That old saying “getting there is half the battle” is absolutely true for international travel with your pup. They haven’t spent months getting mentally and physically prepared for your upcoming adventures like you have and frankly they have no idea what's going on. To ease your fur baby into the shock of a big trip, you should take certain steps and implement certain things into their routine beforehand so they can be as ready as you are. Follow these steps to properly prepare your pooch:
Train or Re-Train
You may have a very trained pup but if you don’t already practice regular training, then you should be investing extra time in this up to 6 weeks before travel. Teach your dog new tricks or simply practice important basic commands. You want to make sure they’re sharp as a tack when you embark on your new adventure because there will be many distractions and new sensations (especially if you’re going abroad) that will confuse and throw your pup off their game. Reverting to training and use of commands will make them feel more at ease.
Find the most scrumptious, irresistible treats
Before you go, sample treats with your pup. You can kill two birds with one stone by using these treats during training. When you find that one treat that really gets them to listen, stock up and pack enough to get you though at least the first week. Once you get to your destination you can sample different treats and find a new one they love there. You can bring enough of their favorite treat for the whole trip but if you’re a backpacker headed on a long journey you know that every pound of weight counts and there will be delicious meats and cheese everywhere you go that your pooch will gladly substitute as their new favorite. Remember - this trip is as much for your furry friend as it is for you, so let them sample the new delicious foods with you!
Beds and Crates - bringing the feeling of home to the road
Whether you’re bringing a blanket, bed or crate for your dog to sleep with, make sure this item is broken in for at least a month. You should never get a crate and only use it for the trip. If your pooch isn’t already comfortable with and used to it, they will respond much more nervously to a trip than if they’ve already broken it in. Same thing goes for their bedding. Don’t just bring any blanket or cushion, make sure their smell is all over it and they use it a lot at home already. This will give them the feeling of home in any location.
Mix it up
Animals love routine. Once they have established one, they feel more at ease and likely to behave well. Traveling does not allow for a solid routine. You’re constantly moving around, around new people and having to find new eating and potty spots. If your dog has been in the same routine for an extended period of time and is then thrown into a whirlwind of change - they may react negatively by chewing, being disobedient, or even running away. At least a month before you leave, start doing things that mix up your pups routine. Go to different places to use the restroom, explore new areas of your city, change where you feed them in the house and meet new people. This way the big trip won’t be as much of a shock and they’re more likely to behave while you’re abroad.
Muzzle training / carrier training: preparing for ground transport
Trains in Europe are generally pretty pet friendly but they with either require that your pet be in a carrier or have a muzzle on (or so they say - I didn't encounter any issues on my trip but the company rules state the above). Whether these rules are enforced or not, make your dog comfortable with either wearing a muzzle or being in a carrier for long periods of time.
Some charges may also apply. For example, if the dog is over the ‘small’ limit and not in a carrier no bigger than 60x35x35cm (23x13x13in) you’ll most likely need to get them a ticket at half the fare of a normal ticket. Again, this can depend on the season, the country, the train and even the workers but better to know the posted rules than to be caught off guard.
Follow these tips and your pup will be as ready as ever for their grand barkpacking adventure. Don't be lazy and skip out on essential steps that will drastically enhance (or lessen the trauma of) their experience.
Train or Re-Train
You may have a very trained pup but if you don’t already practice regular training, then you should be investing extra time in this up to 6 weeks before travel. Teach your dog new tricks or simply practice important basic commands. You want to make sure they’re sharp as a tack when you embark on your new adventure because there will be many distractions and new sensations (especially if you’re going abroad) that will confuse and throw your pup off their game. Reverting to training and use of commands will make them feel more at ease.
Find the most scrumptious, irresistible treats
Before you go, sample treats with your pup. You can kill two birds with one stone by using these treats during training. When you find that one treat that really gets them to listen, stock up and pack enough to get you though at least the first week. Once you get to your destination you can sample different treats and find a new one they love there. You can bring enough of their favorite treat for the whole trip but if you’re a backpacker headed on a long journey you know that every pound of weight counts and there will be delicious meats and cheese everywhere you go that your pooch will gladly substitute as their new favorite. Remember - this trip is as much for your furry friend as it is for you, so let them sample the new delicious foods with you!
Beds and Crates - bringing the feeling of home to the road
Whether you’re bringing a blanket, bed or crate for your dog to sleep with, make sure this item is broken in for at least a month. You should never get a crate and only use it for the trip. If your pooch isn’t already comfortable with and used to it, they will respond much more nervously to a trip than if they’ve already broken it in. Same thing goes for their bedding. Don’t just bring any blanket or cushion, make sure their smell is all over it and they use it a lot at home already. This will give them the feeling of home in any location.
Mix it up
Animals love routine. Once they have established one, they feel more at ease and likely to behave well. Traveling does not allow for a solid routine. You’re constantly moving around, around new people and having to find new eating and potty spots. If your dog has been in the same routine for an extended period of time and is then thrown into a whirlwind of change - they may react negatively by chewing, being disobedient, or even running away. At least a month before you leave, start doing things that mix up your pups routine. Go to different places to use the restroom, explore new areas of your city, change where you feed them in the house and meet new people. This way the big trip won’t be as much of a shock and they’re more likely to behave while you’re abroad.
Muzzle training / carrier training: preparing for ground transport
Trains in Europe are generally pretty pet friendly but they with either require that your pet be in a carrier or have a muzzle on (or so they say - I didn't encounter any issues on my trip but the company rules state the above). Whether these rules are enforced or not, make your dog comfortable with either wearing a muzzle or being in a carrier for long periods of time.
Some charges may also apply. For example, if the dog is over the ‘small’ limit and not in a carrier no bigger than 60x35x35cm (23x13x13in) you’ll most likely need to get them a ticket at half the fare of a normal ticket. Again, this can depend on the season, the country, the train and even the workers but better to know the posted rules than to be caught off guard.
Follow these tips and your pup will be as ready as ever for their grand barkpacking adventure. Don't be lazy and skip out on essential steps that will drastically enhance (or lessen the trauma of) their experience.