My partner Peter moved in recently. While it was exciting for us, we also knew our scrumperdinger Twyla might be a bit confused and even stressed by the new situation. After all, dogs do not always understand changes at home.
Changes in the home can be tough
No matter how much we try to avoid stressing out our dogs, changes can be stressful for any member of the family, especially those who do not know what is happening and why.
Changes in the home, of any kind, can be a scary or confusing time for dogs, but with some gentle guidance, you can help your floofer adjust.
Here are some tips using the Fun Not Fear® approach to help your dog with changes in the home:
- Don’t forget the routine: Dogs need a regular schedule for feeding, walking, and playtime, so try to keep it the same, even with everything else going on.
Dogs may develop separation anxiety if they feel particularly worried by all the upheaval, among many other struggles, so it is important to consider keeping things as normal as possible.
Usually, I do not advocate for routines as dogs can become reliant on them. But, some things we MUST do each day – feeding, sleeping, exercise, a favourite toy, picking the kids up from school or visiting Grandma, and these things still form a natural part of your dog’s day. Keeping those things the same throughout the changes means your dog can feel safe in the knowledge their needs are still being met. - Introduce Changes Gradually: If possible, introduce your dog to changes gradually. Like, if you’re moving furniture or getting new stuff, let your dog check it out and give them lots of praise when they sniff around.
Don’t move it all in, or do it all at once. Don’t be in a rush to move out the old stuff either.
Twyla has been watching me move things all week, rather than doing it all on moving day. Manageable chunks of moving, or changing things is probably better for you to deal with too! Far less stressful.
Make sure they can’t hurt themselves on any sharp edges or loose screws while doing so.
And let them get to know and like any new people BEFORE they join in your household. - Create a Safe Space: Moving people in, new babies, new furniture and more can all become a bit much. Ensure your dog has a comfortable, quiet space where they can retreat if they feel overwhelmed.
This could be a covered crate with their favourite blanket (open door, not shut), or a special area where they will not be disturbed with their toys.
Use some Pet Remedy to help them relax further. - Use Positive Reinforcement: to reward your dog’s calm behaviour and associate new experiences with things they find rewarding. This will teach them that changes in the home can have positive outcomes.
If new things or people become good news for your dog (because they get nice things when changes happen) then you really are helping your dog with changes in the home. - Desensitisation: If the change involves unfamiliar sounds, like construction work, you can help desensitise your dog in advance. Play recordings of similar sounds at a low volume while engaging in enjoyable activities with your floofer, gradually increasing the volume over several days or weeks as long as your dog remains relaxed.
Do the same with any new smells, or new people or dogs – introduce everything as gradually as you can in advance, at a rate your dog can cope with, so by the time you need to help your dog with changes, they are already accepting of the new environment. - Provide Mental Stimulation: Changes in the home can be mentally stimulating, but also stressful. Counteract this by providing plenty of mental stimulation through puzzle toys, new tricks, or scent games which can help keep their mind positively engaged.
Scatterfeeding in an area that is familiar to your dog will help them to engage their noses and help them to feel calmer.
Give them other things to think about, things that they enjoy doing. Easy wins are an excellent way to move your dog’s mind onto less worrisome and more confidence building things. Don’t know what an easy win is? Join the Fun Not Fear® Club and find out! - Stay Calm and Patient: Your dog can pick up on your emotions, so try to remain calm and patient. This assurance can make a big difference in how your dog copes with the change.
Allow any new pets or family members time too. All members of a family or household will need time to adjust to being with each other. If you need help integrating them, contact me!
Make a point of taking care of you too! Big changes can be very stressful, even good changes, and you need to be at your best to effectively look after your dog. Nobody can pour from an empty jug – so be certain to take time out to relax, and to practise some self care.
Eat well, rest well and take gentle exercise with your dog.
If your dog is grieving, they may not be themselves for quite some time. Allow them the chance to feel their emotions, reassure where you can. Do encourage them to go to new places and environments they do not associate with their loss. Be patient with them, they feel things just as we do. - Health Check: Sometimes, changes in the environment can lead to stress symptoms that might mimic health issues, or vice versa. If your dog seems particularly distressed or you notice any changes in their eating, sleeping, or elimination habits, it might be a good idea to consult a vet to rule out any underlying health problems.
- Keep Talking: Changes in the home can be very hard on us as humans. If there are changes that you are not happy about or are struggling with, do find someone to talk to. Your GP can give you details of local therapy and help available,. Aa good friend or relative with a nice cup of tea and a biscuit or five can be just as therapeutic. Don’t bottle how you are feeling up.
When things are difficult
Life can be pretty rubbish and throw all kinds of unexpected events up at us. From relationship breakdowns, to children leaving home, to deaths, to house fires, and more. There are moments when we need a bit of help to be our best selves. Never be afraid to seek it.
Handy links:
Locke’s Dogs 121 Behaviourist & Trainer – We offer 121 support locally and worldwide to help dogs with all kinds of issues.
Mind – The mental health charity All kinds of support and counselling, for various issues and struggles.
Samaritans – For when things get really difficult, and if you have suicidal thoughts.
Relate – Building better relationships with family, partners, friends and more. Also advice for those affected by domestic violence.
Rspca – If you need some advice or are worried about an animal’s welfare.
Have you had any major changes lately? How has it affected you and your dog? Drop me a comment and let me know.
The post How To Help Your Dog With Changes At Home. appeared first on Freya V. Locke.