Have you got a holiday coming up and you’d like to take your four legged friend with you but you’re a bit nervous?
I was recently interviewed by Joe and Emma from Trivago (one of the world’s largest travel companies) and we had a chat about how to make travel “pet-friendly” and stress-free for both you and your dog.
Travel can be incredibly stress-inducing, but there are quite a few things that you can do to prepare your dog. Not sure if your pet is stressed?
If you’ve ever taken a trip with your dog and noticed them excessively panting, their eyes look like they’re going to pop out of their head, their eyes are darting around a lot, or they are vocalizing with crying or barking, these are all likely signs that your dog is stressed out and needs some travel training.
I have travelled a lot with my pets over the last 20 years, from air, to car and even RV and have found there are certain life-changing techniques you can do that will really make your trip more enjoyable and stress-free for all parties involved.
To find out what I recommend, you can have a listen to the podcast:
- Podcast on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/trivago-podcast/id1230532088
- Podcast on Google Play:
https://play.google.com/music/m/Iugnyursydqcemmboh5cu7x6xxu?t=trivago_Podcast
One of the key games I mention that can really help prepare your dog for travel is “Crate Games”. It teaches your dog that crates are fun, and not a sign of a doomed vet trip or bad event ahead.
To order a copy of the DVD click here.
To get Crate Games in online format click here.
I also have a super helpful eBook I’ve written that’s called “Flying Your Pet”. This will be your bible when it comes to air travel with your pet!
It’s an all inclusive resource that represents everything I have learned flying my dogs around the world over the past 20 years. The eBook contains it all, including templates of ID Labels that you can copy directly to use when you fly with your own dog, or any pet.
Let me know in the comments below where you are thinking of travelling with your pets, or if there’s somewhere you’ve been you highly recommend.
Today I am grateful for being able to travel with my dogs, knowing they are comfortable and ready to share the fun of the adventure.
Happy travels!!
WE are on our first road trip with our 10 month old Australian Shepherd, Brody. As soon as we arrived at our Airbnb, I brought in our bags, his bags, and his crate. He was a little nervous at first so I decided to set up his crate. We played some tug and then I played both a crate game and IYC with him. He’s now relaxed and taking a nap in the corner before dinner.
Hi there.
I was looking forward to listening, but this doesn’t appear to be on any podcast platform I use, or the ones linked here.
Is there any way you could cover this on your DogsThat podcast, perhaps? 🙂 You always give such delightful/practical advice.
I’d love to listen to this podcast but your links don’t seem to work (Trivago/itunes/googleplay). I’ve also tried on spotify, tuneIn and hubhopper (where they are shown as available) but to no avail, Is there any link where it is available to listen to? Many thanks
Best crate to use while road tripping?
My 3 dogs are great companions in the car on a 2 day journey twice a year but when it comes time to check into the hotel after a long days drive they are extremely nervous and I can’t even leave the room to go eat without them making a fuss and barking. I have to put them back in the car and take them with me.
Any suggestions to help them feel comfortable in a strange place?
You’ve got an interesting look at this subject… Regards
Will be traveling by air on December 31st from Ottawa by car to Toronto on the 30th. To Fort Lauderdale by air on the 31st spend the afternoon there and then onto the Bahamas arriving around 7:30. So essentially 2 days en route
What a great moment to find your blog! Thanks for being an inspiration, I am getting a van to convert and leaving in july- have been thinking about getting a dog, but will try van life solo first I think : ) Keep it up, I will be following you!
I’m very fortunate to have a puppy that enjoys to travel! Whenever we travel with our pup, we like to make sure we have ample snacks, toys, and pillows to make sure she is as comfortable as possible. Thank for sharing. I will also be listening to the podcasts this week!
Whoa!! You have got some very good points here. Whenever I travel with my buddy all I gotta do is stop my car at regular intervals and he is a happy chap.
We have always traveled with our dogs. They have been across the US between CA and WI multiple times. We drove the Alaska Highway, highly recommend! We also drove the Trans- Canada Highway from BC to Ontario.