Every now and then, you need to take a vacation. Although it can be difficult to get the time off and money to travel, going away for just for a weekend can boost your mood and mental health. You really should look online for a fun place to go.
But what about your pet? It can be a hassle to find someone to take your dog for that time, never mind finding someone you can trust to properly take care of your furry friend. Did you know that you can bring your dog along with you on your next vacation? Read on to learn more about why this is a good idea.
You already know that taking your dog places (like the park or vet) can be more complicated than just heading somewhere by yourself. However, Woofipedia explains there are several reasons why taking your dog on your next vacation can help make it better for you.
- You won’t spend time worrying about who is taking care of your dog.
- You don’t have to pack much for your dog.
- They can help you meet locals wherever you’re heading.
- You’re never alone when you travel with your dog.
- Dogs love to exercise, so they can help you explore a new city instead of resting at the hotel.
Finding Dog-Friendly Places
After thinking about it, you’ve decided to bring your canine friend along for your next trip. That’s typically a good idea, but the Humane Society explains there are a few things you should consider before heading out:
- Are you going to places your dog can enjoy? For example, Las Vegas is great fun for humans but not so much for dogs.
- What supplies will you need to bring along so your dog is taken care of? This includes food, of course, but also prescriptions and toys.
- Do you have a health certificate and copy of your dog’s medical records? These are vital if you plan on traveling somewhere remote to prove your dog is healthy.
Of course, it helps if you’re heading someplace that’s dog-friendly. Go Pet Friendly has a great page listing dog-friendly destinations. Some of these include:
- Natural parks like Glacier National Park and the Grand Canyon have areas where you can bring your dog to enjoy the great outdoors together.
- Cities like Austin, San Francisco, and Milwaukee have plenty of bars, cafes, and restaurants for both of you to enjoy.
You can even search regions of the US and Canada for dog-friendly options.
Helping Your Dog Behave
Before you take your dog on your vacation, you also need to make sure your pet will behave:
- Start with leash training, which can be useful almost anywhere you go. Work up to navigating confusing and loud spaces.
- Then start on basic commands like sit, stay, come, and down. These can be invaluable when traveling with a dog.
- Lastly, you need to work on table manners. No one wants a dog that bets at the table of strangers.
As your dog learns basic etiquette for traveling, there are a few things you need to work on as its owner:
- Have your dog treated for fleas before heading out.
- Don’t leave your dog in a hotel room for extended periods of time without someone to watch over him.
- Know your dog. Anything that gives him anxiety at home will do the same when traveling — but it’s worse because your dog isn’t surrounded by familiarity.
Enjoy That Trip Together
Taking your dog on a vacation does present some difficulties, but with the right research and training beforehand, both of you can have a great time traveling. After all, you’re not the only one who could use a trip somewhere nice.