Doggone Etiquette —

Travel Tips

By Bardi McLennan

A Word to the Dog:

Vacation travel can mean family fun, but here are some tips that will help make it more fun for you. If you’ll be staying in a hotel, in or near the elevator will be a warning sign that says, “No Smoking” which shouldn’t bother you one bit. However, there’s no warning for all of you dogs about getting stepped on. (If you’ve never been in an elevator before, another warning is “Don’t panic” — you’ll land safely.) Tuck your tail between your legs and sit in a corner behind your person. When the door opens, wait for your person to move and exit quickly beside him or her. Here are a few more tips on elevator manners: Don’t bark. Don’t jump up to greet other passengers. And don’t ever mark the elevator with your own graffiti. Oh, and on the way out, don’t mark the “butt bucket” either! 

You won’t be allowed on public transportation unless your person is legally handicapped — in which case, you are a very special dog with excellent manners. Most other countries in the world consider you a part of the public and you may travel anywhere so long as you behave and your people pay the fare. (Dogs and royalty do not handle money, which of course is why you don’t have pockets — or pocket money.) Everything else to do with vacation travel is up to your family. Your job is to be a well-mannered chaperone, but keep a sharp lookout for anything that might be fun for you to investigate.

A Word to the Dog’s Owner:

Due to the price of gas, lots of us have had to change our travel plans this summer. Instead of driving out to the Grand Canyon, we are settling for a 150-mile trip to see the Grand Parents. We’ve mentioned it before, but a reminder won’t hurt — the first thing to be certain about is exactly how welcome Rufus will be at your destination and at any stops along the way. Don’t fib about his incessant barking for attention, or pretend that he doesn’t get up on all the furniture, or that he “loves” cats (when he has never even met one!). If those you will be descending upon show any hesitancy with such questions as, “How big is he?” or “Uncle Harry has allergies — does the dog shed a lot?” or “What will you do with him when we go to the beach?” If you feel there are any doubts about the dog’s Welcome Mat, a boarding kennel is the best solution (and vacation) for all concerned, including, of course, Rufus. Some boarding kennels offer playtime for a small extra charge. Well worth it — just ask Rufus.                     

A few weeks ago I wrote about not leaving dogs in cars in the summer, and the ease with which they suffer heatstroke. A reader commented on that, saying she only wished her dog would ride in the car in any weather without being carsick. So here’s what I suggested she do. It does not always work and the alternative may be medication from your vet, but this is so easy, it’s worth giving it an honest try.      

Put newspapers in the bottom of the crate — just in case. Make sure the crate is secure. A rocking crate can make the dog seasick, not carsick! Then put Rufus in the crate (without comment), make sure the crate door is secure, and open the nearest car window. Now for the trick. Drive all the way to the end of your long driveway, or, if it’s short, drive for about one minute and park. Snap on his leash and then let Rufus out and go for a “sniffing” stroll, or run, for a few minutes. Back to the car and drive “all the way” home! Repeat it once or twice a day, only extending the driving time after several days and when he shows no signs of carsickness such as drooling. Don’t expect miracles. It may take two weeks before he can manage an extended trip. When you can drive long enough to go somewhere that’s fun for Rufus (a friend’s house — with a dog he likes, or a walk in the woods) make a big thing of your arrival. In time, he will associate the car ride with a fun destination.

Until next time — Be good!

—Bardi

Bardi McLennan bred, trained and showed Welsh Terriers for 30 years during which time she wrote a monthly column on canine behavior in Dog Fancy magazine. In addition to contributing to numerous dog publications, she has written 15 books on dogs, the latest being Rescue Me!, which received the ASPCA Humane Issues Award this year.