Most of us travel with our dogs, and sometimes during the holidays that becomes more frequent. No one wants to leave their pets at home when they go away overnight to celebrate with family!
That being said, there are a few things to consider before traveling with your dog, and a few things to make sure you have with you!
The most important things to consider: Will your dog actually enjoy themselves? Will your dog be safe?
Instinctively, we all want to cry out “OF COURSE!”
But not all dogs enjoy being shoved into new environments, or the hustle and bustle of 50 cousins, aunts and uncles running around the house. Other dogs love the excitement! This is why it is so important to understand your dog and dog body language (learn more about reading dog body language HERE). If your dog would rather stay home, consider trying to arrange an in-home pet sitter (or bring them to the local boarding kennel if they enjoy that).
If your dog does not like the chaos but you have to take them with you, try to set up a nice, quiet place for them to relax. A spare bedroom or a crate in the quietest room can all be great ways to keep your dog happy and relaxed.
Even dogs who love to socialize may get tired of things, so make sure to watch your dog and give them a break if they need it.
Staying in a Hotel or Rental Home?
Following some basic etiquette will make sure your accommodations did not see your dog as a problem guest.
Protect Furniture! If you allow your pets on the furniture at home, you will want to protect furniture that's not yours. You can do this by either not allowing your dogs onto furniture when renting, or do what I do and bring “dog blankets”. We Have thick blankets we use to cover all furniture, along with a “bed topper blanket” for the bed. This ensures we do not leave a dirty hairy mess on someone else's couch or bed.
Protect Floors! We suggest having a dog towel to keep at the doorway. When you come in from being outside, you can wipe your dogs feet to make sure they do not track mud/dirt all over the house.
Confinement- When we are home, the dogs have the run of the house. When we stay at a rental, we set up confinement situations using crates and x-pens in the house to keep our dogs safe, and the house safe. You do not want the first time Fido decides to chew the leg off a chair to be at a rental!
Pick Up Waste! ALWAYS pick up after your dog. When renting, we also like to ask where the owners would prefer we dispose of poop bags. They may have an outdoor trash, or ask you to leave all the bags somewhere specific. Also, be aware of where your dog pee’s. Do not let them pee right near an entrance, or on the garden!
Keep it Quiet! You may not mind when your dog alerts to someone walking by the house, but if you are in a rental where others may be around, take measures to keep your pups quiet. If you leave the dogs alone, keep curtains or shades drawn and leave on music or the TV. (I often use Relax My Dog on YouTube)