Traveling With Your Dog

This topic is near and dear to my heart because my husband and I do a lot of traveling with our dogs. We understand all that it takes to minimize the stress on everyone, dogs and humans, so I would like to share some of that with you now.

The first thing I will say is that it seems exciting to think about taking your dog with you wherever you are going. But have you really thought about all that is involved?  Begin with the fact that your dog’s crate will take up space in your vehicle and, if you are packing for a trip, you will want to allow extra space for the dog’s crate in the cargo section of your vehicle.  Yes, you do want to use a crate for your dog in the car because, just like you put a seat belt on for safety, you must also contain your dog for safe travel.

In the crate, you may want to include a small bucket for a little water so your dog can help themselves during the trip.  Begin to condition your dog to longer trips by taking some shorter trips that involve something fun for your dog to do.

Next, you will need to consider that just like you need to stop to go to the bathroom, or simply get out to stretch your legs, your dog does too.  Plan for this with the proper leash and a secure fitting collar.  This may seem so basic but trust me, if your dog does not know how to go potty in unfamiliar surroundings, both of you will be struggling only a couple hours into your journey.  So, as you practice taking shorter trips, include in those shorter trips stops for potty in unfamiliar places.  Additionally, if your dog is accustomed to being let out in the back yard to go potty and is rarely walked on a leash for potty, you will want to begin working on conditioning this aspect also.  Again, it sounds so basic but if it’s strange to your dog, that will add to the stress.  Try to think what gas stations, truck stops and rest areas are like as far as noise, other cars, trucks, dogs and lots of people.  All of this can be quite unsettling to your dog if they are not used to it.  Prepare for this ahead of time and make sure your collar fits securely and your leash is solid and dependable.

Oh gosh, it’s lunch time and you are on the road. What to do with your dog while you go get food?  Here is another reason why your dog should always be in a crate in the car, because, with the air conditioning (or heat depending on the season) on and the doors locked, you are able to safely go in and get food while your dog waits patiently in the car for you.  Maybe you want to sit outside and eat before getting back on the road.  What to do with your dog?  Make sure you have a long enough, secure leash that can be safely attached to a table leg/bench leg while you eat, allowing you free use of your hands and your dog will be safely attached enjoying peace and quiet with you.

When you have reached your destination you may be staying with friends or in a hotel. Either way, remember that your dog is experiencing some level of stress and may be doing things that it normally doesn’t do at home.  Your dog may be barking more than usual. He or she may have seemingly forgotten that potty happens outside! More frequent trips outside with you will help jog the memory. There may be a dog or two in the home that your dog doesn’t know.  Go slowly with these introductions so all of you have a nice visit. If you are staying in a hotel, that brings on an entire host of strange smells and sounds.  Your dog’s crate will be his or her best friend during these stressful times like this. Your dog may just be looking for a way to decompress and take all of the new stress in, and the familiar crate provides just the right place to do that.

Remember that, just like for humans, exercise is so helpful in mitigating stress.  We have found the following two websites very helpful when traveling www.sniffspot.com and www.askfido.com. When you are in new surroundings and are searching for safe outings for you and your dog, check these two sites out.  Be sure to leave a review for them afterwards so other travelers like you will know what you found.  As in anything we do with our dogs, proper training and preparation will make everything go so much more smoothly.  I have traveled with dogs for so many years.  If I can be of any help to you, please feel free to contact me.