Tales from our Travels

In the past I have written articles about my travels with the dogs and this time I want to share about our recent trip to Prince Edward Island. I was a little stuck on what to talk about, but as I started to think of the dogs' behaviour with the different environments that we went to, I came up with a few ideas.  So I would am going to combine some observations as well as recommended training scenarios that I experienced during my vacation.  

To begin, this year I brought my youngest dog Zita, Elfie, and B with me. Tulip and Frolic got to stay home as 5 dogs can be a bit much to travel with.  As each day went by I seemed to look at the trip more through Zita’s eyes as Elfie and B have travelled a lot over the last several years.  Zita, growing up in a semi rural household like mine, is used to a lot of off-leash activity (backyard) or walks on a long line.  As most of you know when you travel with your dog they need to be on leash in public places. Needless to say we had a few zoomies on leash with Zita due to the frustration of being stuck on a 6 foot leash most of the time except for the occasional long-line walk. A few of the campgrounds had a “dog park” for Zita to run but she missed her friends as Elfie and B were not the best play companions. 

Most dogs we met during our travels weren't the best at being calm when seeing other dogs on leash. I found a lot of people would shorten their dog’s leash and hold them tight, not giving much of an option but to be still and watch me. At some times I could cross the road or change direction and others I would pull out my treats put my dog on the other side of me and walk.  Zita was a little disappointed that there was not the option to make a new friend. 

From Elfie’s perspective he was a little more reactive this year, barking more at people and dogs when we passed face-to-face than in past years. It could be due to age, lack of patience, not seeing as well, or being more tired as it is harder for him to keep up the walking and touring. Of course, B just followed along getting in some good nap time.

To be honest what I remember the most in relation to my dogs and our trip is that they were fantastic travellers in and out of the motorhome and I felt comfortable with them in any situation.  Whether it be in a campground or a town we were touring on the streets and shops.  As well as having them settle while we had supper on a patio.

My advice for the other travellers and yourself is to brush up on your walking skills, feel comfortable walking your dog on both sides, walking past another dog face to face and keeping your dog’s attention with treats and practice as you sometimes need to move through a tight space.   If your dog is young and you plan on travelling with them routinely, start the training now so you can enjoy your vacation instead of worrying about how they will react when they see another dog or enter a new environment. Work on having your dog able to do tricks with distraction so they are able to wait outside a store or go to mat so you can have a nice meal and bring your dogs with you. It always feels great when the people walking by comment on how well-behaved your dogs are, since yes we (my dogs and I) have made the effort