A question to all of the dog people out there

[silenthunterstudios]

I am going on vacation this summer for a long weekend. It's a close ocean resort, only about a 3 hour drive one way tops, but I would like to bring my dog with me. Dogs are allowed in the apartment, and my dog is generally well behaved.

At least in our acre sized back yard and with the immediate family. He is a very sociable dog, but, while he's 3 years old, still acts like a puppy. There will always be someone in the apartment with him, that's not a problem, and he will always have a leash on. He is the type of dog to take off running if you let him, and I am very afraid of him getting hit by a car. He is used to uneventful country walks, this vacation spot will be in a packed resort town where no one knows how to drive (Ocean City, MD).

I am very uneasy about taking him down, my father suggested the idea, and I really want to take the dog, I think it would be a great experience for him. When I sit and think about it, I don't imagine any real problems, other than taking him for that 4am walk of shame.

My dog usually flips out when guests or other dogs are nearby, then he becomes "old yellow dog" from the movie Funny Farm. You would probably need a cattle prod to get him moving.

I only have two problems, I guess, and I already have solutions, but I would like some help, and would greatly appreciate it. My dog does not travel in my truck often. If he does go, it's to go to the vet, and then he rides in my old 2wd Toyota pickup. He usually sits on the seat, and is stationary. This summer I will be taking my 4 dr 4wd S10 Blazer. I'm going to put the seat down for him, and will have some treats on hand, and plan on stopping for bathroom breaks from time to time. Yeah, I'll have a shovel and some bags on hand too :barf: . He's used to a being outside all the time though, just hope he doesn't piss all over my truck. I am going to start taking short trips with him in my Blazer, trying to get him used to driving with me, and I hope that that might help (hindsight is 20/20).

He likes to holler a lot, I think he likes the sound of his own voice, but I think he'll be well behaved in the apartment. It's a ground level, of course dogs are allowed, a three bedroom, and I believe he'll enjoy himself. I can tie his leash up to the porch when I go out with him, and plan on getting a lot of honeys attention with him . From the apartment standpoint, I see the only trouble might be him getting out because of someones carelessness and getting hit by a car.

I really think I am getting bent out of shape over nothing, but it's better safe than sorry. If anyone has any pointers or tips, the help is greatly appreciated. BTW, he is a yellow labrador, and a good friend. I'm very excited about the trip, and I think he'll have a good time too.

 

[DaveH]

hmmm, I love my dogs but they get a little weird when their routine changes. What usually happens when we go somewhere is we end up deciding to spend the days doing something (or the night). So we board them. Saves a load of worry on me so I can enjoy getting away. Not quite what you asked but my .02.

 

[roughedges]

You sound like a guy who loves his dog. That alone makes you alright in my book!

It sounds to me like you have just about all the bases covered but I am wondering- how far are you from ocean city? I know that from columbia its about 3 hours right? If its a long trip, and especially since its summertime, I'd make provisions for him to have some water to drink when you make a rest stop.

And you said apartment... that leads me to believe that there are probably seperate rooms, hallways, etc. Have you thought about using a "doggy gate" when he is left alone- perhaps when you all went out to dinner or something? Doing that should cover your last worry about him escaping out the door I think. It sounds to me like you are concerned enough about your dog's welfare that casual carelessness won't be a problem.


btw. I don't remember the name of the island but are there still wild horses up there in ocean city?

 

[DaveH]

OH I should also mention that if you have crate trained your dog, take the crate along. Take him for a moderatly long walk and put him in a quiet place in the crate when you go out for dinner etc.

 

[Shann]

I have a housesitter for our dogs when we go away, I can't imagine taking the Ridgeback on vacation. She'd wear me out.

I apologize if I missed it, but please make sure that your dog has id tags on her at all times. A tattoo or chip is probably even better, but I don't know much about that. You don't want her running off and not having any way for someone to call you about her. (put your cell phone number on the tags just to be safe).

 

[silenthunterstudios]

I know for certain that by the 5th 4am wake up call, I will be ready to take him home. The apt is a 3 bedroom apt, he will be sleeping in my room, and I guess I'll leave him in that room. I like to leave really early in the morning, around 3 or 4 am, so I'm not worried about the heat during the 3 hour drive. I will have a cooler full of ice and water for the both of us, and will bring along his dishes. At each bathroom break, I'll give him some water, and will leave a little bit of water in his dish for him in the back. Hes a powerful guy, but I think a doggie gate might be enough of a deterrent for him.

Yeah, you're thinking of Assateague Island, I've been there several times, last time was back in 2002 for a Powwow. Beautiful area, but the horses are very aggressive, and theres crap all over the beach. Other than that, really nice area. Funniest thing I ever saw there. There are signs all over the island that read DON'T FEED THE HORSES!". Well, after the powwow, I decided to drive around the island. I came up on a line of cars stopped, with several ponies looking at a van. I saw a hand come out, with some shortbread cookies, and one of the ponies walked up and ate it. Well, the pony started to get into the van, and they took off! Poor horse almost got ran over! I was laughing my head off, it's still one of the funniest things I've ever seen. Yes, the pony was alright, but that person should've paid attention to the damn sign!

 

[Clydetz]

I've had my dog with me on day trips & he's been fine but when I took a 10 day trip, I boarded him at his vet's. They have some nice size kennels with a cement barrier between areas and there's an exercise run for use. It's all outside with a roof keeping everything out of the weather. The only problem that occurred was they crated the dogs overnight which I didn't know. Clyde won't tolerate a crate & tore out 2 teeth & scratched up his paws trying to get out. The vet had to tranquilize Clyde for the rest of his stay. Distance travelling has been kept to a minimum but I have checked out some reputable 'house sitting' & 'dog walking' services in my area and would probably go that route next time I leave him alone for any length of time. I'd also have my neighbors stop in & check on him once in awhile. Good luck to you and your travelling 'buddy'!

 

[Ashes]

Clyde won't tolerate a crate & tore out 2 teeth & scratched up his paws trying to get out. The vet had to tranquilize Clyde for the rest of his stay.

Poor Clyde! I'd be pissed if I came home to that, but I suppose it isn't the vet's fault.

Alice comes with me in the car all the time, and she gets along with everyone, but she does get excited and she'd probably run into the street if I didn't keep her on a leash. At my house we have a private dirt road with no traffic, so she doesn't understand the concept of roads and cars.

If you bring your dog along, just be extra careful. I think it could be fun for both of you, and a good experience for him too. There are dog seatbelts (I have one) and other things to keep dogs safe in a car. Since you have a Blazer that is probably safer anyway.

~ashes

 

[edgetrip]

You probably don't have to worry about the dog pissing all over your truck, typically dogs won't go unless they have space. They don't want to pee where they lie. Dogs confined to small areas can seasily hold there needs for very long periods of time. I have traveled with my guide dog 12 hours between potty breaks. Not ideal but totally doable and no great hardship or in anyway unsafe for the dog. I fly with him (in the cabin() multi hour flights ona regualr basis and he does fine.

Have a good trip and I am sure your dog will love the beach.

 

[AJ]

My wife and I have three Weimaraners and we take them everywhere with us. Since they're members of the family we figure if the family takes a vacation, we all go.

That being said, we do make special provisions for the 3 four-legged family members:

• crate training for each one
• their own crates to travel with
• lots of familiar toys, bones, etc.
• a dog bed from home (again, something of theirs that's familiar)
• leashes for each one (and pinch collars for the 2 large males... just in case)
• etc.

We've never had a spot of trouble as a result of taking the dogs with us, and they most certainly have gotten to enjoy some special time away with us in some very beautiful locales. Wouldn't have missed it for all the money in the world.

AJ

 

[Clydetz]

Poor Clyde! I'd be pissed if I came home to that, but I suppose it isn't the vet's fault....

I was in Ireland and as soon as I came home, I called the Vet and asked if I could come & pick up Clyde even though it was after hours. When he said..."There's something I have to tell you...." All I thought was Clyde had passed away! I wasn't pissed at the Vet and he did everything he could for Clyde... I should have explained about Clyde's hatred of being caged. ps...Don't get the wrong idea - Clyde is still with me & we take drives about the area almost every weekend.
Sorry to ramble... again best of luck with your travelling 'buddy', silenthunterstudios... what a team!

 

[A Dogs Best Friend]

I hear lots of great advice on this thread. One thing I would like to mention to help keep your buddy safe is to take some time and really work on his recall. Get it set very firmly if you can, that way if he takes off running for some reason while you're away from home you can call him back reliably. It would break your heart if he ran off and got lost or hit by a vehicle. Also, someone mentioned ID tags and/or microchips. Great idea! I'm paranoid about losing any of mine so we have ID on all of them, plus backup ID tags incase a tag gets lost. I should "chip" them all too. But haven't done it yet. Have a good vacation and let us know how it all worked out.

 

[Frank]

Boarding your dog is a good idea, but if you want to keep him at home while you're gone, try a petsitter. My wife is one. She goes to people's houses from 1-3 times per day. She charges $15 per visit within a 10 mile radius of our house. If you are interested, check your vet or a local groomer for a referral.

 

[Gollnick]

It's going to depend entirely on the dog. My most recent spaniel, Angie, loved to be with her people. Between my late mother and I, that dog traveled all over the country by car and by air. She was fine in hotel rooms. But she just hated to be left behind. For her, it was not a question; she went along if at all possible.

Previous spaniel, Pickles, was a confirmed homebody. She hated being away from her house. Even a short car trip was a genuine trauma. She was always home-sat.

Even with Angie, though, a familiar blanket to curl up in at night was a must-have.