Travelling with Pup

[queenie521]

We are going to NH for a 4 day weekend this weekend and we are bringing Brinley. She will be 14.5 months and has had all of her shots. I have 2 concerns.....the 6 hour car ride and keeping her at my parents. I think she will do ok in the car, but I'm not sure if she will sleep the whole time, do I keep her in the crate, how many stops will I need to make? I also realize we will probably have to pack our dinner for the road as a sit down restaurant along the way just wont work with Brinley (I wont put her in a hot car by herself). I am more concerned with my parents house though. She is doing REALLY well with her house training. Will she continue this at another house or will the change of scenery be too much for her. (if she doesnt, will it screw up all the training we have done in the past 3 weeks?) I dont want her doing her "business" all over my parents new house. We will also be there with both my brothers and their wives and kids.....she still wakes up about twice a night and I am afraid her barking will wake the whole house up. Any suggestions would be great!

 

[Fran27]

Tough one I've had ther same concerns with my monsters, not really the peeing part, but the destroying everything part So when we go visit my inlaws (6 hours drive also), we'll just find a pet sitter.

 

[Brattina88]

How long can she hold it at your house? Stop for her to relieve herself a little less time than that. Keeping her in a crate or a har harness (seat belt) is the safest bet. I'd suggest keeping her on a leash or confined to the room you are in at all times, and try to excersize her so she is more willing to rest in the house. Also, take some water from your house for her to drink so she doesn't get runny... And maybe a kong or something to keep her occupied when you can't give her your full attention, but don't put anything in it that might upset her stomach and increase risk of accidents in the house.

I hope that helps a little

Keep us posted

 

[queenie521]

i never thought of the whole seatbelt thing...now I will be sure to tether her to the belt so she doesnt get hurt.

Another concern I didnt mention......my folks have a huge 4 acre property but it isnt fenced off and there is forest around.......how do i let her run free without her running away. she is young so she still doesnt always come when called and she is getting REALLY fast so I cant catch her.

 

[Brattina88]

I'd invest in a long line or a retractable leash (please read the instructions and know how to operate it before putting it on the dog) because it just isn't safe to let a dog off of the leash until they have a reliable recall

 

[queenie521]

I do have a retractable leash, but it's only about 30 ft........we use that one whenever we walk her

 

[Tugger's Mom]

Depending on how much your dog weighs, you may want to consider a dog car seat. I got ours from Outward Bound....and Tugger LOVES it. It boosts him up--he's fastened in with his harness to the seat....and he can see everything or lie down if he wants. We got a MEDIUM size for Tugger (a beagle) who is 22 pounds.

 

[Buddy'sParents]

A fourteen month dog still wakes up twice in the night? That's odd... or did you mis-type?

Does your dog know how to pee/poop on comand? This has been a great thing for us as we travel "home" to visit family several times a year and Buddy does wonderfully in the car! Also, it is best to have the dog secured, either by crate or car harness (doggie seat belt) to ensure safety.

I honestly don't think it's fair to take an un-trained dog someplace where it will be expected to be trained or could disturb a great deal of house guests-just not cool IMO.

You may need to consider a dog sitter or boarding at an experienced kennel in your area.

Good luck!

 

[queenie521]

A fourteen month dog still wakes up twice in the night? That's odd... or did you mis-type?

Does your dog know how to pee/poop on comand? This has been a great thing for us as we travel "home" to visit family several times a year and Buddy does wonderfully in the car! Also, it is best to have the dog secured, either by crate or car harness (doggie seat belt) to ensure safety.

I honestly don't think it's fair to take an un-trained dog someplace where it will be expected to be trained or could disturb a great deal of house guests-just not cool IMO.

You may need to consider a dog sitter or boarding at an experienced kennel in your area.

Good luck!

I'm sorry, my mistake.....she is 14 weeks......oops! And she is house trained....she goes to the door every time she needs to go the bethroom. Very infrequently does she make a mistake. However, I am not sure if she will be confused because it is a different house. As far as the waking up at night....this week, she sems to be getting better, waking only once in the night......she has slept for about 5-6 hours straight the past 3 days.....this is a HUGE improvement. She will be staying in her crate in our room, so I am thinking we should be able to get her outside before she disturbs the whole house, but we will see I guess. I do not want to put her in a kennel.......for a few reasons, she is so young and sometimes still is weary about whether we will return or not, she cries when we leave and there will be 2 adult dogs at the house as well which I think will be good for her as she doesnt get to play with other dogs so much and I believe they will help her with bite inhibition and such. Plus my family wants to see her!

 

[PoodleMommy]

we took my dog to visit family when she was young and had the same concerns. We just crated her whenever she was not with us. If you go out, or are very busy put her in the crate so you dont chance her ruining anything.

Good Luck

Elissa

 

[bubbatd]

Only you knows your dog ...... that's a BIG difference in age !! I'd crate.

 

[Buddy'sParents]

I'm sorry, my mistake.....she is 14 weeks......oops! And she is house trained....she goes to the door every time she needs to go the bethroom. Very infrequently does she make a mistake. However, I am not sure if she will be confused because it is a different house. As far as the waking up at night....this week, she sems to be getting better, waking only once in the night......she has slept for about 5-6 hours straight the past 3 days.....this is a HUGE improvement. She will be staying in her crate in our room, so I am thinking we should be able to get her outside before she disturbs the whole house, but we will see I guess. I do not want to put her in a kennel.......for a few reasons, she is so young and sometimes still is weary about whether we will return or not, she cries when we leave and there will be 2 adult dogs at the house as well which I think will be good for her as she doesnt get to play with other dogs so much and I believe they will help her with bite inhibition and such. Plus my family wants to see her!

hahah... OK, that makes sense now!

She is very young indeed and that does change things... crate her when she is not with you and make sure you stick to your guns about whatever training you have started!

Good luck!

 

[queenie521]

So we are back from Vaca......

Brinley did pretty great. She stayed in her Crate in the back seat..we let her out a twice times on the way up along the road but she wouldnt "go" and we stopped to feed her once and she "went" then. On the way back she slept the entire way. She had A LOT of fun playing with my brother's Choc. Lab. She attempted to go swimming in the lake (running after the lab) and came right back out cause she couldnt touch the bottom, LOL. And the best thing yet.......she slept through the night!!!! First time too....we are very excited about that. She was very good with the kids though, she nipped at them a few times, but only cause they were pulling her tail and stuff which they then found out they couldnt do. All in all, a successful trip. Now back at home, I think she misses the Lab and the kids. She has been moping around. My hubby said she looked depressed, lol. I think she just needs a day to adjust.

 

[Brattina88]

glad to hear it!!