Questions about traveling alone with my dog

[deleted]

The time is approaching for me to head out on a 2 week road trip to pick up my trailer in Michigan. I'm still on the fence about whether or not to bring my dog Kitai (pronounced Key-tie) with me. He's not too big, around 25 pounds and I made sure there's enough space in the trailer for both of us to be able to sleep comfortably. But we've never traveled this way before so I'm just not sure how he'll react to being cooped up in the trailer at night and he's not really a fan of car rides. He gets in, curls up on the seat and waits to arrive at the destination. He never stands up or even tries to look out the window so I'm a little worried that long days of driving won't be fun for him. But, my friends say he'd rather be with me than home alone with the cat while hubby's at work. Which is true.

So here's why I'm not sure if it will be good or bad for him to come along:

1. Normally I don't ever leave him in the car unattended (I'm more concerned with someone stealing him than anything else) but if I bring him with me I'd have to leave him in the car or trailer just to run into a grocery store or restaurant. I'd make sure to do grocery store runs first thing in the morning before it gets too hot out.

2. It appears most KOA's allow dogs for an extra fee but do most other campgrounds?

3. I also realize this means I may not be able to do some site seeing if the location doesn't allow dogs. But I'm wondering for those who travel with dogs do you find there are plenty of outdoor tourist attractions that are dog friendly these days?

4. I'm also concerned from a safety stand point if he needs to go to the bathroom while I'm traveling will I need to be super cautious about where I stop to let him out? He's always on leash so by safety I mean both his and mine. Are most rest areas, gas stations, shopping areas, and cities along interstates safe to do this? I'd only be driving during the daytime so I'm thinking it would be ok but neither of us are very intimidating looking.

5. Would I need a health certificate to take him from state to state?

Is there anything I'm missing that I should be thinking about?

Any comments will be appreciated.

[PKCSPT]

He is so adorable,,,

I travel with one or both of my dogs. Dixie does the same thing, gets in lays down all curled up and sleeps. She seems to know it may be a long car ride and settles in. Lance is up and down up and down looking out the window and getting big nose prints all over. Maybe Kitie is the same way as Dixie, just settling in?

As for stopping, sometimes I can not find away around leaving Lance in the car while I run into a rest area or store or whatever. I worry about dog napping because he would go with anyone and I have never heard him bark to defend the car. I make sure it is as quick as I can, sun roof opne and side windows down part way parked in the shade and never on a day over 85 if there is anyway I can plan around it.

As for safety I have not felt unsafe in Minnesota yet traveling alone. The only time I know of you need all the health certificates is going to Alaska through Canada or Hawaii but is it a good idea to have them with you anyway.
And just because he is a 100 pound black dog I do feel safer, most people prefer not to meet him. Good idea his tail is a deadly weapon when it gets going. lol If Dixie is with me she makes a great alarm dog cause she will bark at people to let me know they are there but will quiet down after.
I mostly camp in Mn state parks where dogs are allowed
I look for places that accepts dogs, which does limit us but I prefer walking outside anyway

[deleted]

Thanks for the insights Karen.

My last dog was 110 lbs and marked like a Rottie or Doberman He was a sweetie but no one would have known because people would cross the street when I'd walk him to not be near him so I know what you mean about having a dog most people don't want to meet. There's no way we could have fit in this trailer together.

The trailer has two large'ish windows and a vent/fan in the ceiling so I think he'd be comfortable for just a few minutes as long as it's not too hot out. We'll be traveling in northwestern states for the most part so at this time of year I don't think heat will be a problem.

Though he's not imposing in size Kitai is a tough little guy. If he even notices a car driving slower than normal while we're out walking he'll watch it and start growling at it under his breath. I have no doubt he would protect me if something happened, I just don't know how successful he would be given his stature.

[Verna]

Stacie:
I have traveled a lot with Sunny Day in the past 3 years, camping and a combination of camping/motels/KOA cabins.

Sunny has her own bed in the back seat, a shaded stick on "thing" on the window and she asks for water when needed. She watches, sleeps and is well-behaved. She also asks to go out as needed.

When I have to go in somewhere, I have an O2 battery operated fan that I turn on. It keeps the air moving, and a bit cooler. I always check the time so I have a defense if someone says I left her for too long.

If your dog is like Sunny Day, all she wants in life is to be with me. She waits patiently for me. Because of my tinted windows, most people don't even know she's in the Escape.

Yes, she has growled at a couple of people who scared her, but she would lick them to death if given the chance!

Campgrounds seem to be pet friendly. I just spent 12 days in state parks, plus another 4 days this weekend. She always has her leash on her, and people enjoy seeing her just as much as they like seeing me. She sleeps in the Silver Shadow when I'm in the restroom and never causes a ruckus.

Just let your dog know your camper is his home, spend time inside with him, and put him in there for increasing lengths of time alone and you two will he fine.

There have been no additional fees for her at the state parks I've stayed at in Illinois, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Indiana or Michigan. I can't remember if the KOA's charged an additional fee for her. I prefer state parks over KOA's--more privacy, prettier, natural beauty rather than commercialized stuff. Oh, and cheaper!

I keep a copy of Sunny's latest Vet records in my glove box. They came in handy when she got sick two weeks ago. I used the YP app to find a Vet, made an appt and they loved that I had her records.

Rest stops and gas stations are used to people traveling with pets. Just be a good dog owner and take bags to clean up after your dog. In some places, it's the law. Most rest stops have a designated dog areas.

Most of all, just have fun. Your dog will tell you if he doesn't trust a person...there should be few, if any, of those characters around.

[TPMcGinty]

Maybe you should try taking an overnight camping trip to a local campground to see how he does. If he has a problem you will be close to home. I wish my dog would just lay down and wait during a drive. He is all over the place never sitting still. It irritates me a little and drives my wife crazy.

[iplay10us2]

I almost always travel with my 2 dogs. They have been to Georgia, South Dakota, New Mexico, Florida, Colorado, and so on. One is about the size of your dog, and the other is a little smaller. I have an small SUV, and have the back seats down and keep them in a crate while traveling. I usually only camp at state parks, or forest service campgrounds, and all have allowed dog at no extra charge. I have left my dogs in my teardrop for short periods of time while I have been kayaking, and in the car for quick trips to the grocery store if it isn't too hot.

I have never felt unsafe at rest stops, but I am always aware of my surroundings. I have also let the dogs out to pee in the grassy areas when stopping to fill up for gas, or somewhere getting lunch.

When I was in South Dakota, I knew I was going to be gone most of the day touring with my sister, so I found a doggie day care for that day.

[jeff0520]

This thread: http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=49994&start=15 Might be useful to you

[deleted]

Thanks for the link to the thread! I tried searching "dog" but all I learned is people here sure like to talk about hot dogs

I really appreciate everyone's insights. I've decided I will bring Kitai and hope for the best.

If I can park in State Parks that would be cool. Since I'm not sure when I'll be anywhere I'm not sure if I'll be able to get a reservation. I've been told here in Northern California there's a several month's wait to be able to reserve an RV slot at a State Park. If nothing else most KOA's seem to have availability since people would rather stay at a park.

Taking an overnight camping trip is a great idea but we'd have nothing to stay in. I'm not a tent camper and if we stay in a KOA cabin or hotel that's not going to be the same as sharing the 4'x6' trailer together all nice and cozy. There is a place that rents teardrops here but theirs will be too heavy for my Acura Integra to tow. The trailer I had built weighs in at 554 pounds.

I'm also thinking I can try Kitai out in our cat's stroller. Yes, that's what I said. LOL. Hubby and I used to walk to the mall together on weekends. Kitai would come but our cat would have to stay home. Then one day I saw a tv show where the people got a stroller so they could bring their cat on walks with them. Our cat is so mellow he took to the stroller no problem and hubby loves the cat so much he was willing to push it while I walked Kitai. Squash just sat there and watched the world go by. It's big enough for Kitai to fit into so I'm thinking if I put him in the stroller I may be able to bring him to some places that don't allow dogs to walk around but they won't care if he's off the ground in the stroller.

[mezmo]

Hi Stacie,

When we have traveled with our dogs [in a 4-dr VW Rabbit] we have had no
problems at rest stops using the designated pet areas. Our dogs [now down
to 1] have always been cage trained. They sleep in them at night and go in
them when we are not at home. They like them as they feel safe in their
"den". We never put them in as a "punishment". It is by far the best way to
control them. So they travel in the car on the long trips in their cages, so it
is something they are used to and are comfortable in and with. We also always
cover the cages with a bath towel or cloth when they are in them - similar to
what you do to bird cages. That's a hint we got from a breeder in the past.
It helps to keep the dog(s) calm, and it has worked worked like a charm for us.
We also always have them in a harness [Make sure it is comfortably snug
enough so he can't wriggle out of it.] and on a one-length leash at all times,
even in the cage. It beats the heck out of chasing down a dog that has slipped
out of its collar that the leash is attached to. And never use those variable length
retractable leashes when traveling, the dogs are harder to control on them
in my view. Keeping them close to you is important for controlling them
for their and your safety.

If it is hot we let the car run with the AC running if we have to make a fast
trip to the rest room or store and we need to leave them in the car. We have
another set of car keys we take with us, so we can get back in the car.

I would make sure that all of his shots are in order and also take copies of the
immunization records and the contact info for your vet. It just makes dealing
with any pet medical emergency much much easier. Also I'd get him whatever
shots that are necessary to board a dog ['Bordatello' and kennel cough are a
couple that come to mind] in case something comes up and you'd have to board
him for a day or two in the meanwhile.

Even saying all that, I'd say it might be a better idea to leave him at home this
time - providing he gets along with your husband ! It'd be one less thing to have
to manage while you're retrieving your new little jewel on wheels and are becoming
familiar with trailer towing and 'trailer duties'. It does cramp your "style" if you have
to travel with a pet, especially in summer, but if you have to or decide to, if you just
think ahead it is manageable.

Cheers,
Norm/mezmo

[Backroads4me]

Stacie, your little guy is so cute! Take photos of your dog, (both sides, front, back, etc.) and keep with the vet records you carry when you travel with him. That way, heaven forbid, if he gets lost somehow----you have current photos handy to copy and give to local pet shelters, the campground, make signs to hang in that area, etc., along with your address/phone number. Is he microchipped?

[deleted]

Thanks for the tips Norm. I'm really torn. On the one hand I agree the trip would be a lot easier on my own. On the other I'll be glad for the company and though the dog loves my husband, hubby is more of a cat person so he tolerates the dog. In other words, he will feed him, take him outside, etc. but he won't pet him and he won't talk to him. I'll be gone for two weeks so that's a long time without any affection for Kitai. Plus there's a chance that hubby will be sent out of town for work while I'm gone so it just seems better for Kitai if I bring him with me.

He always has a collar with a tag on 24/7 and he was micro-chipped before I brought him home from the shelter. When he's out of the house he also has a soft harness on. He's never slipped the harness but he has slipped his collar a couple of times once he realized he can, with enough force, back out of it.

In the car I got him a doggie "seat belt" which is a short length of lead. You clip one end to the harness (never a collar) and run the loop handle through your car's seat belt before fastening the seat belt closed. Basically he's belted in by his harness which keeps him from becoming a driving hazard to me if he did decide to try to run around the car and, more importantly, if we're in an accident it can keep him from becoming a projectile or from being ejected.

Kitai is crate trained but we never use a crate at home. Just no need. The trailer will be too small to use a crate. Though I will bring one as a just in case and keep it broken down in the car. I say broken down because it's too big to set up in the car because my car isn't that big.

Kitai is used to 6' leashes, that's what we use at home, and I only use a retractable if he needs to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night in our own backyard as he'll sometimes fake wanting to go out to go to the bathroom when he's really going out to bark at a opossum or a raccoon. LOL As soon as he gets out there I can tell why we're there. If he's got to go he calmly walks to the lawn. If he's on the hunt he bolts out the door growling under his breath. While traveling I will leave the retractable at home because I don't fully trust them either with strong dogs and even though he's small he's solid, like a bulldog. People are always shocked at how heavy he is when they try to pick him up.

And Deb thanks for the tip of just-in-case-he-gets-lost pictures. I think I'll print up a dozen lost signs and keep them with his paper work so that if he ever does get lost we can fill in the location on the spot and then make more copies to post. I'll also add push pins and tape to my tool kit. I can pull even more photos as needed from the internet because Kitai has his own website at http://CutestDogEver.com. It's a pro-adoption site I built after I found him at a shelter and realized what great dogs there are available to adopt. Now, he's also kind of a celebrity because every year I make him a special Halloween costume that will drive traffic to his website the rest of the year. He's been on the TODAY show and his photos used on the Tonight Show and Jimmy Kimmel in funny montages.

[rebapuck]

Make sure he has a tag with your cell phone number. He might be just around the corner when the finder calls.

[deleted]

Thanks Judy he does. I like to use the harness to clip the leash to so that if he ever did slip out of the harness his tag would still be on him. His collar only comes off when he gets a bath

[S. Heisley]

Stacie, just an idea: Walmart has fold-up wire-framed nylon kennels with loops to thread a seat belt through for about $14. Even though you have a hard-sided kennel and a harness, you might want to invest in one of these. The reason is that the dog can sort of hide in it, within the car. This is especially helpful if you are leaving him alone for even a few minutes. It is then that he will probably be the most concerned about his surroundings. If you find that he doesn't like it or that you don't use it, you will not have lost much and you might even be able to take it back for a refund. My dog loves his. I put a small rug inside, on the bottom and he crumples it up according to the temperatures, etc. He likes it so much that I sometimes have trouble getting him to leave when we get home. Also, I offer him water every time I stop, (rest stops, gas stations, etc.) whether he wants it or not. I think it lets him know that I am thinking and caring about and for him. If he has a favorite toy, take it with you. Like a child, little things can mean a lot.

While you're out shopping, pick up a small thermometer so you can monitor the internal temperatures of the trailer. Knowing how the interior of your trailer heats and holds heat (or doesn't) will make you feel more confident about what you can do. Even though you are just picking up your trailer, each time that you check that thermometer will make you feel better about how to deal with situations in the future. My trailer doesn't seem to heat up any more than the ambient temperature of the outside shade temperature, even with the sun baking on it; but, every trailer is different. I don't know if the aluminum exterior will make a difference in yours or not. Undoubtedly, the trailer will stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter than the unattended car will. Like Karen, I also carry a battery operated O2 Cool fan and my dog loves it on warm days. It also helps move the heat sometimes when I am cooking. (I have a non-powered vent...don't remember what you have.) Operating the O2 Cool fan at the low setting will give fresh batteries about 14 hours of run time.

No matter what happens, chances are good that the dog will feel better with you than at home or in a kennel somewhere that you aren't. That's just the way dogs are. They love their good person with all their being and want to be with him or her.

Just one caution for you....I doubt that you are going to be driving through North Dakota; but, if you are, don't. There are several areas that simply aren't safe there, these days...especially for females traveling by themselves. Stay in safe campgrounds. KOAs and National and State campgrounds are pretty safe. (Some do charge a small fee for dogs; but, it isn't usually much.) Try to stay in campgrounds that have camp hosts as they will watch out for you if they know that you are alone.

Keep in touch as you make your trip; and, if you need help or advice, chances are that someone here will be near where you are and able to come to your aid. The people here, on the forum, are a good bunch and 99.9% trustworthy. Besides, we'd enjoy seeing a quick blip on your escapades, when you can, as your travel across the country.

[deleted]

Thanks Sharon! Those are great tips.

I wasn't planning to go through North Dakota but that's good to know.

I will definitely get a thermometer. I had the Fan-Tastic Fan/Vent with the two direction fan installed and spent the extra dollars to get the one with the built in thermostat that activates the fan just for Kitai's sake. There are also two windows 30" wide by 18" high on each side directly across from each other to allow cross ventilation. I figure if I leave them slightly cracked when I'm gone (and open when it's safe to) along with the vent fan they should keep the interior as close to the ambient outdoor temperature as possible rather than letting heat build up. And I can definitely get one of the small battery fans.

The pop up nylon kennel I can decide in a couple of days when I get the car back from its safety check, tune up, and getting all of its trailer related additions. I was planning on seeing if my hard side kennel would fit on the back seat. I'm pretty sure it will fit split in two pieces and nested. With his bed inside it would be fine for Kitai to travel in it as his little "space." If I can fit the whole thing assembled I can alway sew a fabric cover to go over it but leaving the vented areas open for air circulation.

For travel water he has one of these that I can use at each stop: http://www.arcatapet.com/item.cfm?cat=11897

And his favorite toy is his Henrietta Chicken which makes an awful, loud, wrenching moan when he chomps down on her. LOL when he plays with it and i'm on the phone the other person will always ask "WHAT WAS THAT?" I was already thinking it would have to be his car toy while we're on the road because it would be completely disruptive at a campground. LOL



I do know Kitai will be happier with me than at home but I don't want him to be stressed out for days on end. If he doesn't do well on the way out I'm going to go straight back. If he does ok I'll visit family and friends on the way back.

Thanks again for your suggestions. You're all helping me feel much more confident about bringing him along with me.