Travel Ideas With Your Dog

Vacationing with your dog?

Here are some travel ideas...

Throughout North America, many inns, lodges and Bed & Breakfast places allow pets. Some even have pet vacation packages available.

Once you have decided on a place to stay, you have many activities to chose from. Some people include their pets on walking tours through towns or historic areas. Hiking is also a popular activity. Some national parks allow pets but some do not. Make sure you check with the park service before planning your vacation.

Camping with your pet is another alternative. Again, if you plan to camp at a national park, check with the park service to make sure your dog will be welcome. Biking vacations are becoming more common and the number of people including their pets is growing. Even if you do not bring a bicycle with you, most towns have bike rental places that can supply the necessary equipment.

Water sports are yet another activity in which you can include your pet. Swimming, boating and fishing as well as traveling in canoes or pontoon boats are all possible. Depending on the breed, this may be the best vacation possible for a water loving dog.

And finally, for the wild at heart, you can even include your pet on a gondola tram ride over treacherous canyon or attach your dog to your waist, slap on some skis and go skijoring!

There are many activities available that you can enjoy with your pet. Remember, the most important part of any vacation is to have a wonderful relaxing time!!

Pet Sitter Checklist

Next time you go on vacation and leave your dog with a pet sitter, here is a handy checklist to help you.

Type up a document that includes:

1. Your dog's diet and exercise habits
2. Nearby walking routes and parts, and best/worst times of day for each
3. Your dog's microchip information and veterinary phone numbers
4. Instructions for storing leftover canned food
5. Your contact information and a local emergency contact

Leave these things in plain sight:

1. Your dog's collar and leash (with an extra, if possible)
2. A flashlight for after-dark outings
3. Plenty of cleanup bags
4. Food a stored in a secure, dog-proof container or cupboard
5. A can opener, if needed

Do not forget to:

1. Tell your neighbors to expect to see the pet sitter coming and going. Optionally, give a trusted neighbor the pet sitter's number or a number where you can be reached, should they notice a problem.

2. Ask you pet sitter about her backup plans, in case she runs into an unexpected conflict.

3. Re-evaluate your home's dog-proofing; with extra time alone, you dog may find new things to explore.

Summer Time

Summertime is such a great time for you and your dog to have fun together.

So go ahead, have fun. It is a wonderful opportunity for you and your dog to spend time together, and it will do you both a lot of good both body and soul.

But remember rules still apply. Freedom for a dog is understanding rules, boundaries, and limitations. In the wild, animals are not just roaming around aimlessly. Their parents teach them a structured life.

Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer, recommends that before you start to play, set the limits in your own mind. Will you play for 10 minutes, 15 minutes—longer? Make sure you and your dog are relaxed before you begin and that she understands that playtime is over when you say so. Then wait until she is relaxed and calm before you start another game or activity.


Cesar also suggest to check your own emotions too. How are you going to enjoy summer if you are not emotionally free? Stop and acknowledge how you really feel. Try using breathing exercises to put yourself in a calm state.

Spending time on a trail, in the park, or at the beach gives you and your dog the chance to reconnect to nature together, which will strengthen the bond between you. Structured play can also work with your dog’s natural instincts.

Whatever you decide to do this summer, make sure there is some structure to your activities. You will know your dog is happy when he ends the sessions tired but fulfilled.

Vacation is a state of mind, and if you use your imagination, even a trip to your local park can be a great getaway. It would be wonderful to reach that state of mind every day!