Going out as a solo traveller can be daunting in itself, never mind when you've also got a new four-legged adventure buddy to worry about! But, travelling with your dog is so rewarding, not to mention a lot of fun but there are some things you can do to ensure a great trip and remove any stress or anxiety by being best prepared. Here are some useful tips for travelling solo with your dog for the first time.
Get them used to the van before you go
Just like you had to get used to the van before going away, this is also true for your pup. Have a think about where you want your dog to sit whilst you travel, how to make them comfortable if you leave them in the van and what space will they have when you are parked up on a campsite. Sit with them in the van, practice getting in and out of the van with them. If your dog is anything like my Ralph he will want to be front and centre, head out the window and watching everything that goes on whilst travelling!
If it's your first puppy, I'd recommend reading Easy, peasy, puppy squeezy by Steve Man - a really good book with lots of tips and tricks for training in general.
Plan ahead
When planning your trip, have a look along the route for dog friendly pubs, check out the campsite information on whether dogs are welcome and look for some nice places to stop to walk your dog. You can discover some great trails/beaches/forests you might not have considered stopping at before if it wasn't for the pooch. Keeping them exercised regularly can help to burn off some of that pent up excitement they may have and make them calmer.
Routine, routine, routine
Having a routine for them in all aspects is so important! They should be familiar with different scenarios and how to act - for example at the campsite they should know they have to stay near the van, in the pub they know to sit on their mat and they might get a treat! Every dog is different, but here are some tips that can help to keep a routine.
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- Take a travel bed/blanket when you go out so that they have dedicated space they know to sit/lie on
- Use crate / doggy harness and seatbelt every time when travelling in the van
- Give them lots of rewards and reassurance - give them lots of praise when they get it right, it's all new to them!
- Put the radio on / close the curtains when you leave them in the van - the radio can reduce all the other camping noises that might make them anxious, closing the curtains also means they can't look out the window and bark at things!
- Create an enclosure using a windbreak when parked up to give you some private space and reduce distractions, this way they know their space and what is their 'home'
- Use a Kong or a Lickimat when you want them to settle in the pub/campsite etc
Keep them under control at all times
This can all sound a bit daunting and you will experience some challenges along the way but just remember that is perfectly normal. Keep in mind, travelling together like this is new for you both and it will take time to get used to this new way of life - but I promise it is so worth it! I wouldn't be without Ralph now on my travels, he's by no means perfect but we have learnt so much about each other and continue to learn every day. Here are a few tips I learnt along the way for keeping my dog under control:
- Get a decent lead! Especially if you have a bigger dog, this is so important. I use this Halti lead because it's a great length, but it can be shortened when needed, and most importantly, it has a bungy cord section which really does help reduce the whiplash when Ralph suddenly pulls on his lead.
- If your dog pulls a lot, a Halti that goes over the nose can be useful. This was a big problem for Ralph, especially going into towns or places where there is lots of distractions. It pops over their nose and pulls their head down if they try and pull - this has been a God send and really helps for better control in busy areas - he doesn't like wearing it but he knows he can't pull with it on!
- If you are on a new campsite, and your dogs recall isn't great then a long lead can be good to attach them to the van, but still allow them to have a bit of freedom to stretch their legs without the worry of them sneaking off and pooping by your neighbours door (don't forget poobags!). Just be prepared to untangle them every so often!
- Pub etiquette - If you're not sure what to do with them whilst in the pub, here is a great guide on dog etiquette in pubs
Last, but by no means least, the age old question… 'but what if I need the toilet?' Well, if you can’t put them in the van just take them in with you! I've never had a problem with this (apart from when it's a really small cubicle!) and it gives most ladies a little giggle to see a little doggy nose under the cubicle wall! 😂
Travelling with your dog checklist: