Last year, we moved back from New York to our home country, the Netherlands. We bought a bungalow with some land to eventually build our dream house. After five years of living in the biggest and most amazing city in the world, it was time for a change. We weren’t into going out for dinner every week, and we craved more space, calmness, and a backyard for Fritz. Now, we’re surrounded by water, yet still close to Amsterdam—a great mix of everything, just a short stroll away.
Fritz his new neighborhood in the Netherlands
But adjusting a city dog to the countryside? That’s a different story.
The Transition from City Life to Country Life
I grew up in a village, so I know the neighborhood, the people, the four seasons, the noises, and the smells. But Fritz? He had been on trains, walked Fifth Avenue, and was used to honking cars and bustling New Yorkers. What he hadn’t experienced? Cows, chickens—anything beyond the occasional rat or a few sad horses in Central Park.
So how do you prepare a city dog for a countryside life? Honestly, sometimes you just have to let things happen, and dogs will adapt. But here are a few things that helped us ease the transition:
Fritz his view from his apartment - New York City 2024
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Introducing Animal Noises – There’s an app with different animal sounds that helped Fritz get used to unfamiliar noises while he was in a comfortable space. Playing these sounds while he was eating or playing helped reduce initial shock.
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Visiting Dog-Friendly Sanctuaries – Though we didn’t do this ourselves, we think it’s a great way to expose dogs to new smells and animals in a controlled environment. Plus, it’s fun!
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Gradual Outdoor Exposure – One mistake we made was letting Fritz go from a few hours outdoors to full days outside without breaks. He got overstimulated—barking too much, sniffing everything, and exhausting himself. This led to him getting sick a few times. In hindsight, we should have introduced longer outdoor time more gradually.
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Adjusting to Different Surfaces – Even though Fritz was used to long walks (we walked him two hours per day in New York), he wasn’t used to Dutch surfaces. His paws needed time to adjust! Thankfully, our local pet store gave us great advice on paw care to keep him comfortable.
Our Takeaway
Don’t rush the transition. It’s a big change, and your dog will love the extra space, but it’s a life shift that shouldn’t be underestimated. With patience and small adjustments, your city dog can thrive in the countryside!