This week’s question comes from Quincy in Oshkosh, Wisconsin:
“I have always taken my dog, Jasper, on camping trips and road trips. But my girlfriend and I are going to Bermuda for our anniversary and need to leave Jasper home. I’ve never left him behind and don’t really know what to do. How do I make this comfortable for my dog and less stressful for me?”
This is a fairly common dilemma and one that causes nearly every dog owner stress and anxiety. Thankfully, we have a game plan for traveling without your pooch.
Gadling: Pet ownership is a wonderful thing. Several of us Gadlingers have dogs, cats or wives – and we all travel – so we can relate to this problem. While leaving your dog behind can be stressful, you can make things easier for everyone (including your dog) by planning well in advance.
Your dog is not your only best friend
The best case scenario is having someone you know and trust dogsit for you. Hopefully, you have a friend or family member who lives close by, knows your dog and can watch him for you. In advance of leaving, spend extra time with your friend and your dog so that they can bond and get used to each other. This will make the transition easier when they are alone together.
If your friend can stay at your place while you are away, even better. Your dog will feel comfortable because he’s in his own home. If having your friend stay at your home is not an option, be sure to bring your dog to your friend’s home a few times before you go away so that it becomes a comfortable space.
Details, details, details
Write down everything that you can think of that will make watching your dog easier. This includes:
- Your contact information and itinerary
- When and how much food to feed your dog
- His walking schedule
- Any behavioral quirks (he’s scared of the vacuum, he chews shoes, he hates the sound of Lady Gaga’s voice on the radio, etc.)
- Your vet’s name and contact information
- Any preexisting medical conditions and instructions on how to deal with them
Boarding
What happens if you are traveling with all of best dogsitting options or no one is available to watch dog? In a pinch, you can find a boarding facility. The upside is that you dog will be staying in a space specifically designed to keep dogs safe and comfortable. The downsides include the cost and potential for illness.
Boarding is never cheap. If it is your only option, seek recommendations from your vet or friends so that you know that it will be money well spent. Visit the kennel before your trip to meet the staff and allow them to interact with your dog. Ask for a tour of their facility to make sure that you are comfortable with the cleanliness. Ask questions, listen to their answers and build a rapport with them.
Creature comforts
Be sure to give your friends (or the boarding facility) some of your dog’s favorite toys, more food than needed in case your return is delayed, the dog’s bed, leash and poop bags. It may also help to leave a shirt or other article of clothing that smells like you. This has been said to comfort dogs in their owners’ absence. For your friend’s sake, refrain from leaving underpants. Your dog shouldn’t be comfortable with that smell anyway.
No matter who is watching your dog, it’s your job to ensure that they have all the supplies that they need. They should not have to go to the pet store to pick up anything unless there is an emergency situation.
Accidents happen
Changes in routine can cause dogs to get anxious. Even the most well-trained dogs will urinate in the house, vomit or chew on things if their owner disappears for a few days. Explain to your friend that you will replace anything that is broken or stained by your dog. Then be sure you actually do so if that happens. Let your friend know how your dog has reacted to stress in the past so that they aren’t caught off guard.
Help your friend prepare their home for your dog’s visit. Spend time assisting them with tidying up, hiding any fragile or treasured items and creating a comfortable and safe space for your dog.
Check in
While you’re away, give your friend a call, shoot them an email or send a text message. Something to let them know that your trip is on schedule. Don’t be a pest and call several times a day, though. Just check in enough to make you comfortable and let them know that you’ll be home soon.
Say thank you
Watching your dog may be a joy for your friend (they get to play with your pup, have a companion and maybe even pick up women) but it is also a burden. The best thank you is a gift from your trip to let them know that you were thinking of their generosity while you were away. Find something that properly thanks them for their efforts in easing your mind and making your dog happy. That means buying them something more substantial than a souvenir spoon. Taking your friend out for dinner after you return is also a wonderful way to say thanks.
Leaving your dog behind will always be somewhat stressful. You can mitigate that stress by properly preparing yourself, your friend and your dog well in advance of your trip. Hope you all come home to wagging tales when you return home.