There is no denying that a move is tough on everyone involved, but is especially tough on pets. Many pet owners describe major behavior changes in the days and weeks after a move. In most cases, this behavior does taper off and end after a period of time. Here are a few tips you can take to heart to help your pet adjust to its new surroundings.

First off, be sure to spend as much time with your pet as humanly possible. Play with them, give them treats, talk to them, pet them, comb them and be there for them if you can. For your pet, your last apartment was their entire universe and now they find themselves in surroundings that don’t look right, don’t smell right and don’t feel right.

If your pet does act out, you need to punish them, but don’t be as hard as you would normally be. It is important that you maintain your status as pack leader, but you know exactly why your pet is doing what they are doing so try to see what you can do to change what is going on.

If you have a cat, make sure the litter box stays as clean as possible and the food dish stays full, as well. If you have a dog that is causing you trouble, start walking him more or take a few hours and go to the beach or a park and throw a ball around. A dog is smart enough to understand when something special is going on and that may be all you need to end the pattern of unacceptable behavior.

If things don’t look like they are getting better, you can always take your dog to see an obedience expert. Many dogs take to this kind of training very well, but it can be an investment that some can’t afford.