How to Train Your Dog for Travel

Posted by Billy Francis

It's never a bad time to train your dog to be a good travel companion. Whether you’re driving to the pet store or planning a future bucket-list vacation, it's important to ensure that Fido knows the rules of the road. All you need are a few proven techniques, the right tools for the job, and a bit of patience.

Sit, Stay and Crate

“Welcome to my crib. Let me show you around!” Photo by Chewy

If you’ve ever traveled with a loose pooch in the car, you know she can be a distraction. Whether she’s climbing in your lap, blocking the view out of the window or accidentally stepping on the gear shift, your pup can be a hazard on the road. It’s much safer for her to travel in a crate. The Go Pet Club Soft Portable Pet Carrier is a sturdy and comfortable choice. Well ventilated and spacious, it’s available in a range of sizes but is best for smaller dogs.

Go Pet Club Soft Portable Pet Carriers start at $28.99 on Chewy.

“I’m just going to close this and go back to bed.”Photo by Chewy


Airline crates must meet IATA guidelines for safe air travel. Before you book, take a look at BringFido’s airline policies for specific requirements on your chosen airline. Then invest in a carrier like the Frisco Plastic Kennel, which is suitable for larger dogs being transported as checked baggage or in your vehicle. Eco-friendly and easy to assemble or take apart, it can accommodate your furry friend’s favorite mat or bed, so he can travel in comfort.

Frisco Plastic Kennel is $89.08 on Chewy.

Crate Training

Once you’ve selected the appropriate crate for your best mate, it’s time to train him to use it safely.

  1. Start off by moving daily meals inside the crate to provide a positive association.
  2. Next, hold a slumber party for one (Fido) inside.
  3. After a few successful sleeps, try a few hours during the day to get him used to being in the crate at different times.
  4. If you give in to whining and let your dog out, this behavior is likely to continue in the future.

Hitting the Road

“This is like riding in first class.” Photo by Chewy

It’s great fun sharing a summer road trip with your best friend, but there are ways to make him a better backseat driver.

Before You Get Behind The Wheel

  1. Practice with short trips to get your pooch used to the road.
  2. If you’re not crating him in the car, consider a seat belt harness to keep him safely secured in the back seat, and reward him for sitting nicely when he’s attached to it. The HDP Car Dog Harness is $9.99 on Chewy.
  3. Before you secure your pup with a harness, install a BarksBar Luxury Waterproof Car Seat Cover as another layer of security. Not only does the cover protect your seats, it also acts as a barrier for overexcited four-legged passengers. You can get your own for $25.99 on Chewy.

Walkabout

“I thought vacations were supposed to be relaxing.” Photo by @zoeythetxwheaten

Welcome to your final destination. Please proceed to the vehicle exit, grab Fido’s leash and set foot on an adventure. Teaching these basic commands can improve your experience in new surroundings.

Leash Training

Before you start leash training, you need the right equipment. Four Paws Cotton Web Training Dog Lead comes in a variety of lengths and is made of durable cotton for everyday use. This sturdy leash starts at $7.05 on Chewy.

  1. If you’ve got to have those commemorative tea towels but the store’s not pet-friendly, teach your pooch to “Wait” at the doorway. Start by using a leash to walk your dog to a door at home. Tell her to “Wait” and proceed through the door. Reward her for waiting nicely. If she tries to sneak through, close the door and try again.
  2. Does your pup like to say a loud “hello” to every new person she meets? You can solve this with another keyword: “Quiet.” When your pooch barks excessively, say the word and reward her for quieting down (even if she only stops barking for a second).
  3. All the excitement might cause your dog to slip her leash and go on a solo adventure. As soon as she makes a break for it, kneel down and calmly say her name. No matter how long it takes, always reward her with a treat when she returns. Practice this in your local dog park or fenced backyard first.
  4. To prevent your pooch from injuring her neck by pulling on a leash that's attached to a collar, purchase an adjustable harness like this one from Ultra Paws. It's available starting at $27.95 on Chewy.

You'll also want to be well-stocked with treats when you’re teaching your furry pal new tricks or exploring somewhere new together. Pet Botanics Training Rewards are the perfect size to keep your pooch interested without overfeeding her. Grab a bag for just $6.98 on Chewy.


Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by BringFido’s affiliate partners.

What’s your best travel tip for dogs? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by Flickr.com/photos/aukirk.