Traveling Etiquette for Your Dog

by Rubin Stoller
(Hinsdale, Illinois, United States)

Your pets are basically part of your family. I can understand why it's so hard to leave them behind and out of the fun while planning a family vacation. After all, she too has the right to some new experiences, sights and smell every now and then. Besides, being with you, she will have the best possible care.

But if your dog isn't comfortable being in strange places or has a nasty habit of growling at others, then she might not be a good companion. Also, finding a pet-friendly accommodation can be difficult at times, plus you will need to pack extra items and be ready to pay extra fees at certain vacation spots.

So, is it worth it? Of course, it is. As a proud companion of our furry little friends, we wouldn't have it any other way. But in order to take your dog with you, it's important to teach them some proper etiquette prior to travel.

• First of all, make sure your dog understands all the basic commands such as sit, stay, come etc. These commands are vital for building trust between you besides helping you control inappropriate behaviour such as barking, jumping etc. while traveling.


• Next comes teaching her about walking etiquette. I know you have walked her plenty of times, but this time pay attention. Use treats or rewards to make her walk peacefully beside you rather than her or you yanking at each other by the leash.


• Another important etiquette is making your dog learn to socialize with different people and pets. See how she behaves in public places, meanwhile do not forget to reward her if she treats others nicely. Always encourage this type of behaviour.


• Besides socializing, learn to restrain her as well, as during the travels, it's far too common to run into other aggressive pets or unfriendly people. Teach her to accept your authority as a leader while working out on commands around other pets.

Apart from all the above-mentioned points, if you're still concerned whether your dog will behave adequately in an unfamiliar environment or not, you can try out a few more things to help her prepare. Things such as taking her out for car rides whenever possible and staying at pet-friendly hotels in your area to get the feel. You can also arrange a sleepover for her at a friend's or relative's place. This, I believe will suffice for your furry friend.


Now, let's talk about you. No, there's no escaping it. Besides, it's only reasonable that since your dog is learning so much, you too should learn to follow some proper etiquette so that everybody turns out happy at the end of the day. Let's get started.

• Choose your travelling destination carefully keeping the temperature in mind and plan accordingly.


• Make sure the accommodation you pick for your stay is pet-friendly and there are plenty of options available to keep her busy.


• Bathe your dog before going anywhere so that she doesn't only look good but smell good as well.


• While packing for your dog, do not forget to add her treats, favourite toys, a collapsible water bowl (for the road trip), towels etc.


• Also, bring a brush if she's a heavy shedder and brush him regularly while traveling to avoid leaving strands of hair everywhere.


• Never forget to carry extra waste bags while out on a venture because poop happens, be ready for that.

As a pet owner, the responsibility of making your dog behave adequately falls on your shoulders. Never forget, a pet's behaviour reflects that of his owner's. Good luck and Bon Voyage!

Author Bio: Rubin Stoller, born and raised in Bronx, New York is currently working as a freelance writer for many reputed pet waste removal companies all across US. In heart, he always had a soft corner for writers and veterinarians. He took off as a bookseller before beginning his career writing full fledged articles for newspapers, magazines, websites etc. Today, he is an enthusiastic animal rights activist who by default add animals in almost all of his writings and when he isn't writing, he can be seen helping animal rescue groups.

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