Traveling with your new Golden Retriever puppy can be both exciting and comforting. You have the ease of knowing your puppy is with you and taken care of rather than leaving the pup at the vets or at an animal boarding facility. To help the experience become more enjoyable for everyone involved, here are a few recommendations to consider traveling with your new puppy.
For car travel it is recommended to have a large kennel in the car. This allows the pup to feel secure without being confined in a super-small space. The kennel will also allow for added safety as well. Having your pup in the kennel is much safer than having him roaming around the car unprotected. We recommend that when traveling by car that you use airline-grade pet travel kennels.
It is important that your pup understands basic commands before even considering taking him on vacation with the family. Your dog needs to understand, "Stay", "Sit", "Stop", and "Come". These commands need to be understood for your pup's own protection. You will be traveling and making destination stops and bathroom breaks and your puppy must understand and obey your commands in these unfamiliar areas.
You must also be aware that most animals will/may become motion sick in a lengthy car ride. Drooling and vomiting are all normal when dealing with a car-sick animal. Most animals will become accustomed to travel after the first few times. Placing them where they can see out of the car and/or near a slightly open window, will usually help. If your Golden Retriever puppy is becoming quite sick even after several travels, your veterinarian may be able to prescribe pet-safe anti-nausea medication, which can make the experience a better one for both you and your Golden Retriever.
It is important that you always have your leash handy when traveling with your puppy. You should have easy access when clipping it on to the collar for quick security. You will most likely be making frequent stops and you will need to have this motion down quick for your Golden Retriever's protection and for the protection of others. Another tip that goes hand in hand with having a leash is having a pet ID tag. You must be sure that your Golden Retriever has all identification tags securely attached to this collar. These tags should include your name and contact phone number, the number to your vet, and or the number to your close neighbor or relative. This will help increase the chances of your pet being returned to you if something unforeseen were to occur.
Another handy tool for fun and safety is a tie-out for your Golden Retriever pup. It is a very good idea to have a portable tie-out on hand for destination stops. This will allow your pup the much needed relaxation and rest while being secured in a safe manner. Make sure it has at least some water and shade available.
You will also need to remember to pack more than the normal amount of daily dog food for your pup. This is always important so that your pup will not only have his/her daily recommended portions of food but will also have extra on hand if you had to stay away a day or two longer than previously planned. You will also want to be sure to have enough water on hand for long trips, and it is recommended that you keep some frozen water pops for your pup to lick during those long hours being stationary in the car.
Remember to bring some of your Golden Retriever's favorite toys along for the ride as well as a few new toys to spark his interest. This will keep your pup comfortable and occupied.
Don't forget the law! Pack plenty of plastic bags and a pooper scooper for cleaning up after your Golden Retriever pup. It is not only sanitary, but in most states it is actually required by law that you must clean up after your pet.
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