PETS

By Anita DeLelles

Training. 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.

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.

3. New and stressful situations for your dog may result in fearful or anxious behavior. To manage these situations, stay calm, redirect the dog, or walk away to remove them from the stressor. Ask them for behaviors they are familiar with, such as sit or down, and praise them for the appropriate behavior. Maintain routines as much as possible — feeding times, potty time, etc. Routine is stabilizing and comforting to your pet.

4. Ideally, every dog should be well-socialized from a young age. Start your puppy or kitten out on the right paw. Puppy social classes are encouraged by most veterinarians as a critical part of puppyhood. Did you know that kitten socials are also beginning to gain popularity? WOOF! Center Training Academy in Santa Clara will begin kitten socials in the Fall. Puppy social and kitten social classes introduce pets to new sounds, sights, and experiences to reduce anxiety later in life.

5. Prepare for your trip. If traveling by car, you have all the supplies you’ll need to keep your dog’s routine and diet consistent. Take plenty of food for the entire trip, familiar bedding, treats, and toys. Don’t forget any medications or dietary supplements.

6. Always keep your dog safely restrained in unfamiliar environments when traveling. Take a loose-leash walking class to maintain better control wherever you venture. Using a no-pull harness at WOOF! Training Academy can prepare you and your dog to take hikes and explore new environments safely. Safe restraint at all times on your trip will eliminate the fear of a lost or injured pet companion.

So essentially, the need for training can not be overstated and will pay rewards when traveling. Creating a bond with your dog using clear communication ensures a confident, happy dog. At WOOF! Training Academy, professional trainers work with clients in all aspects of training from impulse control to service and therapy dog training. Locally owned and operated, WOOF! offers free training assessments so you can find the right training direction for you and your dog.V