Emily Paws Travel Manner Tips

It’s vacation time, and Fido is absolutely ecstatic that he’s getting to go along on the trip instead of being sent to Grandma’s.  Before you pack your pup’s toothbrush, consider some basic “pawtiquette” that will ensure that your dog will be welcome next time you hit the road.

•    For starters, be aware that not everyone will love your pooch as much as you do.  As hard as it is for a Fido lover to believe, there are people who are afraid of dogs, or who do not agree that your pup’s habit of licking the faces of total strangers is such a hoot.  It’s a good idea to keep your dog leashed when there are other people around, and to ensure that your dog does not come into physical contact with others unless he is invited to say hello. Even if your dog is exceptionally well behaved and under voice control, many people get uneasy when they see a pet off-leash. 

•    Many dogs become stressed when out of the comfort zone of their regular routine.  
As such, assume that your dog may try to use the potty in inappropriate places, or to become agitated when approached by strangers. Even the sweetest dog in the world may growl when a small child comes running over to pat him, or when hotel staff enter your room.  Expect the unexpected so that your dog can keep his cool and be welcomed wherever he goes.

•    Make sure to take a potty run with your dog before hitting a beach, outdoor concert, or other public place.  There’s nothing that annoys people more than seeing a dog mess on a beautiful stretch of beach, or in a perfectly manicured public garden.  If your dog does have an accident, come prepared with plastic bags or a pooper scooper so that you can clean up after him.

•    Don’t leave your dog unattended in a hotel room.  While your dog may not normally bark or demonstrate destructive or aggressive behavior at home, he is now on unfamiliar turf.  Take Fido along with you to ensure that he will not disturb other guests, or will frighten the housekeeping staff.  If you absolutely must leave the room for a time, do so only if you have a quiet dog who will spend the time sleeping, and leave him securely in his crate.

•    If you know that you will need to leave your dog behind for the day while you are sightseeing or attending a family function, do some research beforehand to identify a doggie day care center or other facility that can care for your pet.  There are large tourist attractions that now have pet day care facilities, and most metropolitan areas have facilities where your dog can play for the day, or even board for an evening or two if need be. Get a reservation beforehand, and make sure you have any medical or other documentation that may be required before hitting the road.  Doing so may avoid destructive or aggressive behavior that may occur if a dog is left alone in a hotel room.

•    Bring along your pet’s bedding or favorite blanket to sleep on.  While your dog may love the hotel’s freshly starched French linens, the hotel will greatly appreciate not having to scrape Fido’s fur off of the furniture. 

•    Whenever possible, feed your dog his meals outdoors.  If it’s not feasible to do so, place your pet’s food on a mat away from carpeted areas.  The housekeeping staff will love you for it.

•    Your pup will undoubtedly admire the hotel or motel’s prized garden, and will want to make his mark.  You’ll avoid the wrath of the person who has lovingly tended each and every rose by keeping your dog away from the area, and taking him to a more appropriate place where he can mark to his heart’s content.  Check with the hotel to see if they have a designated area to walk dogs, or if they know of a wooded pathway or other suitable area that would be appropriate to walk a dog.

•    Be sure to take your dog for a potty walk before entering a hotel or motel facility, or entering your room.  If you know that you have a dog that marks when in new surroundings, keep your pup on a short leash and keep him moving until you reach your destination.  You may also consider carrying your small dog, or bringing your dog into the facility in his crate.

•    If little Sparky has enjoyed the day splashing in a mud puddle or in a compost heap, be sure to clean him off before he enters a hotel or other public place.  While he may look adorable with dirt caked all over his body, it doesn’t look so cute when it adorns a white shag rug or an antique love seat.

•    If this is Fido’s maiden voyage, make it a short one to see how he does being away from home.  If your dog is a nervous Nelly or a dog that is easily agitated, he may actually be better off left at home with a trusted dog sitter or at a boarding facility.  Animals are creatures of habit, and your four-legged darling may simply find traveling to be too stressful.  

If you are lucky enough to have a dog that simply thrives on new people, places and smells, enjoy your travels together.  Life is always more fun when our four-legged pals are around to enjoy it with us.