Tips for a Holiday Road Trip with Your Dog

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Road Trip with Your DogIt’s that time of year when many of us travel over the holidays to be with family and friends. If you normally board your dog or hire a pet sitter, why not consider taking him along this year to celebrate the holidays with you? Traveling with a dog is easier than it used to be. From finding pet friendly hotels and restaurants to locating dog parks and veterinarians, there are several apps and websites that can make a holiday road trip with your dog a walk in the (dog) park.

I’m often amazed at how easy it is to travel with Haley, but I realize many dogs aren’t crazy about extended car rides. Although they enjoy a change of scenery, the change in routine can sometimes leave our pups a bit stressed. Use the planning, packing and travel tips below to make sure your road trip proceeds without a hitch!

Preparing for Your Road Trip

  • Consider microchipping your dog if you haven’t done so already. Dogs can become easily disoriented when away from familiar surroundings. If your dog ever gets lost, a microchip offers the best chance of reuniting with him.
  • Check with your vet about any required vaccinations or medications before your trip and obtain a copy of your dog’s health/vaccination record.
  • If your dog is new to traveling in the car, take a few short practice trips close to home before it’s time to leave on your road trip.
  • If your dog doesn’t already know a potty command such as Go Pee or Hurry Up, start training a few weeks before leaving for your trip.
  • Always make sure your dog is welcome at your destination, whether it’s a hotel or relative’s home.

The Packing List

I have to admit, I like to keep it simple and I’m not one of those people who like to pack for every possible scenario unless we’re vacationing on a remote island or similar location. I especially hate carrying all kinds of puppy paraphernalia into a hotel for an overnight while on the road, so this is a must-have list.

Dog Food – A dog’s gotta eat, right? Pack a little more than what your dog normally would eat in case your plans change and extra food is needed.
Water – Take enough water for on the road and extra water if you’re traveling in remote locations.
Food and Water Bowls – A bowl with a water-tight lid is ideal for car travel. Collapsible bowls are convenient for packing and for use at your destination.
Collar with ID Tag – Make sure your cell phone number (or current contact information) is specified on the ID tag. Use a waterproof marker and tape to makes changes if necessary.
Leashes/Harness – It’s a good idea to have more than one leash. Leave one in the car so it’s always available for use while on the road. A long leash is handy when your dog can have a little more freedom and a short leash is perfect for mingling through crowds or when you need to keep him close to you.
Night Light – Clip-on LED lights are ideal for making sure you’re visible when walking with your dog at night or locating your dog outside after dark.
Crate – Portable crates are nice to have when traveling. Many are lightweight, easy to setup and don’t take up a lot room when collapsed.
Crate Padding or Bed – Every dog likes a comfortable place to lay their head and a pad or bed that fits inside the crate can save on packing space.
Toys/Bones – Pack several of your dog’s favorite toys and a bone or two. Treat balls can double as toys and food dispensers.
Treats – Treats are especially useful for coaxing your dog to cooperate when you ask him to do things he’s not used to doing while on the road. Reward him for being a good traveler.
Blanket or Seat Cover – A thick quilt or heavy blanket will protect your car seats from getting scratched or dirty and will protect your dog from being burned by hot seats in the summer. Blankets can also be used to cover valuables in the car.
Towels – Absorbent microfiber towels are great for drying a wet dog or cleaning up spills. They’re lightweight and easy to pack.
Poop Bags – Take plenty of bags and keep an extra roll in your glove box.
License and Vaccination Record – You may be asked to provide these, especially if you need to board your dog in case of an emergency.
Grooming Supplies – Combs, brushes and any supplies required for regular grooming.
Paper Towels/Dog Wipes – Good for quick and easy clean-ups.
Medicine – Remember to take along any supplements, medicines and other supplies your dog may need (flea/tick treatment, worming medicine, allergy pills, sunscreen, etc.)
Picture of Your Dog – If your dog gets lost, you’ll have a picture for printing flyers to help identify him.
Dog Travel Bag – You’ll need a bag to store all these supplies while on the road. Specialty dog bags, beach bags or diaper bags are roomy and have plenty of pockets and compartments to keep things organized and you’ll have all your dog’s supplies together in one easy to carry bag.

Tips for the Road

    Tips for the Road with Your Dog
  • Before leaving on your trip, check out the post 10 Tips for Keeping Your Car Clean to help prevent your vehicle from becoming a muddy furmobile while your travel.
  • Decide where your dog will ride during the trip. Travel crates that can be secured in the car or harnesses with seat belt clips will keep your dog from roaming around the vehicle. Make sure he’s able to ride and rest comfortably. SUVs are very dog friendly vehicles and perfect for long trips.
  • Don’t allow your dog to ride in your lap or in the front seat of the vehicle where they could be a distraction or be injured by an airbag.
  • To avoid injuries or respiratory problems, don’t allow your dog to ride with his head outside the window.
  • Keep the temperature comfortable for your dog. Make sure it’s not too warm in the back of the vehicle and use a sunshade or portable crate fan if needed.
  • Stop every few hours to allow your pup to stretch, drink some water and have bathroom break in a grassy area. On long trips, locate parks or dog parks along your route for longer walks or exercise. If your dog seems anxious or is panting, whining or acting restless, he’s probably telling you he’s ready for a break.
  • If possible, schedule rest breaks so you can feed your dog on his normal feeding schedule.
  • Pack your dog’s travel bag in a convenient spot in the vehicle so you can easily reach supplies when needed.
  • Eating on the road doesn’t have to be limited to fast food drive-thrus. If the weather is nice, look for restaurants with pet-friendly patio dining or get some local carry-out cuisine and head to a nearby park for a picnic and some exercise.
  • Never leave your dog unattended in a vehicle. We’ve all read too many stories of dogs dying from heat exhaustion when left in cars during warm weather.
  • Be careful when opening vehicle doors. If your dog isn’t trained on door manners or to wait for a command before exiting, secure him on a leash before opening the door, then open the door slowly to make sure he doesn’t bolt out of the vehicle.
  • If your dog experiences car sickness, feed him a few hours before traveling and give him small amounts of water and/or ice cubes each time you stop. Keep the car cool and well ventilated with fresh air. If possible, position the dog so he’s facing forward rather than looking out of the side or back windows. Exercising your dog before traveling is a good way to help him relax and rest while on the road.

Tips for Hotel Stays

    Tips for Hotel Stay with Dog
  • Use websites and apps such as BringFido, GoPetFriendly and DogFriendly to help locate pet friendly hotels and other amenities while on the road.
  • Before you hit the road, double check that your hotel is pet-friendly. Don’t rely on a website description since hotel policies can change. Also check for restrictions on breeds and size and if there are any additional fees for pets.
  • If your dog requires refrigerated food, make sure your hotel room has a mini-bar.
  • Find a quiet, safe spot in your room for your dog’s crate or bed.
  • Never leave your dog unattended in a hotel room. Even if your dog is in a crate, he may whine or bark for hours because he’s been left in an unfamiliar setting.
  • Be respectful of other guests, not everyone likes dogs. A pet-friendly hotel doesn’t mean your dog is welcome everywhere inside the hotel, especially inside restaurants or at the continental breakfast bar.
  • If your dog is a heavy shedder or likes to sleep in bed with you, bring along an extra sheet to help protect the hotel bedding.
  • Always clean up and pick up after your dog.

Tips for Houseguests

  • Never show up with a surprise doggie houseguest. Make sure your dog is welcome and that they get along well with any other pets in the home.
  • Be respectful of your host and honor the house rules (such as dogs on furniture, beds, etc.)
  • Check with your host about where they would like you to keep food and water bowls.
  • Keep your dog on a leash or in a crate when necessary, especially if your dog is a dinnertime beggar.
  • If there are cats in the home that get stressed around dogs, give them a break by crating or leashing your dog occasionally.
  • Inspect the yard for any safety issues such as holes in fencing and always accompany your dog when he’s outside.
  • If your dog sheds, groom him daily to avoid having excess pet hair in the house.
  • Try not to leave your dog alone for long periods of time and crate your dog if you leave the house.
  • Always clean up and pick up after your dog.
  • Leave your host a thank you note and small gift as a thoughtful gesture for allowing your pup to be a guest in their home.

With all the hustle, bustle and merrymaking around the holidays, it’s easy to forget that our dogs may need a little extra TLC. Travel, lack of adequate sleep and the change of environment is stressful and can make even the sweetest dog a bit cranky. Try to stick to your dog’s routine as much as possible and occasionally take a timeout from the festivities to relax or take a long walk together. If your dog seems overloaded by all the excitement, some quiet crate time can help him relax and get some well needed rest.

Going on a road trip with your dog requires a few sacrifices along the way, but there’s nothing like having your best friend beside you for the ride. Are you planning on traveling with your dog over the holidays? Share some of your helpful travel tips with us!

How to Teach a Dog Its Name

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How to Teach a Dog Its NameDoes your new puppy ignore you when you call his name? Have you adopted a dog from a shelter or rescue and want to teach him a new name? Maybe you’ve had your dog for awhile and he seems to have selective hearing when you try to get his attention. Earlier this week I posted an article about how to find the perfect name for your dog, so now we’re following up with how to teach a dog its name.

The goal in teaching your dog his name is to not just have your dog learn to recognize his name, but learn to respond to his name. By respond, I mean immediately stop whatever he’s doing and look at you for direction. Dogs with selective hearing will respond when they feel like it, but the goal is to have him respond reliably every time. A reliable dog is a joy to live with and you’ll have the peace of mind that you can recall your dog if he’s headed into a dangerous situation one day. Squirrel chasing into traffic or jumping into unsafe waters come to mind.

Another reason to teach your dog his name is you’ll use his name to get his attention before issuing a command. Since it’s nearly impossible to teach new commands or train when you don’t have a dog’s attention, the process will be much easier once your pup knows his name. Alright, let’s get started!

Teaching a Dog Its Name

Start with some tasty treats when your dog is calm and you have his attention.
Say your dog’s name with an animated or excited tone of voice.
When your puppy looks at you, say “Yes!” or “Good!” and immediately give him a treat.
Repeat this process 6-8 times in several sessions a day.
Your dog will begin to associate his name with good things happening (he gets a treat).

Need some tips?

  • If it’s hard to get your dog’s attention at first, make a little sound when you say his name.
  • You can click a clicker instead of saying “Yes!” or “Good!” when your dog looks at you.
  • Make sure everyone is consistent with using your dog’s name (don’t use nicknames or variations).
  • Try not to overuse your dog’s name in casual conversation or he may begin to tune it out.
  • Always stop the training before your dog gets tired or overwhelmed.
  • Always use your dog’s name in positive situations, never when you’re angry or for discipline.
  • Never use your dog’s name when saying “No!” or with the Stay command.
  • Always give lots of positive reinforcement (a treat or praise) when he responds to his name.

Build on your dog’s success!

Once your dog begins to look at you when you say his name, repeat the exercise in different locations around the house and outside. Next, begin calling his name when his attention is not on you or when he’s slightly distracted. As your dog progresses, try waiting a second or two before giving the treat to see if you can hold his attention a little longer. Once Haley knew her name, I started occasionally whispering her name to her in an excited tone before I would give her something really great, like a special treat or toy. She learned pretty quickly to snap to attention when she heard me whisper her name. This was a fun way of fine tuning her listening skills and teaching her to respond to a quiet tone of voice.

Eventually you will phase out the treats, but an occasional surprise treat when your dog listens well is a great way to keep them attentive and interested in listening. Keep it fun, exciting and positive when you call your dog’s name and you’ll be rewarded with a best friend that always listens to you. How well does your dog respond to his name? Do you have any tips on how to teach a dog it’s name?

Finding the Best Names for Dogs

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Congratulations! You just brought home an adorable puppy or adopted your new best friend from a shelter or rescue and are ready to start thinking about names. Maybe your adopted dog had a shelter-assigned name that she’s not that familiar with and you would like to change it. Are you the type of person that can instantly come up with names for dogs or do you make lists of possible choices before finally deciding on the best name? If you’re having trouble coming up with a name for your new dog, take some time to get to know her personality before making the decision.

Often, dogs are named after their physical looks, such as the color of their coat. Some people choose traditional dog names or names of famous dogs, while others like names that are influenced by pop culture. The latest trend is to use people’s names for dogs. (Sorry, Fido!)

Here are a few tips to consider when selecting a name.

  • Consider your dog’s breed and origin.
  • Consider your dog’s gender, although many names are gender neutral.
  • Select a name that sounds unique from other names used in your household.
  • Avoid embarrassing names like ‘Butt Head’ that you might not want to use in public if you had to call your dog.
  • Don’t select a name that rhymes with ‘No’ or commands you will use to train your dog.
  • Short names with one or two syllables are best.
  • Two syllable names can be easily recognized because of the intonation change when it’s pronounced.
  • Names that end in vowel sounds (especially ‘a’ or ‘e’) are easy for dogs to recognize.
  • Avoid negative or demeaning names like ‘Killer’. Your dog may not know the difference, but people may view and treat your dog differently because of their name.

Need some inspiration?

The Pedigree Database contains over 20,000 dog names to choose from or check out Vetstreet’s infographic below for the most popular puppy names from 2013.

Most Popular Puppy Names of 2013 — Infographic
Most Popular Puppy Names of 2013 — Infographic by Vetstreet

Good luck in choosing your new dog’s name and watch for our next post later this week on teaching your dog their name. What inspired you to choose your dog’s name?

12 Easy Ways to Exercise Your Dog in the Winter

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Ways to Exercise Your Dog in the WinterIf you’re like me, you love the change of seasons, but it’s not always fun or convenient to find ways to exercise your dog in the winter, especially when the days are shorter and it gets dark earlier. For those of us that live in the northern United States, wintertime walks can be beautiful sometimes, but it’s usually all about cold fingers and toes, bitter wind in your face, slush covered dog bellies and trying to stay vertical on icy surfaces. It’s no wonder we sometimes skip the daily walk and stay inside by the fire with a hot cup of tea.

The winter months can be hard on our pets too. When they spend more time indoors, they’re not as active and tend to gain some excess winter weight. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates over half of all dogs in the United States are overweight or obese and have an increased risk of injury, disease and shortened life expectancy. Although your dog may look comfortable sleeping by the fire like a hibernating bear, they would rather be engaged in some exercise or fun activity with you and it’s important that they maintain a healthy weight and get daily exercise. Like people, dogs can also get cabin fever during the winter months if they don’t get outside or exercise as often which may lead to problem behaviors such as excessive barking or destructive chewing. If you hate walking your dog in the winter on those bitterly cold days, here are some other ways to physically and mentally exercise your dog.

12 ways to exercise your dog in the winter

1. Indoor Games
Play fetch using a long hallway or open basement or play tug-of-war. Play Find It by hiding small treats or dog food around the house for your dog to locate with his nose. Most dogs love playing Hide and Seek which also reinforces bonding and the Come command. Chasing games are popular with most dogs. Try pulling a stuffed toy attached to a rope to get your dog into prey chasing mode.
2. Stair Climbing
If your dog is young, healthy and not prone to hip problems, throw a ball or toy up to the top of carpeted stairs for an aerobic game of fetch. Just be careful not to overdo exercising on the stairs.
3. Treat Balls
Use food dispensing balls or toys with dry food to have your dog work for his dinner. If you feed wet food, stuff your dog’s dinner inside a Kong toy and freeze before feeding.
4. Treadmills
Dog or human treadmills work well to exercise your dog. Start slowly with your dog on a leash and use high-value treats as motivation. After your dog is comfortable walking slowly, gradually increase the speed to a trot. Always stay with your dog to watch him closely. Never tether your dog to a treadmill or force him to stay on it. If your dog doesn’t seem to enjoy the treadmill, find another form of exercise.
5. Tricks and Training
Try some new training techniques or reinforce any existing commands or training that need more work. Teach your dog some tricks. If your dog already knows the basic tricks, try teaching him something to help out around the house, such as picking up his toys and putting them in a basket. Most dogs like to learn something new and it’s a great way to bond with your dog.
6. Classes
Sign up for an obedience or training class with your dog or try indoor agility, flyball or doga (yoga with your dog). It’s exciting for your dog to get out of the house and good socialization.
7. Doggie Gyms
These gyms are popping up all over the country and if there’s one close to you, they offer various ways to exercise your dog. Some even have swimming pools and indoor dog parks.
8. Dog Friendly Outings
Take your dog out to the pet store and while you’re out, shop at some other dog friendly retail stores or coffee shops. Check for dog related events in your area where you can take your dog along with you.
9. Play Dates
Get together with friends who have dogs that want to exercise, play and socialize. Better yet, host a play date in your home and make some homemade dog treats for your dog to share with his friends. Check out 10 Easy Ways to Find Dogs for Play Dates for some tips.
10. Doggie Daycare
If your dog gets along well with other dogs, doggie daycare is a good option to help keep your dog fit over the winter. Make sure to check out recommendations and tour the daycare center first so you’re comfortable with where your dog will be hanging out and playing.
11. Dog Walkers
If you really hate walking outside in the winter or don’t have enough time to exercise your dog, hire a recommended and reliable dog walker.
12. Laser Pointers
I hesitate to mention allowing your dog to chase a laser dot around the house, because some dogs can become obsessed with light and shadow chasing, but it works for some dogs and dog owners. If your dog becomes overly fixated on the laser dot, find another form of exercise. Besides, it’s more fun if you participate and interact more with your dog while playing or exercising.

If you love the snow and cold weather, try these 5 fun ideas with your dog.

1. Snow Hikes
Head out for a hike in a wooded area after a fresh snowfall. It’s beautiful and serene since most people don’t take advantage of hiking trails in the winter. It’s also the perfect time to do some off-leash hiking in areas where your dog can have more freedom without running into too many other dogs or people.
2. Sledding and Snowball Fights
Have your dog join you for some childhood fun in the snow.
3. Dog Parks
If your dog gets overwhelmed by crowded dog parks, try visiting in the winter when there are fewer people and dogs at the park.
4. Snowshoeing or Cross-Country Skiing
Enjoy these sports if you have a snow-loving dog.
5. Skijoring
If you haven’t heard of this, it’s having your dog pull you through the snow while you’re wearing skis. It sounds like a lot of fun if you have a snow-loving dog that can safely pull you.

Tips to keep your dog safe and comfortable when it’s cold outside.

  • Short-haired, small or elderly dogs may need a sweater or water-repellent coat to help keep them warm.
  • Trim the hair between your dog’s toes to reduce snow and ice buildup.
  • Dog booties can keep paws dry and free from ice, salt or de-icing chemicals.
  • If your dog hates booties, apply Musher’s Secret wax to his paws before going outside to prevent painful ice balls from forming between his toes. Musher’s Secret also protects paws from hot pavement or beach sand in the summer.
  • If you don’t use booties, clean your pup’s paws with a warm wet cloth when you return home to remove any salt, de-icing chemicals or ice balls. Also wipe down their legs and belly.
  • Use reflective wear or clip-on LED collar lights if you walk outside after dark.
  • Consult with your vet if you have any concerns about exercising your dog outside when it’s cold.

Dog playing soccer in the snowPrevent hypothermia and frostbite by watching your dog carefully for signs that they’ve had enough of the cold. If your dog is shivering, whining, slowing down or lifting their paws a lot, it’s time to head back inside and warm up. On those occasional winter days when it’s just too miserably cold for you to spend time outside, it’s probably too cold for your dog too. Stay inside by the fire and enjoy your hot tea.

Do you have a favorite way of exercising your dog in the winter? For you lucky dog owners that live where it stays warm all year around, how do you exercise your dogs when it’s extremely hot outside?

The Male vs. Female Dog Debate

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Male and Female Boxers

Photo by Jlhopgood / CC BY-ND 2.0

Do you have a preference between male and female dogs? In this battle of the sexes, the male vs. female dog (or better stated, dog vs. bitch) debate tries to uncover whether behavioral and temperament differences exist between male and female dogs that have been spayed or neutered at the appropriate ages. I’ve always had female dogs and do have a preference towards females, but sometimes I wonder if I’m missing out by not having a male dog.

Unless you’re planning on breeding your dog, you should have your dog spayed or neutered to avoid the obvious issues of male roaming and fighting, female heats and litters of unexpected puppies. When comparing spayed and neutered dogs of the same breed, except for male dogs being slightly larger and the unique way each dog decides to water your lawn or bushes, is there much difference between the two sexes? Some dog owners swear males and females have different temperaments and personality traits, while others chalk the differences up to how the dogs were raised and trained.

Here are some common notions people have when comparing male and female dogs of the same breed.

Facts or Myths?
Males Females
Always affectionate Enjoy affection, when in the mood for it
More aggressive More docile
More attentive More independent
More territorial over property More territorial over people
Harder to train, easily distracted Easier to train, more focused
Emotionally stable Moody – sulks, sighs and dirty looks
Stronger, more energetic Better with children and animals
Can have territorial urination Easier to housebreak
Tend to roam more More connected to owners
Demand attention Less pushy, but manipulative
More playful and goofy More stubborn
More destructive More dominant

Thinking about some of these perceptions raises more questions.

  • Do female dogs seem easier to train only because they mature faster than males dogs?
  • Are there more male champion show dogs because they’re more attentive, or more profitable?
  • If you’re getting a second dog, is it always best to get a dog of the opposite sex?
Perhaps this common saying among dog breeders and trainers says it best.
“If you want a good dog, get a male. If you want a great dog, get a female and cross your fingers.”
What’s your experience with male and female dogs and do you prefer one over the other?