Is Your Dog Acting Different After Moving? Find Out Why

Has your pup been acting strangely ever since you moved? 

It can be stressful for both pets and their owners when big life changes occur and it takes time for everyone to adjust – including our four-legged friends.

But if you’re concerned about the way your dog is acting differently after your house move, don’t worry. 

I’ve moved from Dubai to Los Angeles, and Los Angeles to Helsinki with at least four dogs in tow, and we’ve moved house quite a bit too, so I could not be better placed to help you ease your pup’s transition into his new home and get things back on track!

Understanding Your Dog’s Reaction To Moving

The Emotional Response

Just as with humans, the feeling of being out of control can be stressful.

When your dog is suddenly transported from his old home, with all its familiar smells and favorite sleeping spots, and placed in a completely new environment, he won’t know what’s going on.

He won’t know if he’s safe and he certainly won’t feel in control.

This can cause him to feel anxious and even fearful, as he tries to work out what’s happening and where he fits in.

Why Is My Dog Peeing In The House After Moving?

It’s not uncommon for dogs to have setbacks in their housetraining after a move, due to the huge upheaval in their lives. 

If your dog has suddenly started peeing in the house, it’s likely he feels stressed and insecure in his new environment.

Initially, he may not be getting his regular walks or potty breaks as you struggle to get everything organized in your new home.

Alternatively, he may just be trying to make himself feel more secure by surrounding himself with his own scent and marking his new territory.

It’s definitely not easy, when you’re in the middle of unpacking and trying to get your new house organized, to remember to take regular breaks to take puppy outside. But it’s essential.

If your yard is secure, take him outside for regular breaks even if you don’t have time to go for a walk.

When he goes potty outdoors, reward him with lots of praise and treats, reinforcing that this is the right thing to do! 

It’s important not to scold your pup when accidents happen indoors — this will only make him more anxious and fearful and could potentially set you back even further.

Sniffing Is Your Secret Weapon!

If your yard isn’t yet secure, or you’re in an apartment, you can use a long line to keep your dog safe while still giving him the chance to forage and explore a bit.

Research shows that sniffing lowers the heart rate and blood pressure in dogs, so you can use this to your advantage to try to help your pup feel calmer and more relaxed (Budzinski & Budzinski, 2019).

Changes In Routine And Schedule

Moving house can be a disruptive experience for dogs and can throw their entire routine and schedule off balance. 

Not only that, but your dog finds himself having to suddenly adjust to different smells, sounds, people, and completely new surroundings. 

A new home also means different walking routes. 

However, it can be difficult to establish regular walks and mealtimes when you have just moved, which can lead to further confusion and stress. 

All of this disruption can leave your pup feeling anxious and unsure.

How Do I Know If My Dog Is Stressed Or Anxious?

Body Language

Dogs express their emotions through their body language and facial expressions. All we have to do is pay attention and learn to understand their signals.

Overt Signals

Some of the more obvious signs of fear, anxiety, or stress include yawning when the dog isn’t tired, drooling (especially drooling foam), shaking, shivering when not cold, excessive panting, and whining. 

You may also notice that your dog’s ears are pinned or pulled back, his tail is held low or tucked under or, conversely, wagging excessively, or the whites of his eyes are showing (known as “whale eye”).

Other signs are cowering or a hunched posture, turning the head or body away, standing with the back legs planted ready to run (fight or flight), and raised hackles (when the fur along the spine “stands up” – known as “piloerection”).

You may also notice your dog has stiffened body musculature (also known as “freezing”), or has completely shut down, offering no behavior at all.

Covert Signals

Often, however, dogs are more subtle in their communications and it can be hard for us to see the signs they give us. 

Some of the more covert signs of fear, stress, or anxiety include a furrowed brow, lip licking, tongue flicking, a lip curl, and tight facial muscles or mouth. 

Other signs include a rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, dilated pupils, and avoiding eye contact.

Watching your dog’s body language closely will help you understand when he is feeling stressed or anxious so you can best meet his needs in those moments. 

If you need a visual, this is a great little video from Fear Free Happy Homes demonstrating the basics of canine body language:

Behavioral Changes

Stress and anxiety in dogs can also manifest in unusual or strange behaviors.

Some dogs may try to hide away while others may engage in displacement activities like scratching or licking themselves – or the furniture. 

Excessive barking or whining can also be signs of stress.

Some dogs will be agitated, vigilant, and on high alert, constantly pacing up and down, checking doors and windows, and unable to settle.

In some cases, dogs may become hyperactive, bouncing around all over the place, not sure what to do with all that cortisol (stress hormone) that is flooding their systems.

Sometimes dogs may even become aggressive, growling snarling, or snapping if you try to approach. 

Other dogs may express their feelings through destructive behavior, like chewing on or ripping up the furniture, digging excessively in the yard, or biting on the leash when out for walks.

You may also see excessive eating, drinking, sniffing, or sleeping. It’s not uncommon for dogs to do this as a way of coping and a way to avoid a situation they find stressful.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, a dog may refuse to eat or play, becoming lethargic with greatly reduced activity levels.

A kind of dog depression, if you will.

Physical Symptoms

Feeling stressed and anxious can also affect your dog’s health.

So you may see physical changes such as weight gain or loss, changes in skin condition, shedding fur, increased urination or defecation, or digestive upsets such as diarrhea or vomiting (often because of new food or stress – or both).

Dandruff, sweaty paws, and red eyes can also be signs of stress.

If any of these health issues persist, it would be a good idea to check in with your new vet to make sure everything is okay.

Tips For Helping Your Dog Adjust To A New Environment 

Now we have looked at some of the most common reasons your dog is acting different after moving, let’s now find out what you can do to help.

Safety First

When you arrive at your new home, the most important thing is to take precautions to keep your dog safe. 

First and foremost, make sure all doors and windows are securely closed to prevent your pup from escaping. 

Even if you have a fenced yard, it’s a good idea to keep your dog on a long line initially, in case there are any gaps in the fence that you haven’t noticed or he becomes anxious and tries to jump over.

You can still allow him to explore his new surroundings but it’s best to stay outside with him during the first few days until he gets comfortable and the situation has calmed down a bit. 

Funny story – when we first adopted our Labrador-pitbull cross Maggie and brought her home, it was such a stressful time for her that she managed to clear an 8 ft. fence the first time we left her in the yard. So don’t think it can’t be done!

Luckily I saw what had happened from the kitchen window and went racing outside to call her back. She thought about it for a while but after a minute or two, she did come trotting back.

But if your dog is super stressed there’s a chance he may try to run away, so it’s best not to take the risk.

It’s also essential to ensure that your dog’s identification is up-to-date. 

Make sure he has a personalized collar and/or collar tag with his name and your contact information readily visible. 

Additionally, make sure his microchip information is current and that he’s registered with a local vet. 

Provide A Safe Space

Inside the home, the first thing you can do to help is provide your dog with a safe space. This is the best way to help him feel more secure.

If you use a crate, you can set up his crate in a quiet room where he won’t be disturbed. 

Otherwise, pick a spare bedroom or similar – anywhere your dog can retreat to when he feels the need to relax and de-stress.

Make sure he has access to fresh water, some of his favorite toys, and a comfy dog bed that has his scent on it.

Scent is an important part of how dogs experience the world, and having all those familiar items with his own scent (as well as the scent of his old home) can help your pup feel more comfortable and secure in his new space. 

Giving your dog a mental challenge with a stuffed Kong, a LickiMat, a snuffle mat, or his favorite chew toy is a great idea too.

This makes him engage his logical thinking brain, which you can use as a counter to his emotional brain.

This is a highly effective way to help alleviate your dog’s anxiety and stress.

Plus, the act of chewing in itself is a stress-buster.

Calming Aids

There are a variety of natural calming aids available to help dogs feel more at ease. 

For example, you can spritz your dog’s bedding with a calming pheromone like Pet Remedy spray.

Alternatively, you could plug in a Pet Remedy or Adaptil diffuser nearby to create a sense of security and comfort. While this may not work for every pup, for others it can be helpful. 

You could also try an Adaptil Calming Pheromone Collar if you don’t want to try the plug-in options.

Another option is to put on some calming dog-specific tunes for your dog with Through A Dog’s Ear or Relax My Dog. 

These specially designed musical tracks for dogs help mask any loud noises and create a soothing atmosphere.

For a more holistic approach, consider trying Rescue Remedy, a blend of flower essences known to help reduce anxiety levels in some dogs. 

Slow Introduction

After your dog has settled in his safe room, it’s time to let him explore his new surroundings. 

If he’s hesitant, let him take his time, and don’t try to rush him. 

Keep his safe room open so he can retreat if he feels overwhelmed.

Allow him to explore at his own pace, and make sure to supervise him to prevent any accidents or mishaps. 

Here’s a handy video from Dogkind explaining how you can encourage your dog to explore your new home or yard without overwhelming him:

Multiple Resources

Make sure to provide plenty of resources in different locations for your pup, such as water bowls, beds, and toys. 

This will give him a sense of control over his environment as he can choose what he wants to interact with, as well as where and when.

The more he feels he has control over what happens to him and has the freedom to make his own choices, the less stressed he will feel.

Note: This has nothing to do with any outdated notion of your dog trying to “dominate” you or be the “alpha dog.”

Take Your Time

There’s no need to rush your dog’s introduction to his new home. Just let him acclimate to his new location in his own time. 

If he wants to hide away in his safe room, that’s fine. It’s important to give him space and time to adjust.

Having said that, some dogs will want to be involved in the unpacking process.

This can be a good way to provide mental stimulation and let them renew their acquaintance with all those familiar old scents.

In the same vein, there’s no need to rush out for a massively long walk or to the local dog park the minute you arrive.

While getting out and about will be fun and exciting for some dogs, for those already in a state of overwhelm it might be too much.

So pay attention to your dog and make your best decision based on his body language and behavior.

You could always start with some shorter walks so he can gradually get to know his new area while getting to put that powerful sense of smell into action.

Remember, sniffing is your secret weapon!

Play Time

I’ve already talked about how mental stimulation can help reduce stress and anxiety, but play is another of those secret weapons you can use to your advantage.

Playing with your pup is a way to spend some quality time with him that not only helps you bond, but can also act as a counter to any negative emotions he may be feeling. 

According to animal behavior expert Dr. Karolina Westlund, PLAY* improves welfare and buffers against stress. 

“Being in a PLAYful state may help prevent the animal from going into FEAR,” she says. “PLAY may seem frivolous and not serious. It really isn’t. It may be the emotion that you should take the most seriously.”

So find out what your dog’s playing preferences are and get playing. It’ll be fun for you too!

Stick To A Routine

Setting a daily routine for your furry friend is key to helping him feel more comfortable and secure in his new home. 

Try to keep mealtimes, playtime, exercise, and grooming sessions consistent with his previous routine from the old house to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Remove Stressors

Settling into a new home can be noisy and chaotic with all the coming and going, renovating, unpacking, etc. 

However, as far as you can, try to eliminate anything your dog finds stressful (e.g. loud noises, visiting contractors, drilling) as these can all contribute to your pup’s anxiety levels. 

Of course, you still have to do all those things, so another option is to encourage your dog to come to his safe space with his stuffed Kong, snuffle mat, or LickiMat to keep him busy.

If you’re the planning type, you can prepare them in advance and put them in the freezer for a few hours to make them extra challenging for your pup.

Stay Calm

If you (or other family members) are flapping around getting stressed, then your dog is likely to start thinking that something is seriously wrong and get even more anxious.

So take a few deep breaths and try to stay in the moment, rather than ruminating on all the things you need to get done.

Understand How Your Dog Feels

When transitioning to a new home, it is important to give your dog plenty of attention to help him feel reassured. 

To help with the process, try not to leave him home alone to start with. 

If this is unavoidable, get him into his safe place, again with a Kong, snuffle mat, or LickiMat to keep him busy, and try not to be away for too long.

By now, he should have developed a positive association with his safe place and will be happy to chill out there for a while. 

Before You Go

While some dogs are resilient and take to major changes like a duck to water, it’s completely normal for your dog to feel out of sorts for some time after a sudden change.

So don’t worry! The good news is that the tips in this article should help you to find the right balance of giving your pup time and space – while getting him used to his new routine and helping him feel at home.

In the meantime, check out my article How Does A Rescue Dog Feel When They Are Rehomed? 

It features six inspiring real-life stories of rescue dogs I adopted and who each responded to the challenges of transitioning to a new home in a very different way. 

Don’t miss out on this heartwarming and informative read about the emotional life of dogs!

*PLAY belongs to the seven “core emotional feelings” or “brain systems” as described by neuroscientist and psychobiologist Jaak Panksepp. The other six are LUST, GRIEF, FEAR, SEEKING, RAGE, and CARE. Panksepp capitalized them to differentiate them from the regular use of the same words. 

READ NEXT

• Dog Anxious On Walks? 15 Tips On How To Make It Fun Again
• Why Is My Dog Pacing And Restless? (10 Must-Know Reasons)

Recommended Products

• Adaptil Calming Pheromone Collar
• Adaptil Diffuser
• Kong
• LickiMat
• Personalized Embroidered Dog Collar
• Pet Remedy Diffuser
• Pet Remedy Spray
• Relax My Dog
• Rescue Remedy
• Snuffle Mats
• Through A Dog’s Ear

Resources

• At the Heart of the Walk – Christina and Aurélien Budzinski
• Dog Body Language 101 [Video] – Fear Free Happy Homes
• Encouraging Your Fearful Dog To Explore [Video] – Dogkind
• PLAY – Animal Emotions/Module 4 [Educational Course] – Dr. Karolina Westlund/Illis Animal Behaviour Courses
• Stressed Out – Pat Miller
• Trying To Ease Your Dog’s Stress – Jodi Frediani