Advice on travelling with a dog

Greg63 · Newbie

Advice on travelling with a dog

The Travelling Dillberries · Guru

Hello Greg, welcome.

We have two Malteser crosses that have been traveling with us for 4 years.

They love the car so when we go out they stay in the car if its not too hot. If its too hot we dont go or do something else. Had a couple of Golf presentation dinners that last about 3-4 hrs, they just sleep in the car.

They certainly put paid to a lot of things we thought we may do when traveling but that is the choice you have to make. In 4 years we have never been in a Nat Park, but still have plenty of other places to see. (not entirely correct, i deliberately drove into one in Tassie to stir the wife up, no problems)

I have a Bun..ngs steel mesh fence that i enclose the awning area with. They stay in that and the van during the day, when we are there. Never leave them "home alone". Most pet friendly parks will not allow dogs being left in vans when owner not there.

Plenty of walks morning and night, good for all! Has restrictions but also benefits.

Good luck.

Chris.

Peter_n_Margaret · Guru

National Parks include some of the very best country in Australia. None allow dogs.
Cheers,
Peter

The Travelling Dillberries · Guru

Peter_n_Margaret wrote:
National Parks include some of the very best country in Australia. None allow dogs.
Cheers,
Peter

Not quite correct :...

"Trained assistance dogs for vision and hearing impaired people are permitted in national parks, but it is advised that you bring appropriate identification with you. For other assistance dogs, such as companion dogs and guide dogs in training, please contact the local Parks and Wildlife staff before you head out."

Brownie 64 · Veteran Member

Hello Greg63,

We are 18 months into our lap & travelled parts of NSW, VIC & TAS & have 2 Jack Russells, they are part of our family, so obviously they have come.

We are both in our mid 50`s & in all honesty have `been there & done that` with regard to the need to eat or drink out regularly , choosing the odd cafe these days which will accommodate all of us & there are plenty around, you will miss out on some parks etc, but there is still more than enough to see with the dog in tow, when the need to go to a supermarket arises, we share the minding duties, more & more accommodation facilities are geared up these days for the traveller with dogs, WikiCamps is our go too.
Take your dog , as I remember so many said before we left `what are you doing with the dogs ` my standard comment was ` what would you do with your kids `

the rocket · Guru

If you decide to take the dog, always take it with you. Never leave it alone in the caravan. Just yesterday, our neighbours did this and the dog barked its brains out. Not a good way to make friends. Guess the irresponsible dog owners thought it a good idea to go out and enjoy themselves while the dog suffered separation anxiety and the neighbours had their day ruined. Manager spoke to them. Most places we have stayed at do not allow pets to be left alone and that includes showgrounds.. a lot of people travel with pets and are responsible and happy with their choices. Guess it comes down to what you want. Some places you can pay for doggy daycare. Oh and a very warm welcome. Enjoy your travels. Rocket n strop

-- Edited by the rocket on Saturday 18th of January 2020 12:10:35 AM

Eaglemax · Guru

Agree with other dog owners comments above.

In 2016 we did the standard bitumen "lap" and took our mini Foxy. She loved the trip. Didnt enter National Parks but gladly gave that up for her company.

We also attend cafes for outdoor dining for our dog. We only leave her in the van if grocery shopping and it's cool weather and less than one hour.

We understand anyone not comprehending travelling or even owning a dog but she is family and we dont even think about leaving her in a kennel. Some dogs are extremely close to their owners and would fret heavily in such a new seemingly hostile environment.

There is many factors that come into travelling with a dog's. The size is one thing, noise another (ours is typical mini foxy yapper but we are proactive in keeping her quiet), whether you use van parks (rarely do we) or plenty of space in low cost/free camps.

We just bought our 3m x 3m awning with side wall and plan to buy tennis court netting to allow her to roam within that confine. We have for some time had a high cushion between us in our old car (harnessed) where she sits and does her animal watching....roos her specialty

Tony

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Hi Tony, I reckon she would be a bit partial to the bunny as well.

Me, I choose not to have a dog. I don't want to be tied down. My choice. Doesn't mean I don't like 'em though. I do prefer a small dog to big one but have had both when my kids were little. The kids were not the dogs. The dogs were the dogs. I have also house sat with dogs and will still do.

In fact, I had a Mini Foxy and a Samoyed for 15 years. Unfortunately they both went on ahead the same year.

Keep Safe on the roads and out there. (with or without dogs)

SouthernComfort · Guru

Greg63 wrote:
My wife and I are planning our first trip but she wants to take the dog and I am not so sure. I see that a lot of parks allow dogs, but what do you do if you want to go out for meal or shopping etc together and the dog can't come. I don't like the idea of leaving him in the van on his own so what do you do. Any advice would be appreciated. Greg

So this will be your first trip - of many? Naturally you are committed to your dog's welfare which means your lifestyle may involve a few compromises, so a few factors to consider: Assuming you already know whether or not he's a good traveller, work out your alternatives e.g. if you don't take him with you can a friend/relative look after him, or would you need to board him? If you intend to travel often will that boarding option be sustainable for the dog, the carer and your wallet? Dogs are extremely faithful and quickly suffer separation anxiety which only escalates in an unfamiliar environment. Our small dog is diabetic and can't be boarded due to her strict feeding regime and insulin injections twice a day. Fortunately she is very quiet and a great traveller, and just happy to be with us. We have found no suitable way of leaving her alone even for a few hours when travelling, so if we eat out we only go to outdoor restaurants/cafe's with her. When it's time to shop, one of us does the shopping and the other stays with the dog. This and a few other small compromises just have to be made, and so what if we miss out on few sights? While we still have her it's worth it.

Possum3 · Guru

SouthernComfort wrote:
so what if we miss out on few sights? While we still have her it's worth it.

Totally agree, my red heeler crossed the rainbow bridge (20 y.o.) - Child bride adamant that we can't get another. I do a lot of house/dog sitting, but I miss my faithful mate every day.

-- Edited by Possum3 on Saturday 18th of January 2020 04:41:21 PM

terrola · Veteran Member

i travel solo also have a king charles cavalier with her bed means bed to sleep i have put her in van and i have sat outside for a hr or so to listen many a time not a peep out of her so i dont have any problems with her in the car the same if i need to go into a shop but never on a hot day of course she does not restrict my travels at all

cjt55 · Senior Member

We travelled with out beloved Molly (RIP beautiful) for 4 years before she passed away. We have no children so Molly was our baby. However, she was taught to behave herself with the travels. She quickly learnt not to bark unless people came into our camp defines. We NEVER left her in the van alone whilst we went out and only one of us went shopping as the other stayed with Molly. There where lots of places we could not go but we took note of those places and went back to those when Molly was gone. My opinion, take the dog, do as I did and if you are still travelling after the dog has gone go back next time around and visit the places you couldn't see before. We are still travelling but would not get another dog until the travelling bug has gone. So ... take the dog but adjust accordingly.

ausfran · Newbie

What a fabulous little dog. She looks gorgeous.

Greg63 · Newbie

thanks all that replied. I've decided the dog can come. Regards Greg63

yobarr · Guru

Greg63 wrote:
thanks all that replied. I've decided the dog can come. Regards Greg63

Happy wife,happy life....and she wont need to continually worry about Towser! Enjoy your travels.Cheers

Scenicview · Member

Part of enjoying starting off on our first travels will be taking our dogs with us, a little old girl chihuahua and a new Italian greyhound puppy, we may have to miss a few things but having them with us will be worth it, cheers Carol