Traveling with a Dog

Taking my own experiences, and those of friends, I can certainly say that your dog needs as much equipment as you do. If you're going on vacations in you own car, you can adapt better to your Golden Retriever's needs. On ferries are dogs are sometimes not allowed to leave the area where the cars are. And on a plane, a dog the size of your Golden has to be transported in the luggage deposit, and it wouldn't be convenient to put him through this sacrifice just for a short period of occasions. On trains, your dog can usually stay with you, but it is recommended that you and you get informed about how it is abroad. You could also first goal on a "test-trip" to make sure your Golden is ready to hit the road with a travel dog kennel.

If you're willing to go on a longer journey, several days, by foot or on bicycle, you can only take your Golden if he is conveniently trained. Many family dogs are used to walking one or two hours a day; therefore, don't be amazed if your dog is as cramped as you are after a long walk. With a well-educated Golden, you can go almost anywhere - be it a rented house or a hotel or a trailer. In the restaurant he lies down under the table, doesn't bother and doesn't jump on top of the table. In the best cases, the other guests only notice his presence when you leave the restaurant. Take along a familiar blanket for the hotel room. Logically, you have to clean his dirty paws before entering the hotel! Like at home, you are responsible for whatever damage your dog might cause while on vacations.

And if he can't go with you: In spite of all your considerations, it might just so happen to be that your dog can't go with you on your occasions; therefore, before you even buy the puppy you need to think about where you can leave your dog in case of an emergency board your indications. Leaving him with your relatives or in a private place would be the best solution, only as a second option should you consider an animal pension. Make sure the person who will be taking care of him knows what the characteristics of the dog are, and give that person enough food and necessary items to last until you return. If your dog and the person who's taking care of him can get used to him before vacations, you will be able to have peace of mind.