that feels comfortable for them

Remember, go at your dogs pace. Be there for them, and if your dog is really struggling to adjust, speak to your Vet or your Force-Free Trainer for help. 

Reframing Expectations

If your dog seems more sensitive after a move, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed them. It means:

• They’re processing a big change

• They need support

• They trust you enough to show their feelings

• They need time, not pressure

Moving home is a transition — for all of you. So prioritize connection, safety, and patience, everything else can wait. If you're moving (like we are) the stress will pass, you've got this, and everything will be ok. 

Thoughtfully written by Becky Osborne. If you enjoyed this and would like to support me further you can:
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