Unlike cats, dogs relate more to their caregivers, rather than to their territory. Therefore, moving a dog to a new home is not very traumatic unless there is also a change in the caregiver.

If the new home is one in which the previous owner had a dog, it is a good idea to have it thoroughly cleaned so that your dog will not smell the odors of the previous owner’s dog and want to mark this new territory for himself.

Show your dog where his food, water, and bed will be. Let him freely roam the new house and do not let him outside unsupervised. As long as you and your furniture are there, your dog will adjust quickly.

If your new home does not have a fenced yard you have a wonderful opportunity to teach your dog the boundaries beyond which you do not want him to go. Boundary training takes patience and time. Do not let your dog roam freely outside. Instead, each day walk him on a leash around the perimeter of your new property. Each time he begins to wander over your property line, firmly say, "NO," give a little jerk on the leash and walk him back inside the line. Continue this several times a day for several weeks. To test him, attach a long, light nylon line to his collar, throw a ball over the boundary line and see if he goes across to fetch it. The line should be just long enough to let him get to the boundary. If he decides to go across the boundary, let the line stop him and at the same time say, "NO!" If he does not cross the boundary, give him lots of praise and a terrific food treat. If he crosses the line, just continue with the training. Remember, cats, dogs, and squirrels may prove too great a temptation for crossing the boundary. But, for most of the time, after successful training, you can be assured he will be on your property.

Regular exercise and playtime are the keys to keeping your dog at home, healthy and happy.