The Best Tips For Training Your Dog To Be A Good Travel Companion

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Everything You NEED To KNOW To TRAIN Your DOG!
Key Takeaways
– Start training your dog as early as possible to make them a good travel companion.
– Crate training can help your dog feel more secure during travel.
– Bring familiar items, such as a favorite blanket or toy, to help your dog feel at home while traveling.
– Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation before and during travel to help your dog relax.
– Reward good behavior with treats and positive reinforcement.
– Consider using calming aids, such as a Thundershirt or CBD oil, to help ease anxiety.
– Talk to your vet about medication options to address severe anxiety in dogs.
– Be prepared with all the necessary items your dog will need during travel, such as food, water, and poo bags.
– Introduce your dog to new environments gradually to help them adjust.
– Keep your dog’s routine as consistent as possible while traveling to help them feel more comfortable and secure.

Puppy Training

Get your puppy used to a collar and leash.

Teach your puppy to sit, stay and come.

Teach your puppy how to walk on a loose leash (with you holding both ends) in an enclosed area such as the kitchen or living room at home for about 10 minutes per day over several days/weeks until he or she does it automatically without having to think about it anymore. 

The more times they repeat this process in different environments with different distractions around them–and at different speeds–the better trained they’ll be when going out into the real world where there are more distractions than just their owner’s hand!

Dogs require socialization to become well-rounded individuals. To make sure your furry friend learns how to behave around other dogs, check out our guide on how to train your dog to behave around other dogs.

Walk Your Dog Before Going On A Trip

If you’re planning on taking your dog on a trip, it’s a good idea to walk him or her beforehand. This will help them get used to the new environment and get some exercise before the trip begins. Walking is also a great way for you and your pup to bond and build trust in one another.

This can be especially helpful if your dog has never been around other animals before (or humans), because this will give them time alone with each other without any distractions from outside sources.

Make Sure Your Dog Gets Plenty Of Exercise And Rest During The Trip

Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise and rest during the trip. Many dogs will become restless if they don’t get enough activity, so make sure you take breaks from driving or flying to give your pup some time to stretch their legs. You can also bring along toys and treats to keep them occupied while traveling.

Train your dog how to sleep on a plane by taking them on short flights first (and making sure there’s plenty of room for them in case they need it!). 

Once they’re used to being in an airplane cabin with other people around, try putting them in their carrier at home before leaving so they know what it feels like when traveling by air–this way, when it comes time for takeoff or landing, there won’t be any surprises!

Training your furry friend starts with basic commands. Learn about the essential commands every dog owner should know from our guide on the top 10 dog training commands every owner should know.

Use A Crate Or Carrier For In-Flight Travel

If you are going to use a crate or carrier for in-flight travel, make sure it is airline approved. Also, check with your airline as to what rules they have regarding traveling with pets. Some airlines will only allow small dogs in the cabin, while others may require that they be kept in the cargo hold.

One of the most important aspects of choosing a carrier is making sure that your dog is comfortable in it and won’t try to chew his way out once he’s been secured inside. 

You also want to make sure that if it’s hot outside (or cold), there isn’t too much heat buildup inside their cozy little space–this could cause serious injury or even death! 

Lastly: keep an eye on how dirty your pup’s kennel is getting during long journeys; making sure it stays clean will help keep him happy on those long trips!

ManufacturerModelDimensionsWeight LimitDescription
PetmateSky Kennel28″ L x 20.5″ W x 21.5″ HUp to 30 lbsMade with heavy-duty plastic and durable wire doors, this airline-approved crate comes with secure side latches and double-sided bolts to prevent escape.
SherpaDelta Deluxe18″ L x 11″ W x 10.5″ HUp to 16 lbsThis soft-sided carrier has mesh ventilation panels, locking zippers, and a padded shoulder strap for comfortable transport. It also fits under most airline seats.
SleepypodAir22″ L x 10.5″ W x 10.5″ HUp to 17.5 lbsDesigned to fit under most airline seats, this crash-tested carrier features a built-in tension rod for added stability, a padded bed, and adjustable straps for secure in-flight travel.
Sturdi ProductsIncognito22″ L x 13″ W x 10″ HUp to 25 lbsThis discreet carrier looks like an ordinary tote bag, but is made with durable fabric and features ventilation windows, a privacy flap, and interior safety straps.
Pet GearI-GO2 Traveler16″ L x 12″ W x 15″ HUp to 20 lbsThis versatile carrier can be used as a handbag, backpack, or car seat, and has mesh windows, a removable fleece pad, and a tether to keep your dog secure.

This table outlines some of the top brand name options for crates and carriers for in-flight travel, including Petmate’s Sky Kennel, Sherpa’s Delta Deluxe, Sleepypod’s Air, Sturdi Products’ Incognito, and Pet Gear’s I-GO2 Traveler.

Each option includes dimensions, weight limits, and a description of features such as ventilation, stability, or multiple uses. Depending on your needs, preferences, and travel plans, consider one of these options to keep your furry friend safe and comfortable in the air.

Get Your Dog Used To Riding In The Car

The first step to making sure your dog is comfortable in the car is to make sure he or she gets used to riding in it. 

The best way to do this is by taking short trips around town and letting them get used to the engine noise, vibrations and feel of being in an enclosed space.

When you’re ready for longer drives, consider bringing along items that smell like home–for example, your dog’s bedding or a toy they love playing with when they’re not traveling. 

This will help create a familiar environment for them so they aren’t as stressed out during their trip!

Is your dog constantly barking? It’s time to train them to stop. Find expert advice on how to train your dog to stop barking and keep peace in your home.

Pack Lots Of Treats And Toys In Case Your Dog Gets Bored

When you’re traveling with your dog, it’s important to pack plenty of treats and toys. Your pup may get bored if he doesn’t have anything to do, so make sure you have enough for him to play with when he needs something new.

It’s also important that the treats and toys are safe for dogs–you don’t want them getting sick because they ate something dangerous! Make sure every toy has been thoroughly inspected by a veterinarian before bringing it along on your trip; if there are any small parts that could break off in their mouths (like buttons), cut those off first so they don’t choke on them later down the road while playing with their favorite ball or squeaky toy. 

And remember: no matter how much fun they seem like they’re having now, never give human foods like popcorn kernels or chocolate bars as treats because these types of foods aren’t good for dogs’ digestive systems!

Get Your Dog Used To Staying Quiet When People Are At The House

Getting your dog used to being quiet when people are in the house is a great idea. This will help him learn that it’s not okay to bark or whine when he hears guests arrive or sees them walking by. If you have an older dog, this can be especially important so that he doesn’t wake up everyone in the middle of the night!

Get your dog used to staying quiet when people are at the house by rewarding him with treats every time he obeys your command (“quiet”). 

Start off with just two people coming over, then add another person every few days until all four of them are there together at once. Make sure they don’t disrupt any training sessions; otherwise, it may confuse him and make it harder for him later on!

Teaching your furry friend to stay is an important part of dog training. Learn about the most effective methods to train your dog in our guide on the most effective methods for training your dog to stay.

Keep Track Of Your Pup’s Diet And Potty Breaks

The key to training your dog to be a good travel companion is regularity. Just like humans, dogs need to eat and drink at regular intervals, and they also need to relieve themselves often. 

If you can predict when your pup will need to go outside, it’ll make things much easier for both of you when traveling.

TrackerDescription
NomNomNowOnline service that delivers fresh, pre-portioned meals for your dog.
ChewyOnline retailer that offers a variety of dog food brands and flavors.
RoverDog-sitting service that offers optional add-ons, like feeding and potty breaks.
FurboSmart dog camera that allows you to check in on your pup and provide treats remotely.
PoochPalMobile app for tracking your dog’s meals, water intake, and bathroom habits.

This table provides options for tracking your dog’s diet and potty breaks, including online services for food delivery and retail, as well as apps for tracking meal and bathroom habits.

In addition, the table includes Rover as a dog-sitting service that can provide optional add-ons like feeding and potty breaks, and Furbo as a smart dog camera that allows you to keep an eye on your pup and even provide treats remotely. Use any of these tools to help you keep track of your dog’s essential needs while you’re out and about.

Find Out If There Are Any Other Rules That Apply At Your Destination

It’s also a good idea to check the rules of your destination. If you’re going somewhere that has restrictions on bringing pets, you may need to get a waiver or leave your dog at home.

If there are no other rules that apply in this situation and your dog is well-behaved, then he’ll likely be fine as long as he gets plenty of exercise before and after traveling (and maybe during).

Training your furry friend requires patience, consistency, and expert guidance. Our ultimate guide on dog training with 13 expert advice and tips will help you navigate through the process with ease and efficiency.

Conclusion

With some time and effort, you can make sure your dog is a good travel companion. The most important thing is to be prepared before you go on your trip. 

Make sure that your dog knows how to behave in public places, like restaurants and hotels. You should also plan out how much exercise your pup needs each day so it doesn’t get too tired while traveling with you!

Further Reading

If you’re looking for more information on training your dog to be a good travel companion, check out these resources:

Training Your Dog for Travel: This blog post offers tips and tricks to help your furry friend become a confident traveler, including how to prepare for a road trip and how to help dogs overcome anxiety.

Tips for Training Your Dog to Be a Good Travel Companion: This article covers important topics like crate training, traveling with food and water, and how to help your dog adjust to new environments.

Traveling with Dogs: Training and Teaching Tips: The AKC provides helpful advice on how to teach your dog to ride calmly in a car, as well as what to bring when traveling with your furry friend.

FAQs

How can I make my dog comfortable during travel?

  • Bring familiar items, such as a favorite blanket or toy, to help your dog feel more at home while traveling.
  • Make sure your dog has access to plenty of water and potty breaks during long trips.
  • Consider crate training to make your dog feel secure and safe during travel.

How can I train my dog to ride calmly in a car?

  • Start with short trips and gradually increase the duration of each trip.
  • Use a crate or a safety harness to keep your dog secure during transport.
  • Reward good behavior, such as staying calm or lying down quietly, with treats and positive reinforcement.

How do I teach my dog to behave in a hotel room?

  • Bring familiar items, such as your dog’s bed, toys, and food, to help them feel more at home in a new environment.
  • Ask hotel staff where your dog is allowed to go and if there are any pet policies or restrictions.
  • Keep your dog’s routine as consistent as possible while traveling to help them feel more comfortable and secure.

What should I do if my dog gets anxious while traveling?

  • Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation before and during travel to help your dog relax.
  • Consider using calming aids, such as a Thundershirt or CBD oil, to help ease anxiety.
  • Talk to your veterinarian about medication options to address severe anxiety in dogs.

How can I help my dog adjust to a new environment?

  • Introduce your dog to new environments gradually, starting with short visits and building up to longer stays.
  • Use familiar items, such as blankets or toys, to create a sense of safety and comfort in a new environment.
  • Reward good behavior, such as sitting calmly or exploring new spaces without fear, with treats and positive reinforcement.