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Preparing your dog for change

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There’s a chance that you and your dog will experience a change to life as you know it, which you both will need to adapt to. Discover how to prepare your dog for life events such as welcoming babies and moving house.

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Help your dog adjust to changes by preparing for life events that will affect their routine.

Watch our video below to find out how to prepare your dog for life events.

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Why is it important to support my dog through life changes?

Many dogs like to have a routine and are used to the same things happening at the same time each day. A routine can help dogs to predict events, which is so important for their wellbeing and helps to avoid them feeling anxious. If this routine is likely to change, it is important that we allow time to help our dogs prepare for this. For example, your dog may need a little support when there is a change in routine, such as a new family member, moving home or upcoming celebrations.

Similarly, dogs may be confident in a known environment, like your home, but it can be confusing and worrying for a dog if this environment changes suddenly. House moves, putting up decorations for celebrations such as Christmas, or a new baby can mean lots of environmental changes for your dog to adjust to. The earlier you start preparing your dog, the more time they’ll have to adjust to new sights, sounds and smells. You’ll also be able to go at your dog’s pace, which is important for their confidence.

Think about the situations you’re likely to experience with your dog, and gradually introduce these, ready for when these happen in real life. Always use rewards your dog enjoys and make sure you go slowly so your dog has plenty of time to learn, practice and get things right at every stage. You can build up positive associations by rewarding your dog for calm behaviour with treats, chews, a game or fuss. Setting your dog up for success will ensure you can enjoy all life’s events together and minimise the likelihood of problems arising later down the line.

How to introduce your dog to a new baby

As you can’t explain to your dog that you’re expecting a baby, it’s best to prepare them for the new addition to your family, helping them to adjust to the unusual baby sounds and smells and the new way of life.

A new baby in the family will mean a new routine for everyone, including your dog. They might not get the same attention as they did before, there might not be the same long dog walks and they may possibly need to be left on their own for longer.

The house will have lots of new things which may unsettle your dog –prams, cots and blankets, as well as unfamiliar noises and smells, and possibly lots of visitors as well.

The more you can do to help your dog adapt in the lead up to the new arrival will support them to settle into the new way of life, and it will help them feel like they’re still an important part of the family!

Top tips

  • Set up baby equipment and toys. In the months leading up to your baby’s birth, gradually place equipment such as highchairs, prams, playpens and baby gyms. Let your dog approach and sniff, and build positive associations by giving them treats, chews, a game or fuss.
  • Play baby noises at home. Introduce new sounds at a low volume while your dog is doing something they enjoy. If they are calm and relaxed, then gradually increase the volume over several weeks, or months, to a lifelike level. It is important for all stages, but especially for introducing noises, to carefully monitor your dog’s body language and only increase volumes if they are calm – decrease the volume if they show signs of anxiety, worry or frustration.
  • Changes in routine. Consider how your dog’s routine might change once your baby arrives. Gradually introduce these changes one at a time. Some changes to consider include:
    - Less attention from you, or attention at different times of the day,
    - Shorter walks or different routes,
    - Restricted access to rooms in the house and visitors, who might not wish to interact with your dog.
  • Practise carrying and interacting with a ‘baby’ using a doll. If your dog jumps up, make sure you don’t give them any attention for this but do get ready to reward them for keeping all four paws on the ground.
  • Practise walking with a pram. Put some treats in your buggy bag and use them to reward your dog for being next to you as you walk along. Our loose lead walking video can help you practise!
Find your nearest Dog School

Remember to keep an eye on your dog’s body language and respond appropriately by creating distance, and going back a step if they are showing any signs of worry or anxiety. You can find out more about dogs and children living safely together on the Dogs Trust website.

Moving house with a dog

Whether you and your pooch are frequent travellers or embarking on a big move for the first time together, it can be a stressful and busy time for all involved. There are lots of things you can do before, during, and after the house move to keep your furry friend happy and healthy so that you can focus on which box you put the cutlery in and which direction the sofa should be facing.

Moving day, and the days prior and immediately after, are likely to be extremely busy for the entire household with disruption to everybody’s routine. Whilst this can be a stressful time for you, it can also cause worry and anxiety for your dog. It can be a good idea to ask an experienced family member, or friend, to care for your dog for a few days around the move. Once you have unpacked, you can be reunited with your four-legged friend and spend dedicated time introducing them to their new home, and all the exciting new walking routes.

We understand that packing your dog’s bags for a little holiday whilst you are busy moving house isn’t an option for everyone. So, if your pooch is going to be with you whilst moving house, we’ve put together some top tips to help the move go as smoothly as possible!

Top tips

  • Stick to your dog’s routine. Plan your day to allow for your dog’s meals, and walk times, as close to normal as possible.
  • Dedicate a safe space for your pooch. In both your old and new house, there may be lots of people coming and going. Whilst they are a great help to you, it could be worrying for your pooch especially if the people are unfamiliar and remember not everybody may be confident around dogs either. Using a small room, playpen or crate that your dog is relaxed in will give them somewhere quiet of their own to snooze. It will also prevent anyone accidentally letting your dog out. Follow Dogs Trust’s step by step guide to introducing a crate or playpen. Remember you will need to start this training months before move day if it is new for your pooch!
  • Keep your dog’s collar and tag on. We never plan for dogs to escape but there could be a higher risk of this happening with a busy household on move day. Keeping your dog’s collar and tag on with up-to-date details ensures you can be reunited if the unthinkable does happen.
  • Prepare some fun enrichment. Whilst you’re busy packing, cleaning, and loading the removal van, have some stuffed food toys, tasty chews and fun puzzle games available for your dog to keep them happily occupied. Please do not leave your dog unattended with any new enrichment items.
  • Pack your dog’s belongings last. Their cosy bed, familiar smelling blankets and favourite toys can provide comfort for your dog. Take these items to the new house last, ideally when you make the journey with your pooch, to prevent them being in unfamiliar surroundings without their things.
  • Plan the journey. Whether you’re moving across town or country, consider how you will be transporting your dog to your new family home. If you have a long journey ahead of you plan short stops for toilet breaks and ensure your dog has access to fresh clean water. If your dog is worried in the car or gets car sick, seek advice from your vet at the earliest opportunity who will be able to help you plan for the trip. Consider the weather, extra precautions must be taken, in extreme weather conditions, particularly high temperatures.
  • Unpack your dog’s belongings first. As soon as you arrive at the new house set up your dog’s safe space with all their favourite things. Remember fresh drinking water should always be available.
  • Take time to show your dog around. Allow your pooch to explore all the new sights, sounds and smells of their new house at their own pace, with you by their side to provide support. Remember to let them sniff and provide plenty of rewards and reassurance when needed.
  • Explore the new area together. Whether you’ve moved around the corner, or to a whole new area, it’s likely your dog will want to explore their new walking routes with their nose! Even if your dog usually has very good recall, it is best to keep them on lead initially when in a new area until they have gained confidence.
  • Keep visitors to a minimum. You might be keen to show off your new digs, but your dog could be feeling more sensitive with all the change. Spend a few days building their confidence and helping them to settle into their new home before inviting guests round. When the time is right, remind visitors to let your dog approach them to say hello and give them space if they are resting in their safe place.
  • Revisit basic training. You might need to remind your dog of some of their basics such as toilet training, teaching them to settle and being left alone. It can be tricky for them to remember these skills when they are in a new place, but they will soon pick it up again with your encouragement and rewards.
Find your nearest Dog School

The first few days in your new home might still be unsettling for your four-legged friend, but with a little time and patience, and all your hard work, they will feel relaxed in their surroundings before you know it.

To find out more about how to support your dog during life events and for guidance on training mentioned, contact Dogs Trust’s free Behaviour Support Line.

If you are concerned about any of your dog’s behaviour, or have noticed any changes, seek professional support. Speak to your vet to check your dog is in good health. Your vet can then refer you to an accredited trainer or behaviourist.

About Dogs Trust Dog School

Dogs Trust Dog School is a national network of experienced dog trainers providing educational courses and dog training based on up-to-date scientific research for all owners. They are passionate about dog behaviour, and want to help you train your puppy or dog to fit happily into your family life. Dogs Trust Dog School provides fun and educational training classes for you and your dog.

Dogs Trust Dog School prevents relinquishment by equipping the owners of more than 20,000 dogs with the tools to prevent unwanted behaviours from occurring. They enable owners to understand their pooch and enhance the bond with their dog through reward-based methods.

Find your nearest Dog School

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