Welcome to our Training page! Bob has lots of great tips to share
with you. He will aslo soon be offering you the opportunity to consult
with him personally for training advice. Watch this page for details!
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This page was last updated: November 17, 2007
Living with your dog
The Weatherwax Way;
Tips for all occasions
And special occasions
Holiday Travel Tips
When traveling with your dog…most is just common sense and knowing your dog’s personality and behaviors. Always have your dog on their leash. Obviously, when traveling by air, there are airline restrictions and rules that you must abide by. I personally would never send my dogs as cargo…there is too much variation in air pressure and inclement weather that can create health hazards for the dog as well.
For those left with no option but cargo, I understand that Continental Airlines is now advertising that their cargo areas are now no different in pressurizing and climate control than the passenger areas, and that they can fly animals in their planes even when other airlines are prohibited from doing so by heat embargoes. If I had to make a recommendation to someone who had no choice but cargo, I would advise them to look into this particular airline and get all of the details. For my big dogs, I take away water and food the night prior to traveling by air and make sure the dog gets a good walk right before the flight, and if traveling at night…it is ok to feed them that morning. Puppies do need nourishment and feeding them is ok. Never give them any water or food including treats while on the plane. I always pat the dog and talk to him (her) right before we are boarding to keep him (her) calm. Takeoffs can be a little scary, so I pet him (her) and talk to him (her) and hold onto to him (her) so the pressure doesn't push him (her) backwards. Usually, my dogs have always slept on the plane for the duration of the flight. After arriving at your destination…feed the dog and then start back on his (her) regular routine.
A few reminders that are important include always taking distilled water with you and your own food. Dogs are sensitive to different water than they are accustomed to and this can make them sick, just like we can get sick as humans. When traveling by car or motor home, try to do your research prior and map out stops for lodging that are animal friendly motels. Usually, there are some grassy areas where you can take your dog out to walk and relieve himself. Always remember to keep toilet seats closed…dogs like fresh water and will drink from a toilet if you are not careful and can get very sick.
If staying in strange locations…always keep your eye out for poison that could be being used for varmints. If you are at a location for a few days and have found a place that your dog seems to really like…continue taking him (her) to that same area. I also suggest that when walking your dog in an unfamiliar place…and if possible…that someone come with you, and of course you have your dog on a leash. You need to be careful of other dogs that could approach and you don't know what their intentions are. Having that person with you to intervene if necessary can be of great help and insure the safety of your dog.
If your dog is not used to traveling in the car…break him of carsickness before any long trip. Start off by taking him on small errands around town and give him a little food in the car. Most dogs that started traveling in a car as a puppy…have no problem with carsickness.
It’s the holidays…be careful of things on the floor at your home or in new environments, i.e. tinsel, ribbons and ornaments and lights low on your Christmas Tree. Foreign objects can get lodged or they could get an electrical shock from the lights. Try to keep things like this high enough that the dog won't bother with them. Other things to be careful of are food given to your dog by friends and family or losing your dog because someone left the door open to the outside. Let your company know that you would appreciate them not feeding your dogs and be aware of your dogs.
With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, your dogs can become a little anxious too…so reassure them with lots of hugs and kisses.
I wish you a very happy holiday!
Bob Weatherwax
