Dog Training: Travelling with Your Dog - Part 3

Dog Training

TIP: You might want to talk to your vet about taking a first aid kit for your pet with you, just in case something goes wrong.

Part 3 - with a bit of careful planning and common sense?

Organising a trip can be a stressful experience at the best of time, but there’s no reason why the cute and furry four-legged member of your family can’t join in with the fun as well...

Hi Dog Loving Friend,

Just like you, your dog will welcome a much needed break, and a chance to go potty (don‘t forget to clean up).

Especially on longer journeys, he will need to stretch his legs but only when there is nowhere for him to escape...

EXTRA BONUS TIP: ALWAYS make sure the proprietor of the accommodation you’re staying in knows you're bringing your dog.

Just showing up with an extra family member can cause enormous problems...

Consider taking out pet insurance before you go, as unexpected vet bills can put a hefty dent in the holiday budget:

• Keep your dog secure in new surroundings
• Even if he's comfortable roaming free at home, he may be keen to explore
• He may be frightened by unfamiliar sights, sounds and smells, which can be dangerous
• Keep him on the leash, or use suitable housing or on a harness

Bring a familiar items with you:

• Like his much-loved blanket or toy, can help to comfort a nervous or distressed dog in a strange environment.
• Watch out for hazards that your dog might not find at home, and be prepared

These might include:

• Pests like ticks on coastal areas
• Harmful plants, new or unusual animals
• Hazards in the environment, poor quality fencing, dangerous objects on the ground, uneven surfaces etc

Check where your dog is allowed to go:

• Food preparation areas
• School grounds
• Toilet blocks
• Playground areas and national parks are all off limits

Check with the local council for any local requirements:

• Designated ‘off leash’ areas or particular walks
• Parks and beaches where dogs are or are not allowed
• Dogs can and do die from heat stress in a surprisingly short period of time
• Never leave your dog in confined spaces, in the car with the windows down, even on a cloudy day
• Don’t leave your dog locked up at ‘home’ all day while you go out

When you reach your destination, find out the contact details for the nearest vet, in case an accident does happen.

Dog training...success made easy and fun!