How to Train Your Dog for the Next Vacation

Traveling with your dog can make your trip more exciting and memorable. If your dog is well trained, you will enjoy the vacation more, or else you may only end up managing your dog’s inappropriate behavior in public, which can threaten you and the pet.

Your pet may be trained for the home, but is he travel-ready? Dogs are generally complacent when you do obedience training at home or in a familiar environment. When following the same routine day after day, they will obviously behave and act disciplined to get the reward. You may also overlook a few behavioral issues in your home, such as excited barking, jumping to greet, or leash pulling when you take them out for a walk in your vicinity.

But things are not the same when you are traveling with your dog. You are taking your dog on vacation so you can relax and have a good time together. But it is impossible if your dog leash pulls you through the sidewalk, trails, and drags you. Jumping on strangers as they pass by or barking at other dogs whenever they see one is a few behavior issues that may trouble you if you travel with your dog. But more than causing trouble, this can be a safety issue for your dog.

Hence, before you embark on the journey, you must ensure your dog is travel ready.

Get Them Used to Road Trips:

If you plan on traveling by road, your dog must be comfortable for long drives. For small breed dogs, you get a crate to help in case of accidents or sudden stops. For large dog breeds, seat covers and belts are available to keep your dog’s safe.

Initially, take your dog on short trips so that it gets comfortable inside the car. This will also give you an idea if they are comfortable traveling by car. If your dog gets too anxious during the car rides, you can consult the vet and get some medications to keep the dog calm during the entire journey. You can also call the dog by offering them some long-lasting treats or stuffed Kong filled with peanut butter that they will lick, which will keep them calm. Also, you must train your dog not to jump off the car when you open the door. They must stay inside the vehicle until you unclip them from the seat belt, click on their leash, and take them out.

Your Dog Should Understand Potty Cues:

When traveling, you may be unable to give your dog the usual potty breaks. Your dog should be able to catch cues when you want him to go to the bathroom. Giving your dog the bathroom cue will make them relieve themselves during the vacation so that they are comfortable on the flight. Letting the dog know where you want them to go to the bathroom will be convenient for you during the journey. It also prevents your dog from going to inappropriate places. Also, if you are flying with your dog, you may get short breaks in between if you take connecting flights.

Crate Train the Dog:

Crate training is essential if you plan on flying the dog on an airline. Airlines do not allow pets inside the aircraft if they are not in a carrier or a crate. If your dog is uncomfortable inside the carrier when they travel with you in the cabin, they may create a nuisance inside the flight, disturbing other passengers. On the other hand, if your large dog ,such as Goldendoodle, Labrador Retriever, Saint Bernard, or red cantonese bear dog does not have the training to stay calm inside the crate, it will become extra anxious throughout the journey, especially when they are put in the cargo section of the flight where you are not present.

Start training your dog to make it stay inside the crate for a few hours every day. This will make the crate their safe place, and they will feel comfortable inside it. This way, when your dog travels in a crate, put it in the cargo section of the flight. They will still feel secure inside their comfortable crate if they are separated from you.

Practice a Strong Recall:

Practicing a solid recall for the dog is very important for vacation and everyday walks. When you take your dog to a new location, it is surrounded by exciting new sights and smells. The dog could get intrigued and, in excitement, may run away to follow a squirrel or smell something fascinating. They may forget to respond, assuming they will find their way back to you. Unfortunately, your dog can get lost easily in a new place. Hence, teaching your dog a strong recall is essential when going on an extended vacation to a place unknown to your dog. The recall should be strong enough that even if the dog is chasing something fascinating, it should leave that and come back to you immediately, hoping you have something more exciting to offer.

Walk Train the Dog:

Giving your dog walk training is essential and will come in handy daily. But this is especially essential when you take your dog on vacation. There are a lot of places where you need to cover the distance on foot along with your dog on a leash. If your dog is not well-behaved and does a lot of leash pulling, it will become tough for you to be comfortable throughout the journey. Leaping on passers-by and barking at people, all these traits are not really appreciated in a lot of places. Hence, practice walking your dog in different locations before you feel it is ready to accompany you on vacation.

The Bottom Line:

Taking the dog with you on vacation can be very exciting, but if the dog is not built, trained, or prepared for the trip, it can be hazardous for the dog. It is better to leave the dog at home with a dog sitter or with a family member in such a scenario than to take the dog along with you, which can impose a risk on the dog’s safety and well-being.

Once you train your dog on all the above pointers, your dog is ready to enjoy a vacation with you and create memories forever.