By Fran Jewell
This time of year finds us traveling everywhere to visit family and friends. Bringing your dog along is many times a part of the plan. There are several things you can do to make the traveling easier for your dog.
Above all, don’t get stressed about it yourself. When you are stressed, your dog will think there is something wrong and be stressed as well.
Prepare your dog with a few simple things. No matter how you plan to travel—by air either in the cabin (small dogs) or in cargo, or by car—be sure your dog is comfortable in a crate. A crate is the safest place for your dog to be however you travel. In a vehicle, if your dog is not in a crate and you are in an accident, or even just need to stop fast, your dog can be thrown through the windshield or out of the car. An open car window for a dog to stick his head out can mean something gets in his eye and blinds him. Yes, just last week someone told me about a dog that actually lost his eye because a bee had flown in it while he had his head out the window. I had a dog that stepped on the electric window control and choked herself.
Recent safety testing has shown that pet booster seats and seat belts are not effective ways to protect your dog in an accident.
Crate training is one of the most valuable skills you can teach your dog, and traveling is one very good example of why. If you fly, you MUST have your dog in a crate. It is illegal and dangerous to try to pass your untrained dog off as a service dog so he can ride in the cabin without a crate. The stress for an untrained dog is enormous and may lead to unexpected aggression and a lawsuit or legal charges.
Dogs that are used to crates and are comfortable in a crate very seldom need medication from the vet for stress associated with traveling. A crate-trained dog prevents chewing or destruction in your vehicle. It also means you can safely leave your dog in a car with windows open on hot days. Your dog cannot escape and get lost or hit by a car.
Dogs should learn to potty on a leash whether you fly or drive. A stop is miserable for you and your dog if your dog is unable to potty on a leash, no matter where.
If you are driving and need to stop in a motel for the night, it is so easy to bring a portable crate inside so your dog doesn’t bark at night or if you want to go visit the weight room. Charges for damage to a room can be astronomical.
Once you get to your destination, especially if you are visiting someone, a crate becomes a wonderful spot for your dog to have peaceful down time away from all the hustle of new people and a new place. It gives your dog the reassurance of familiarity, and a safe place to be. In unusual circumstances, your dog might not feel comfortable around unfamiliar children or another dog.
A well-trained dog in a crate will be comfortable when you leave for an outing or special family dinner.
With a little planning ahead and a little extra training, traveling can be so easy for your dog instead of the stress so many experience.
Fran Jewell is a dog behavior consultant, NADOI-certified instructor and vice president. She owns Positive Puppy Dog Training LLC and can be reached at (208) 721-7221.