6 January 2017
Leaving the cold weather behind in favour of a sunny destination this time of year is one of our favourite things. The sweet relief of warm wind and sun after what feels like years of winter is a true delight. The downside to distant travel is that you typically need to leave your pet behind. Why leave your best buddy at home though when you can travel together? As long as your accommodations allow pets, there’s no need to worry about traveling with your pet. Follow these tips below and you can easily travel with the whole family!
Crating your dog
Crating your pup is essential to a successful travel experience. While it seems unfair to limit your dog to such a small space, most dogs actually feel safe in a crate. They can enjoy the experience, provided you train them to understand that the crate is not a bad thing.
The first step to successful crate training is making sure your pet isn’t full of pent-up energy. Exercise your pet so that they feel ready to rest, making the crate experience that much easier. The crate should be free of anything that could be a hazard, like a leash. Make sure that you present the crate to your dog as a good thing. Let them get into the crate on their own rather than forcing them in. Your energy level and body language will have a huge impact on keeping your pet calm and feeling safe in the crate. Come back after 15 minutes, opening the crate door and letting your dog come out when they’re ready. Watch this training video to learn more!
Driving or flying
Now that you’ve got crating down, you can travel long distances with your pet, either driving or flying. It’s a good idea to start your dog on a long-distance trip without a full stomach or bladder. Dogs are prone to motion sickness, so traveling with a full stomach could get… messy. Be sure however that your dog has some water to stay hydrated. While you won’t see your pet while you fly, you can take short breaks with your pet while driving, which is a great time to give your pet a small, high-protein snack. Be sure as well to bring your dog’s favourite toy, blanket, whichever item will comfort your pet and keep them calm.
Arriving at your destination
Once you reach your destination, your dog will have a lot of pent-up energy, so it’s a good idea to go on a long walk when you arrive. Your dog will also likely be a little nervous in your new surroundings, so be sure that you remain calm to keep your dog calm, and control the situation in front of your dog by being assertive. This will ensure that your dog settles into your new surroundings as he/she would settle in at home – you are in control, the space is yours, and your dog is invited to come in.
Do you travel with your pet? Tell us some of your best tips and tricks in the comments section below!
Source: https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/travel/cesars-travel-tips