Travelling with a reactive dog

Going away this summer with your reactive dog? Is this idea filling you with dread? The journey can be the most daunting aspect for many owners! I have compiled some top tips for you to help make the journey and your holiday easier! 

Before you leave 

1. Walk your dog before you leave. This may sound obvious but a dog who has had appropriate mental stimulation will settle in the car more readily! 

2. Vet check up to ensure your dog is fit and healthy enough for travelling, especially if they are older or have any health issues. Ensure vaccinations are up to date if need be.

3. Familiarise your dog to the vehicle before the journey if they aren’t regular travellers! As silly as it sounds, some dogs just don’t go in cars regularly so building a positive association for your dog to be calm and happy in a vehicle is something you should build ahead of time! 

4. Consider using a travel crate. Crates can be really useful in helping your dog remain calm. You can block their visual access if they react to dogs outside the vehicle by covering the crate. Be mindful of weather conditions as a covered crate will be much warmer so use a thin cotton sheet just on the side with visibility. 

5. Secure your dog. Whether this means anchoring their crate in the back or boot or using a seatbelt harness strap, it is really important your dog is not able to freely move around the car in case of unexpected stops or be able to jump out the moment you open the door.

6. Plan your journey with suitable places to stop and have a break. Factor in plenty of short rest breaks. 

7. Research your holiday destination for dog suitability at your accommodation and local attractions. Choose quieter locations where you will have the ability to limit interactions with other people and dogs. Ensure your accommodation hosts are aware of your dog’s struggles and how this may need to be managed by you. Most dog friendly places are understanding but it is your responsibility to make sure they are aware ahead of your arrival. 

8. Pack their essential items with easy access to them. Food, water (bottled if prone to a sensitive stomach), lead, poo bags for those short breaks, bowls, medications and first aid kit. 

9. Remember their comfort items, travelling with a reactive dog may increase arousal so by taking their blanket, bed or favourite toy will help them remain calm as they have familiar smelling items in new and unfamiliar environments.

10. ID tags are an absolute must! Please ensure their tags and microchip details are up to date because should your dog get lost in unfamiliar surroundings we want them to be identifiable as quickly as possible. 

Harnessed dog

Dog in a crate in the rear of a car

Dog secured by harness

During your journey

1. Have water available at all times, especially during warmer weather. Travel anti-spill bowls are great in vehicles. I love these road refresher non spill bowls https://amzn.to/44YGvhO

2. Try to avoid feeding before or during the journey to prevent motion sickness. 

3. Keep the vehicle at a comfortable temperature. Be mindful of sunshine coming in through windows. Use shades or light coverings if suitable. 

4. Never leave your dog unattended, even with the windows open. It doesn’t take long for a stationary car to become like an oven. 

5. Break it up! Taking your dog for a 5-10 minute leg stretch will give them (and you!) the opportunity to stretch legs and if you plan ahead, try and find rest areas with some trees or grassy areas for your dog to have a good sniff! Allowing them 5 minutes of sniffing will mentally tire them out and is more tiring than physical exercise. All those new scents should help them be calm in the car again for the remainder of your journey. 

I am part of a blog circle of amazing canine professionals, please click here to read the Finchley Dog Walker's blog!

Written by Clare Jarmaine

Dog Behaviour Trainer

Canine InTuition