Moving from a House to a Unit with Your Dog: A Complete Guide

Downsizing from a house with a backyard to an apartment or unit can be a big adjustment—for you and your dog. Whether you’re relocating for lifestyle, convenience, or necessity, it’s important to understand that your dog experiences this change very differently.

From new smells, sights and sounds to tighter living spaces, communal areas, and the sudden loss of a backyard, there’s a lot for your dog to take in. But with thoughtful planning, clear routines, and some gentle training, dogs can adapt beautifully to unit life.

At Jordan Dog Training, we’ve helped thousands of Australian families and their dogs successfully navigate moves just like this. Here’s our step-by-step guide to help make the transition smooth, stress-free, and positive for everyone—especially your dog.

Understanding the Shift from House to Unit Life

Dogs are creatures of habit. They rely on familiar smells, routines, and territory to feel safe and settled. A move disrupts all of that.

What feels like an exciting fresh start for you can feel confusing or even distressing for your dog—especially if they’re used to roaming freely outdoors. In units, dogs often have:

• Less space indoors and outdoors
• No direct access to a toilet spot
• Increased exposure to other people, animals, and noises
• Limited alone-time independence

But that doesn’t mean dogs can’t thrive in apartments. In fact, many do—if we prepare them properly.

How Long Will It Take My Dog to Adjust? The 7/21/90 Rule

When dogs experience major change, they tend to follow this predictable adjustment pattern:

• Day 1–7: Decompression – Your dog may seem anxious, shut down, clingy, or overstimulated.
• Day 8–21: Adjustment – They start learning the new routine and testing boundaries.
• Day 22–90: Settling In – They feel more secure, show their true personality, and establish new habits.

Give your dog space, stability, and structure during this period. Keep expectations realistic and routines consistent.

Before the Move: Set Your Dog Up for Success

Planning ahead is key. Start preparing your dog as soon as you know you’re moving.

Get Familiar with the New Area

If the new neighbourhood is within driving distance:

• Take your dog for walks near your new home
• Let them sniff and explore calmly
• Sit near the building and reward calmness around lifts, dogs, traffic and foot traffic

If you can’t visit, try playing sounds your dog might encounter (e.g., hallway voices, lift dings) while giving them enrichment, treats, or meals. This creates positive associations in advance.

Start Practising Apartment Routines

Begin adjusting your dog’s lifestyle to reflect their new reality:

• Transition toilet breaks to on-lead walks
• Reinforce calm indoor time using crate or mat training
• Reduce backyard access
• Stick to consistent mealtimes, walks and rest periods

➡️ Mat Training: Teaching Your Dog to Settle

Toilet Training for Dogs Used to Free Access

If your dog is used to coming and going freely to toilet, they’ll need to learn how to “ask” and wait. Start now:

• Create a predictable toilet schedule
• Introduce a cue like “go toilet” and reward outdoor toileting immediately
• Teach a signal, such as:
  • Ringing a bell hung on the door
  • Pressing a communication button
  • Sitting at the door and making eye contact

➡️ Teaching Your Dog to Use Communication Buttons

➡️ Can Dogs Really Talk Using Buttons?

Consider a backup option like a grass mat on a balcony for late-night or emergency situations (if strata rules allow).

Moving Day: Keep it Calm and Controlled

Moving day is stressful—even more so for dogs. Ideally, arrange for them to stay with a trusted friend or family member or attend doggy daycare for the day.

If your dog is with you:

• Keep them crated or confined in a quiet room, with food, water, and familiar items
• Do not leave them alone in the new unit while moving furniture in and out
• Wait until the space is calm before letting them explore
• Set up their crate or mat first, before unpacking the rest

Settling In: A Week-by-Week Transition Plan

Week 1 – Decompression

Your dog needs to feel safe. Avoid guests, reduce noise, and stick to their routine.

• Stay home with them as much as possible
• Keep walks short and familiar
• Supervise toilet time and reward success
• Limit access to just a few rooms
• Offer calming enrichment (lick mats, Kongs, sniff games)

Week 2 – Adjustment

Expect some testing of boundaries. Your dog may bark more, resist toileting routines, or seek reassurance.

• Reinforce calmness around hallway noises
• Practise short absences using enrichment
• Begin introducing neighbours and shared spaces calmly
• Continue toilet routines with rewards

➡️ Let Them Sniff – Why Sniffing Is Essential for Dogs

Week 3 – Confidence Building

You’ll start to see glimpses of normal behaviour again.

• Increase enrichment and structured training
• Build confidence through scent work or short trick sessions
• Allow more freedom inside the apartment
• Practise “quiet” and calm walking in shared spaces

Weeks 4–12 – True Settling In

With consistency, most dogs are fully settled by the 3-month mark. Continue to reward good habits and gently guide them through the remainder of the transition.

Extra Tips for Apartment Dogs

Barking Management

• Use white noise or soft music to muffle external sounds
• Add draft stoppers to doors to reduce hallway noise
• Cover windows or block visual triggers if needed
• Practise the “quiet” cue with rewards for calm behaviour

Mental Stimulation Is Key

Without a backyard, dogs need structured enrichment.

Indoor games:

• Food puzzles, slow feeders, Kongs
• “Find it” scent games
• Hide-and-seek
• Tug, trick training➡️ Interactive Dog Toys and Enrichment Ideas

Outdoor activities:

• Sniff walks
• Dog park visits
• Urban agility (stairs, kerbs, footpaths)
• Dog sports or trick titles

Shared Space Etiquette

Teach your dog to:

• Wait at lifts and doors
• Walk calmly on a short lead in hallways
• Greet others politely
• Stay close in busy areas

Comfort and Safety

• Set up a “safe zone” with familiar bedding, chews and toys
• Avoid washing their bedding right away—familiar smells help
• Use signage on your door if your dog barks at knocks
• Update their microchip and ID tag details with your new address

Renting? Know Your Rights

In most Australian states, renters can now request pet approval—but check strata and body corporate by-laws. Always get permission in writing and be a courteous neighbour.

➡️ Jordan Dog Training Blog Archive

Final Thoughts

With the right support, dogs can adjust beautifully to apartment life. It’s not about the size of the space—it’s about structure, routine, calm guidance, and meaningful engagement. At Jordan Dog Training, we believe dogs can thrive anywhere when they feel secure and understood.

If your dog is struggling with the move—whether it’s toileting, barking, anxiety, or settling—our team of qualified trainers and behaviourists is here to help. We offer in-home and online consults Australia-wide.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is intended as general guidance and is based on our experience as dog trainers and behaviourists. It is not veterinary advice and should not replace consultation with a qualified veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your dog’s health, wellbeing, or mobility, we always recommend speaking with your vet to ensure the best care for your dog.