• Dog Gifts
• Dog Beds
• Dog Collars
• Dog Crates
• Dog Strollers
• Dog Harnesses
• Unique Dog Gifts
• Personalized Dog Bowls
• Swarovski Dog Collars
• Pet Cremation Urns

If you have a dog, and you travel, you know what a chore putting the two together can be. Highly trained dogs are great, coming when they are called, sitting when they are told, and staying quiet. Unfortunately, most of us have dogs that are not highly trained, that bark at the wrong time, run away if left unleashed, and behave badly at exactly the wrong time. How can you get one of these little monsters from point A to point B? That depends on how far you have to travel and what you are comfortable with.

Many of us take road trips at least once a year. Bringing the family dog is an option, especially if you cannot get somebody to babysit. How far you can go and how comfortably depends on the size and temperament of the dog, as well as the size of your automobile. Smaller or medium sized dogs are pretty easy to travel with in almost any car. If the dog is calm, he can sit on somebody’s lap, in an empty seat, or in the back if the only people in the car are in the front. If he is rambunctious, a carrier is the best way to go. SUVs are the best automobile to use when driving with a dog. The large covered area in the back provides the dog with enough room to move around, stretch out, and lay down while you drive. Make sure to stop every now and again to give the dog a chance to relieve himself, or you might not like the way your car smells.

Another option is air travel. Traveling with dogs on a plane is a bit trickier. Smaller dogs give you more options. On almost any airline, a dog can be shipped as cargo. The dog is loaded into an appropriate sized carrier and is carried in the luggage compartment of the plane. This can be traumatic to your dog. You may want to consider talking to a veterinarian about getting a mild sedative to help the dog sleep through the trip. On some airlines, a small dog with a good temperament can be carried in the cabin. The dog must be carried in a duffel bag style carrier. The carrier has openings for air to get in, and zips up like a duffel bag. The dog can be put in easily, and carried over the shoulder. Airlines that allow this method of pet travel use weight as a limitation, meaning that it is only available for the smallest breeds of dog.

Traveling with dogs can be a harrowing experience. Whether driving or flying, the trip can cause enormous amounts of stress for you and your dog. Be sure to allow plenty of time to prepare, no matter what method of traveling you are using. Think about what the trip will involve, and over-plan to make sure that all contingencies are accounted for. The last thing you need is a dog that needs something you did not think to bring with you. That has the potential to make a bad situation worse.