Moving with Your Pomsky Dog: Adjusting to a New Home

Your pomsky dog will likely know that you are moving from the moment you start packing. Pomskies are intelligent dogs who quickly learn routines and may become anxious when things are out of place or routines are changed. This post includes the best ways to prepare your pomsky dog for moving before it happens, how to keep your dog calm during the move, and how to help your dog settle into your new home.

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Desensitize Your Dog to Packing Supplies

Bring packing boxes home several weeks before you plan on moving to get your pomsky dog accustomed to them being in your home. Place packing boxes in several different rooms of your home without putting anything in them so your dog learns that they are a neutral addition to your home (they don’t need to be worried about them).

Pull on packing tape rolls and rip pieces off to introduce your dog to these sounds. Also start wrapping items in bubble wrap, and provide your dog treats and praise so they are not frightened by these new sounds.

Preparing for the Move

Health and Wellness: Make sure your pomsky dog is wearing their collar with identification information in the weeks leading up to the move. Inform your veterinarian that you will be moving and find out when your dog is due for their next vaccines or medication refills. Have your veterinarian send your dog’s health records to you, or your new vet if you have already established care with a new vet.
Plan for Lifestyle Changes: If there are any big changes that will come with the move, such as not having a fenced in yard or needing to walk down a busy street rather than a wooded area, start introducing your dog to these changes before the move. Start requiring your pomsky to be on a leash every time they go outside or bring them downtown and walk down the city streets if that is similar to the area where your new home or apartment will be. Pair each of these new experiences with positive reinforcement through verbal praise (e.g. “Yes!” “Good girl!”) and treats.
Make a Safe Space: Make arrangements for your pomsky dog to stay with a friend, family member, or at a doggie daycare on moving day so there is one less thing for you to worry about. If this is not an option due to availability or your location, make sure your dog is secured in a crate or closed off in a room on moving day. This will prevent your dog from being in the way or running out the door.
Overnight Accommodations: Will you need a place to stay between moving from your old home to your new home? If you are driving a long distance or if there are a few days between moving out of your old place and moving into your new place you will want to make dog-friendly accommodations in advance. Find out which hotels or Airbnbs are dog friendly and reserve your overnight stay plenty of time in advance.

Moving Day

Start the moving day with as close to your typical routine as possible. Help your dog burn off extra energy with a walk that is longer than usual or play an extra game of fetch. Bring your dog to their designated safe space for the move (either dropped off with family/friend/daycare or in a crate or room). Give your dog some of their favorite comfort items such as a blanket, bed, KONG, nylon bone, or anything else that may reduce their stress. Pomskies are typically motivated by treat-filled toys such as the Starmark Treat Ringer, KONG goodie bone, or KONG classic. Place small treats in a durable toy and give it to your dog to provide some entertainment while they are staying in the crate or room. You can always refill these toys throughout moving day if needed. Your pomsky’s blanket, toys and treats will be the last items you pack up and the first items you unpack when you arrive at your new home.

If your dog is staying in a crate or room of your house while you are moving, inform your moving crew where your dog is so they know to avoid that area. Be mindful of how long your dog is contained in their crate or room, and take them out to go potty or stretch their legs as needed throughout the day.

Exploring the New Home

Once you have arrived at your new home, walk through each room and ensure there is nothing dangerous your dog could encounter such as a nail on the floor, cleaning supplies, or mouse traps. Also, look for any small openings that your dog could get into (such as behind a furnace) and block these areas or close the doors to those rooms or areas for now.

Let your dog freely roam your new home and sniff around. Follow your dog around the home as they inspect it, to keep them out of trouble and provide reassurance.

Settling into Your Home

Unpack your pomsky’s favorite belongings first, such as their favorite toy, blanket, and their food and water bowls. This will make your dog feel more comfortable in the new home, knowing that they have their comfort items with them.

Return to your dog’s old routine of daily walks and their feeding schedule as soon as possible after moving into your new home. This will reduce your pomsky dog’s anxiety and help them adjust to their new environment.

Give your dog time to adjust and understand that they might initially be frightened or become stressed by unfamiliar sounds or smells. Continue to use items you had in your previous home such as furniture, blankets, and other things your dog will recognize the sight and smell of. Reassure your pomsky that the new home is a safe space by speaking in a calm voice and providing belly rubs and ear scratches.

Summary

Moving comes with many unexpected sights, sounds and changes in routine that can make your dog nervous. Prepare your dog for the move by desensitizing them to packing supplies and providing them comfort items. Your dog will enjoy exploring their new home, especially if you quickly return to old routines and set up a safe space with your dog’s favorite blanket, bed, toys and treats.