The Walking Club

We moved house and my dog wakes through the night. Should I tire them out more?

The bed, sounds, smells and route to the door may all have changed, even if your dog has visited this place before.
2 min read·Field notes

Adding more games and longer walks can leave an unsettled dog more wound up. Start by checking what they need rather than trying to exhaust them.

Offer a calm toilet opportunity, water and a familiar place to sleep. Keep the path clear, protect doors and gates during unpacking, and move the dog's bed and familiar items to a quiet area. Try to keep ordinary meal and rest anchors. If waking is intense, continues, or comes with pain signs, appetite changes, vomiting or unusual toileting, call your vet. Do not assume a move explains every new symptom.

Notice when your dog wakes and what happens next. Do they go to the door, startle at a hallway sound, or become restless only when separated from you? This helps you decide whether to change the sleeping setup, reduce nighttime noise or seek individual behavior support. Avoid leaving a panicking dog shut in a new room to learn to settle.

A familiar routine and veterinary check are enough for now. Tonight, set up the quiet bed and log one wake-up without adding another tiring game.

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Sources: Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine on moving with dogs. VCA on fear, anxiety and possible health changes.

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