Tips for a Smooth and Successful Vacation With Your Dog
What could be better than embarking on a vacation? Traveling with your dog! Bringing your best friend along on your adventures is a great way to bond, give your dog a change of scenery, and save money on boarding costs. And you won’t have to worry about your dog or miss them while you’re away. While traveling with a dog is a lot of fun, it presents some unique challenges, especially if your dog is fearful or anxious in unfamiliar situations. Here’s how to plan a great trip with your dog so you can both enjoy a little rest and relaxation!
Start Your Training Now
As soon as you decide to take your dog on a trip, start training. Check out Dog Training Does Matter for free dog training information and resources to help prepare your pup for your adventure. For example, this is a good time to start teaching your dog how to be calm in a variety of distracting situations. Make sure your dog can also walk nicely on a leash, behaves well around strangers and crowds, and is fully house-trained so you can avoid accidents on the road. Taking small day trips out of town is a great way to practice these skills in new environments before your big vacation.
Purchase Pet Insurance
Before leaving on your trip, consider buying pet insurance. You can never be too careful when you’re out on the road! If something happens to your dog and you need to visit the vet in an emergency, a pet insurance policy can help you avoid expensive vet bills. When comparing pet insurance policies, you’ll need to consider coverage levels, deductibles, premiums, and the maximum pet age covered. Finding good FL pet insurance is easy when you read online reviews and compare quotes to find the best rates.
Choose Pet-Friendly Destinations
Your choice of destination can make or break your pet-friendly vacation. Be sure to choose a destination that will be safe and accommodating for you and your pup! BeChewy lists several great vacation picks for pet parents, including Seattle, Sedona, Colorado Springs, and Chicago. These destinations are dog-obsessed, so pets are welcome in various venues, bars, restaurants, and ice cream shops. If in doubt, pick a vacation with plenty of outdoor activities that you can enjoy with your pet.
Consider Your Dog’s Temperament
When evaluating your travel plans and destination options, carefully consider your dog’s temperament. Fearful dogs may be nervous on crowded streets with fast-moving cars. If your dog would be happier in a calm and quiet environment, consider taking a trip along the road less traveled. If your pup is reactive towards other dogs, avoid areas where you might run into dogs running around off-leash. If your dog barks at noises outside the house, consider staying in a vacation home rather than a hotel where neighboring guests could create additional stress.
Bring Helpful Supplies
Beyond your everyday pet supplies, consider packing a few helpful aids to keep your dog calm and occupied during your vacation. Puzzle toys are great for entertaining dogs during rainy days stuck inside a tent or hotel room. Bully sticks can keep your dog occupied while you enjoy a cup of coffee on a dog-friendly patio. A white noise machine might come in handy if you’re staying in a hotel room. For dogs that get nervous in the car, anxiety vests may help. Most importantly, be sure to pack plenty of training treats so you can reward your dog for their good behavior!
Although bringing your dog along on vacation may require you to make a few extra preparations than normal, it will be well worth it to have your furry friend by your side. Get started on training ASAP, invest in pet insurance, and keep your dog in mind when reviewing your travel plans. Good planning will ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible!
Are you looking for a local dog trainer? We can help! Dog Training Does Matter offers dog training in the Coral Springs/Coconut Creek area. Give us a call to learn more. (754) 227-9876
