88% percent of summer travelers will drive to their vacation destinations—and this means they can bring their four-legged and furry family members along for the fun.
But what can you do to make sure that Fido has a happy, healthy, and tail-wagging good time?
The in-house dog behavioral experts from OneMind Dogs—a revolutionary dog teaching method out of Finland used by some of the world’s top agility trainers and their canine competitors—are sharing their top five tips for the summer travel season:
TIP #1: ESTABLISH TRUST AND TAKE A JOY RIDE
Was your pup’s last ‘road trip’ to the vet? If so, chances are he’s going to get nervous when he hears your keys jingling. Before your trip, establish trust by taking him on a short ride to make the car feel familiar.
TIP #2: TURN CRATE TIME INTO A FUN GAME
Make sure your dog’s travel crate is a safe and happy place. Feed him in the crate at home, or give him a bone to chew while he’s in there, all while keeping the crate door open so he can come out when he wants.
TIP #3: CALM YOUR DOG WITH BODY LANGUAGE
If your dog is restless, act as normal as possible. Show him that everything is okay through your own actions, resisting the temptation to react to your dog’s nervousness. If you exude a calm attitude, your dog will follow suit.
TIP #4: BRING ‘HOME’ WITH YOU
Because dogs like familiarity, bring along your dog’s blankets and favorite toys. Upon arrival at your destination, set up your dog’s crate and food bowls, stick to a normal feeding schedule, and keep your walking routine.
TIP #5: REWARD GOOD BEHAVIOR
Stop often on your road trip to walk or play with your dog—it’s easier for him to be calm when he’s tired! It’s even more important to reward your pup for good behavior by giving him treats and praising him in a calm, happy voice.
More information about OneMind Dogs’ revolutionary training method: https://www.oneminddogs.com/.