Tips for Road-Tripping with your Dog
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If you've ever wanted to take an epic road trip with your dog, there is no better time than the present. Road trips allow the freedom to enjoy the great outdoors with all family members without having to leave your pup behind. But, unfortunately, dogs can get restless and behave in ways that aren't safe, like hanging out of the window or jumping in your lap when you're cruising at highway speeds. So how can you ensure that you and your dog stay safe and happy during long hauls on the road? Here are tips to help you prepare for a smooth and memorable dog-friendly road trip to ensure your pet stays safe, healthy, and happy on the road.
Have up-to-date Tags and Vaccination records
Ensure the contact information on your dog's tag is up-to-date in case your dog somehow gets away. The same goes for the contact information associated with their microchip. Make sure to bring an up-to-date copy of your dog's vaccination records. If you are on your road trip and your dog either gets sick or needs to be boarded for a day, you will need a copy of your dog's vaccination records. Usually, a copy on your phone will suffice, but you can also keep a copy in your glove box for safekeeping.
Makes a Safe Space for your puppy
Don't pack your car to the brim to the point where your dog has to squeeze between luggage with barely enough room to lay down. No one wants that, and your dog doesn't, either. The more room and dedicated space they have, the better behaved they'll be. Instead, bring a dog bed, a yoga mat, a blanket, or even a foam sleeping pad that you can fold in half. These tools can keep your pet safe in the car and also save your car's upholstery from fur and claw marks. Plus, they will help you keep your eyes on the road instead of checking the backseat to ensure your pup isn't chewing the armrest, which means everyone stays safe.
Plan a pet-friendly route.
When you're on a road trip with your dog, you'll have to plan around their needs, which means pulling over for potty breaks and exercise. Ensure your route has plenty of safe places to let your pet stretch its legs. Most major rest stops have dog areas to go to the bathroom, stretch their legs and play.
Be sure to Reward them when they are good
A well-trained dog will be easier to road trip with than a dog constantly misbehaving. Most people train their dogs using the positive reinforcement technique. What that means is when they do what they are told, we reward them with a treat. This same method can be used with traveling with your pup. For example, if you stop at a gas station and Fido goes to the bathroom, he gets a treat. Then when we call him back into the car and he jumps in, he gets another treat. Over time, they learn to do that desired behavior, treat or not simply, but when you first begin to road trip with your dog, positive reinforcement with treats is a helpful tool.
Make sure they have water
Your dog shouldn't have to wait until you stop for gas to get a drink of water. Instead, get a small stable water bowl that you can put on the floor by your backseat and let them drink at their leisure.
Alfa Romeo Tonale for Sale Near Me
Be sure to stop into Alfa Romeo of Larchmont and show us all the great photos of your doggos on your road trip. If you would like to get a bigger vehicle so that there is more room for your fur babies, we would be honored to happy you with it. Our experienced and factory-certified staff is eager to share its knowledge and enthusiasm with you. We know that you have high expectations, and we enjoy the challenge of meeting and exceeding those standards each time. So allow us to demonstrate our commitment to excellence.
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