Tips for Traveling with Pets on Memorial Day Weekend
Are you planning on taking your dog away with you for Memorial Day Weekend? Well, wherever you end up, I’m sure you’ll want to make a great first, and lasting, impression. Am I right? Traveling with your dog comes with a great responsibility. Now more than ever, locales and establishments across the globe are becoming more accommodating to pets in general and hey, we want to keep it that way. By keeping these tips in mind, a great Memorial Day Weekend may be had by all.
Don’t bring your pet where pet where he isn’t welcome
“When in doubt, don’t” is the only way to go when traveling or going out for fun with your dog. Be sure to find out all rules and regulations regarding dogs in any restaurant, hotel or other business establishments that you wish to frequent with your dog. Don’t just show up. It’s not one of those situations where you can do as you please and ask for forgiveness later. Find out where your pet will be welcome before leaving home and plan your trip accordingly. A lack of preparation now will only cause you stress and aggravation on your trip and who needs that?
Make training a priority before you leave home
This is key to a pleasant trip for you and those you interact with. It’s no secret that well-trained dogs are more welcomed wherever they go. Dogs that bark at inappropriate times or jump on people are never enjoyable to be around. Sound harsh? Well, it’s true. Keep in mind that not all people are “dog people”. You must respect that if you enjoy traveling with your pet. You should also be aware of how your pet may behave should you leave him in a hotel room. Does he have separation anxiety? Does he chew windowsills or carpets when he’s left alone? That’s not acceptable and needs to be addressed before you ever even book that weekend away. Not preparing ahead of time can end up costing you a lot of money and time, too.
Be in the know
Be aware of all laws regarding dogs in the towns and/or venues that you will be visiting. Letting your dog off the leash or not scooping the poop can get you in deep doo doo in many places. Follow the laws and you’ll be just fine. Also, ignorance is no excuse for ignoring the laws of the land, got it?
Walk your dog
Sounds simple, no? Even though you’re away on vacation to relax and recharge, your dog will still need his daily dose of exercise. This is an especially important factor in reducing any stress your dog may feel being out of his element. Whether you’re traveling by car, plane or train, travel can wreak havoc on your dog’s nerves and so can any new and unusual stimuli. So, reduce the risk of unwanted behaviors associated with the stress and anxiety by exercising your dog. It may not be a cure-all end all but I promise, it definitely makes a difference.
Maintain boundaries
Have you ever heard the saying “Good fences make good neighbors”? Well, it holds a lot of weight. Boundaries are important in all areas of our lives. There are many people that don’t like dogs or maybe they do but they don’t love your dog like you do. Don’t assume! You know what they say about assumptions, too, right? Be respectful of people’s personal space and always ask permission if your dog can approach people. They’ll appreciate you for it. You should also keep in mind that you need to ask the same respect from other people approaching your dog. It’s ok to tell someone how to approach your dog as well as how to pet or handle your dog. Believe me, people generally will not take offense to this. In fact, they’ll appreciate it. For example, if your dog yelps when someone touches his ears, making people aware of that will only serve to save them the alarm of hearing your dog cry when they do so. Also, even the friendliest of dogs may behave out of character when they are in new environments, which may make them more likely to get spooked.
Following these quick and easy travel tips for Memorial Day weekend will leave all involved parties happier. Traveling with your dog can be a rewarding and memorable if you do what’s right on your part. More and more establishments will continue to become pet-friendly if pet parents begin with the end in mind.