Should Your Dog Travel? - Essential Dog Travel Tips
We can't count the number of people (ourselves included) who have deferred travel because of the dog. And for good reason. Not only have pets not been welcome in the past, but dog-friendly travel also involves a lot of planning and compromise. It's a lot like traveling with children, only the pets are even less welcome in fine dining establishments!
That being said, traveling with dogs can be a wonderful experience as long as you have realistic expectations. Just be judicious in choosing where you take your dog and how you plan the trip. For example, if you plan to ski all day and close the bars at night, consider leaving the dog at home! Here are some pet travel advice points to consider:
The dog's temperament
More and more places are dog-friendly, but is your dog friendly? As Inspector Clouseau once asked, "Does your dog bark?" If he does, maybe staying in close proximity to others is not a good idea!
Does he like other dogs/people? If not, vacations may not be his thing! New sights, new sounds, and of course - new smells can be overwhelming for even the most mellow animal. If your dog is not well-socialized, it may be better for both of you if he stays home.
Is he well-trained? Seriously. We all love our dogs and have a bit of a blind spot when it comes to their behavior and our role in it. ("Look honey, Barney just licked that little girl's ice cream! Isn't that cute?") If your dog is a jumper, a licker, or a crotch sniffer...you get the idea. Then maybe some training and socialization is in order before heading on vacation. Fear not! Most of a dog's errant behavior (just like ours!) can be corrected. Get a book, take a class, whatever it takes to make your dog better trained so you can hit the road together! A well-socialized dog will enjoy a happier, fuller life.
The weather
New England can be extreme, so keep the time of year in mind when planning your dog-friendly travel. If it's freezing cold or super hot, the dog can't hang in the car while you grab a bite to eat or browse a few shops. It’s not that you can’t take the dog; it just might mean that you have take-out in your hotel in the winter or a picnic in the summer! Be prepared to bend your plans due to Mother Nature.
With some planning, you may be able to get a pet sitter for times your dog can't be with you. But planning is key. If you like to take each day as it comes, then traveling with dogs could be difficult. Find kennels or pet sitters in the area in advance and make arrangements before you go so your furry friend is taken care of while you catch all the sights where he's not allowed.
