view on PETS
By Anita DeLelles
T
raining. Not usually what you think of when planning a trip with Fido. Yet, this investment in training can be the difference between a stressful or enjoyable experience for all involved. Here are some tips when preparing for a trip. These apply mostly to traveling with your pup but can also work for travel with your kitty cat. 1. Start taking short car rides at an early age to experience new things, such as unfamiliar sights, sounds, and other animals. Often, the only car rides are to the vet office, which can result in learned fear. When in the car, encourage calm, quiet behavior, and reward that behavior with positive reinforcement, treats, and praise.
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| VIEW ON MAGAZINE |May/June 2021
2. Crate training with a professional trainer can literally be a lifesaver. Crating your dog in the car keeps them safe in the event of an accident. Even a minor accident can result in your dog escaping and becoming lost or injured by oncoming traffic. If you have to leave them in a hotel room alone, crating can prevent damage to the room and keep your pet calm. Airlines require pets to be in crates, not only for safety, but to make the travel experience more pleasurable all around. Crate training takes time and should be started well in advance of any planned travel. In fact, crate training is probably one of the most important things to teach your dog, yet it is often overlooked.
