By Karen Anderson
By Karen Anderson ABCDTABCDT
FAMILY “GET–A-WAYS” WITH YOUR PET
Preparation: Always prepare your family “get a ways” far
enough in advance that you are setting yourself and your pet
up for success. Some pets are scared of car rides. They start
feeling anxious. Sometimes it’s better to get a certified pet
sitter or quality boarding facility (like PetAgreed Canine
Academy).
Signs of anxiety: are panting, pacing, shaking, hyper-arousal,
salivating, vomiting, urination or defecation. If this happens
during short trips, then for your dog’s well being, hire a caring,
trusting and certified pet sitter.
Types of vehicles: Do you usually take your dog out in a
compact or sedan? Does it seem odd to you that your dog is
scared of the truck, van or SUV? Ease your dog’s anxiety
through practicing short trips in the truck with super yummy
treats or going to the park for fun!
Techniques to help ease anxiety: First, while your dog is at
home and calm, play classical music (piano music is the best.)
Amazon sells“Through a Dog’s Ear Driving Edition”;
use a calming cap; use a thundershirt; use scented collars and
aromas. Use these tools when your dog is already calm. These
tools will be a “cue” to become calm when he starts to feel
stressed
Desensitize: Start by training your dog next to the vehicle.
Train: sit, stay, down and stay. Do this for a week. The
following week, open the doors to your vehicles and train. (do
this with all vehicles your dog will ride in). The 3rd week: start
the car, keeping the doors open and train. The 4th week: put
your dog in the car with it running; don’t go anywhere, just
train. Give lots of praise and treats if he is in the vehicle sitting.
The 5th week: take a super short trip by backing out of the
driveway and coming right back. Give him lots of praise and
have treats scattered in the seat, when you are in motion.
Ignore your dog after you get out of the vehicle. Getting out is
no big deal, going in is super awesome! Then drive around the
block. Then drive to the bank as the banks always have dog
treats. Taking baby steps in all dog training is key to success.
Safety: Most folks have their pets micro-chipped today.
Make sure to carry a file on your pet’s up to date vaccination
records. Always have your dog’s tags with your dog’s name and
your phone number.
Equipment: Delicious treats and fresh water. Old towels and
paper towels for rainy days.
In the Vehicle: Make sure your dog is either in a doggie safety
belt or a well ventilated crate.
Logistics: Are you traveling by car, plane, train or boat?
Make sure to find out well in advance if the airline accepts
pets, and if so, what are the non-refundable fees. Specific
airliners charge different rates. If the weather is too hot or
cold, pets may not be allowed to travel. Small pets are
allowed in the cabin with their parents on some airlines.
Would you want your larger dog or pet to have to fly
underneath with the luggage? Wouldn’t it be less stressfu l
for your pet to find a nice safe and fun environment in his
hometown? If your dog is not crate trained see our last
issue on “How to Choose the Perfect Pet” at
www.cedarvalleydog.com A trainer can help you to crate
train your dog. Instruct children not to tease your dog in his
crate or out of his crate. Don’t leave your dog unattended in
a closed vehicle. Remember 75 degrees outside the car is
118 degrees inside the car.
New Experiences: Keep these positive. If you are visiting a
location with a new climate like the mountains or the ocean,
make sure to take a lot of water and a lot of potty breaks.
Also, make sure to bring plenty of poop bags. Always be
responsible for your pet.
Motel/Hotel Manners: Prepare ahead of time. Find out
about non-refundable fees. Some places have weight limits.
Prepare your pet by visiting as many friends’ houses as you
can. Make sure your dog understands cues such as sit and
stay and other dog etiquette. Call a trainer to help keep your
trip positive and enjoyable. Get asked back to visit. “You
have the most well behaved dog ever!”
Hotel Barking: Your dog may want to bark at the new
sounds, new voices, car doors and footsteps. Use the
calming tools, Visit overnight at a local hotel a few times a
month before you go. (This may not be an option for some).
Camping: Do not allow your dog to run free. Other dogs may
not do well with strange dogs. Loose dogs could scare other
campers or dogs. Remember, always pick up your dog’s poo.
319-277-7320/6109 Chancellor Dr., CF (Industrial Park)