Holiday Travel

Preparing Your Pets for Holiday Travel

The holidays are fast approaching.

by Kerri Fivecoat-Campbell

If you’re planning a trip this holiday season, you might be planning on taking your pet with you. If you are, that is great. However, you first must be sure it is ok with the friends or relatives you will be staying with.

When we had our first rescue, a miniature Dachshund named Hershey, we never traveled without her and our relatives knew if we were coming, she would be with us.

If this is the first year you will be bringing your pet with you for the holiday celebration, the first thing you should do is talk to your hosts. Depending on various situations you may not be aware of, such as allergies or even someone having a fear of dogs, they may not want a 4-legged family member in their home.

Once you’ve gotten permission to bring your canine child, think about all of the situations your dog will be placed in with food, crowds during parties or gatherings, the possibility of barking or jumping up on people, dealing with other pets in the home.

Has your canine kid been properly socialized and trained? If your dog is like ours and had a fear of children due to past abuse and you will be going to Uncle Jake’s house and 10 of your cousins will be there, it probably isn’t a good idea to expose your dog to the festivities.

If your dog doesn’t know basic commands such as sit, stay, down or quiet, there is still time before the Christmas holidays to get him enrolled in a basic positive reinforcement training class.

If he hasn’t been properly socialized with other pets, that is another problem you will need to deal with, no one wants a scene like the one from Christmas Vacation in which Snots destroys the entire house (he was chasing a squirrel, but some dogs get just as crazy chasing cats).

Planning is key; you will need to think of all of the situations your dog will be placed in and try to plan for them. If your dog doesn’t do well with crowds, but is kennel trained, you may be able to place him in his kennel in a quiet, safe place during gatherings.

This article at The Bark gives some great tips on helping you plan your trip with your pet.

If you don’t think your 4-legged family member is up for the trip, there are plenty of reputable pet nanny and pet hotel services available.

The best option is to choose a trusted pet sitter to come to your home, which is less stress for your pets and also doesn’t expose them to illness found in kennels such as kennel cough. The Humane Society of the United States has tips for finding a reputable pet sitter.

You can also find many boarding facilities these days, but remember that the holidays are busy, so you will need to investigate pet hotels well before the holidays and book your reservation early.

Does dogged driving earn you a ticket where you live?

by Patricia Khuly

“ ometimes you just can’t legislate common sense,” is what some dog “S owners are saying in response to the driving safety legislation that’s been making its way through many states’ legislatures over the past couple of years. Some of these bills would specifically ban dogs from riding in the driver’s seat with their owners. Others mention pets specifically among a list of ticket-able “distractions.”

Dog owners who take their pets out for some fast-moving fresh air, and who happen to live in New Hampshire, Illinois, Arizona and Virginia, among other states, may find themselves investing in doggie seatbelts and canine safety seats — or risk getting a ticket. But is it fair? Will it help? Hmmmm ...

In 2008, California’s Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed an outright ban on dogs in drivers’

seats, claiming there was insufficient time to handle this bill with so many more important items on the table. Dubbed “The Paris Hilton Bill” for this heiress’ penchant for parading her pooches while driving, it garnered nationwide attention for its triviality.

But there’s no denying it — dogs are a distraction. And many ride unsafely (for them, anyway). In fact, I believe that allowing dogs to hang out of windows, feet perched on the frame (a common sight in Miami) is as sanction-worthy as transporting loose dogs in the back of pick-ups. I’ve seen severe injuries from both versions — and more than one DOA.

But do I take my own advice?

At least one of my dogs rides with me every day. They’re expected to stay off my lap and sit in one spot while I drive. When I first pull out (if I’ve got two or more in tow) they jockey for the best seat before settling in. If Vincent’s especially fractious that day, the pin-‘im-tothe-seat restraining belt is always an option.

Funny that my biggest concern in these cases has never been my own driving. I’m always looking out for the dogs. I know that for their safety’s sake it’s best if my dogs are restrained. Not only would it keep them from becoming canine projectiles in the event of an accident, it would make it easier for rescue personnel to attend to all of us, should the unthinkable occur.

As much as we might dislike any legislation that would limit how we handle our dogs, perhaps some common sense rules would do us all some good. If nothing else, reading about these proposed laws has reminded me that my own pets could stand to suffer the indignity of buckling up more often. After all, I do every day. Why should they get treated to anything less?

Indoor activities when road tripping with rover.

by Carol Bryant

Traveling with dogs can be a fun, rewarding and memorable experience. As a dog mom who has traveled life’s byways and highways for over 20 years with dogs by my side, this much I know is true.

So what happens when the plans are made, the reservations are in place, and Mother Nature has other plans on arrival? Nothing puts a damper on a vacation or getaway more than unexpected rainy or snowy weather. Dog parents need not fret, as there are many indoor games and activities to do with Fido until sunny skies grace your vacation once more.

Hide and Go Seek

Hide and go seek is a fun indoor year-round game that can be played both at home and on road trips. A dog’s sense of smell is heightened and rewarded for finding his best friend: YOU! Start with some of your dog’s favorite treats aka rewards. Initially you will need two people

to play. One person stays behind with the dog in a room while the other hides (out of sight) but with a treat in hand. Now and then the person hiding can let out a special noise or say the dog’s name. For more challenge, the hidee can simply stay silent and let Fido use his olfactory senses to do the searching. Once found, reward and rejoice.

One precaution: Be sure there are no items that can be easily broken or knocked off an end table by a wagging, excited tail.

Indoor Olympian

Dogs can get cabin fever, too, especially if the weather outside is frightful and he or she is stuck inside. All dogs need some form of exercise, whether to lose weight or to maintain a healthy level of fitness.

Something I have done with my dog while staying at a hotel is a fun game of tug of war. Be careful not to lift the dog’s head back when playing tug of war, as this can injure a neck.

The belly crawl is a fun indoor game as well. Rover does a commando crawl for about 10 feet in pursuit of a snack. This exercise engages the mind but it also good for the butt, core muscles, and shoulders. Be sure to practice at home first.

“Bored Games” for Dogs

I like to take board games to prevent indoor boredom with my dog when traveling. One such game is the Nina Ottosson Dog Spinny Interactive Dog Game.

Kong has an entire line of busy and stimulating games for dogs. My pooch’s favorite is from the Kong Genius line. This interactive treat dispensing line of toys for dogs are perfect for inclement weather times. They are made in the United States of a durable, non-toxic, FDA food-approved TPR material.

Doggy Massage

One of the best things you can do with Fido to strengthen your bond is give him or her a massage. Do a basic tummy rub, gentle scritches, and just use the time to tell your special pal how much you love them. I know these moments are some of my favorite vacation memories.

What do your dogs like to do when it’s cold, rainy, or snowy outside?