Training Your Dog for Traveling

Bringing your four-legged best friend with you when you travel, whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or a longer adventure away from home, can make your trip even more fun — that is, if you invest time into training your dog for traveling. Without preparation, taking a pet on the road can be stressful, and even dangerous.

Dan Gentile is a dog training expert in New Jersey with over 40 years of experience working with all breeds. He’ll show you how dog travel can be safe and fun for everyone.

Make Traveling With Your Dog Easier

Even dogs that are friendly and well-behaved at home can have issues when they travel. Behaviors that you allow or overlook at home, like excessive barking or pulling on the leash, can be problematic elsewhere. Unfamiliar places, routine changes, and boredom can also cause even mellow pooches to misbehave.

Skills Your Dog Needs for Traveling

When training your dog for travel, focus on good car behavior, going to the bathroom on command, barking, and crate training.

Good Car Behavior

When riding in the car, your dog should remain calm in the backseat. Establish clear expectations and stick to them; for example, don’t allow them to pace the backseat or pant at the window.

Good car behavior also means teaching the dog to wait for your command before entering or exiting the vehicle and only letting them out of the car when they are calm.

Potty on Command

A dog that will go to the bathroom on command can help prevent accidents when you’re on the go. Try to keep your schedule as close to normal as possible when traveling with a pet: if your pup goes out at 6 a.m. at home, he’ll need the same schedule elsewhere.

Training your dog to use puppy pads on command can also help. This way, if you can’t go outdoors, you can easily clean up the mess.

Barking

Dogs bark to communicate, and some are slightly more talkative than others. But if you’re staying in a hotel or campground around others, their vocalizations may be unwelcome. Training your dog with positive reinforcement, like a treat, when they stop barking can reduce the noise.

In some cases, muzzle training your dog may be the best solution. Some places even require dogs to wear muzzles when out in public, so if that’s the case for your destination, spend time on muzzle training before you leave.

Crate Training

A crate can be the ideal solution for dog travel, as it provides a safe and familiar refuge for your pet. It’s best to start crate training when your dog is a puppy, but you can still crate train an older dog. Start well before your trip and make the experience as positive as possible so they’ll enjoy it.

Prepare Your Dog for Travel From Day One

Training your dog for travel should start when they come home with you, as early puppy training is vital to developing good habits. The certified dog trainers at the Dan Gentile Dog Training Center are eager to work with you and your pet, so call 732-938-5040 to schedule a consultation.