| Author | Message | ||
     Jeff Mclaird (Granitedisco) Member Username: Granitedisco Post Number: 58 Registered: 08-2003 |
My wife (bless her) wants to take our boxer along on a long (+/- 30 days) trip. In the back of the Disco - Has anyone done anything similar - anything apart from the obvious (food/water/toys and doggy bed) I should bring along ? thanks Jeff | ||
| Axel Haakonsen (Axel) Moderator Username: Axel Post Number: 663 Registered: 02-2003 |
When we went out to Truckhaven for ICS2, Sean Wolf brought his dog with him from Chicago. He only brough the usual, i.e. food, water, toys, leash, pooper scooper and a blanket for the dog to lie on in the car. The dog was fine, but we obviously had to make a few extra stops to walk the dog, and spend a few minutes letting her run on her long leash to burn off some excess energy. It probably depends on how much your dog likes to go on trips in the car to begin with, too. Sean's dog likes to ride in the Rover, but even so, after a few days we noticed that she did seem to be more and more reluctant to get back in after a stop. She is a young retriever with a lot of energy, so it's understandable that she would rather run around outside the car....  - Axel | ||
| Jens St�rmer (Jenzz) Member Username: Jenzz Post Number: 54 Registered: 08-2002 |
I would say it's a great idea, but it hangs on what kind of trip you plan. We always take our dogs with us at trips, and I always felt like they enjoy every second. Here a two pics of "Buddy" he sadly passed away three weeks ago and we miss him so much. My advice would be to share as much time with your dog as you can, so either plan a "dog friendly" trip or stay together at home. http://www.stoermer.com/images/sleepy.jpg http://www.stoermer.com/images/tripolis.jpg The second picture was taken in Tripolis. I recently wrote a text for Jack Peters' upcoming book, were I tried to give some further advice on travelling with dogs. I'll check with him if it's ok to put it in here or mail it to you. | ||
| Jeff Mclaird (Granitedisco) Member Username: Granitedisco Post Number: 59 Registered: 08-2003 |
Thx Jens/Axel - we're hoping to get organized enough to do the Arctic trip with Victor and Co - so the planning starts now | ||
| Jamie (Rover_puppy) Senior Member Username: Rover_puppy Post Number: 586 Registered: 05-2003 |
Jeff, A camera, patience, and your sense of humor! Seriously, much of what you "should" take depends on your dog's needs, temperment, and what will keep all of you the most comfortable and happy. This may very well include taking your boxer along for the trip - especially if it keeps your wife happy! You will have a much better time!! I sure hope you don't regret asking your question. I've got lots of input about traveling with pets because my dogs and I have been traveling "as a pack" for several years. For the most part, dogs will adapt to anything. My dogs are happy and content no matter where we go or what we do - they are only miserable if they think they might be left behind (this has never happened, but it can be annoying during the prep and loading process since they camp out by the door directly in my path). Call ahead of time if possible to make sure about restrictions or if your dog is "allowed" to go places. Ask "what if" questions to avoid putting yourself, your dog, or anyone else into an uncomfortable situation. For instance, I signed up for a trip this last fall (which had to be postponed) that travel through a "no dogs allowed area" (Canyonlands) on the last day out. I was told that I would be given exact directions for the last day to drive around the restricted area and to meet back up with the group after they traveled thru this area. This was fine with me, I'd much rather be with my dogs, but I also tried my best to look ahead, and asked a "what if I was too scared to drive around by myself?". I honestly had no plans of doing this, but I wanted to know ahead of time for my own peace of mind what would happen in this case. I found out that if this happened, that I would be fined $100 depending on the circumstances and if I was being honest as to why I abandoned "the rules" to drive thru. Knowing that if I ended up in this situation - I'd be begging the ranger to get me out of the area, not just "breaking the rules", so I put $100 extra in my trip budget, just in case. When you leave home, put the practice of "tread lightly" into overdrive. This will make everyone more comfortable, safer, and will keep areas open for allowing dogs. Not everyone luvs dogs - so being a responsible dog owner is best for everyone. If necessary, let others know what your dogs are communicating. Mine bark like crazy at anyone new that they want to visit with. This bark is totally different from their aggressive protective bark. Anyone who doesn't know them well could mistake their "please come visit me" bark with an attack bark, so I tell their target "visitor" that they don't know how to ask them to visit politely. Begin to stash "supplies" right where you need them and leave them there at ALL times (even when you are at home). This way, it requires no "extra effort" on your part to take them along. Don't ever deviate from "procedure" and you'll never have "extra work". I put my dogs in and out via the rear drivers side passenger door. I keep a small plastic water dish, a collapsable fabric "bowl", an airtight zip lock bag of dog bones (snacks), and a few "poop bags". Their leashes and collars ALWAYS go on the rear drivers side floor between a one gallon jug of water and my winch accessories bag. You'll also have to keep the area safe from them harming themselves (like I keep my winch controller wound in a circle and velcroed to the drivers seat head rest handle support at the door - so I am careful to add an extra loop of velcro when on the highway and also tuck the ends of the controller in the top of the pocket that carries "their supplies". I keep a sip top bottle (like for bicycles) in the passenger side rear seat pocket where I can reach it from the drivers seat. I also keep a roll of paper towels in a the huge zip lock freezer bags a container of wet ones on the floor of all doors except the drivers. I carry an old towel at their entry door and also at the rear cargo door (for drying them off, wiping feet, etc). Waterproof seat covers - you won't have to be concerned about how much mud or water comes in. The same goes for rubber floormats. My dogs get the entire back seat for their use. I have a dog guard to protect all of us from potential missles of flying cargo - everything is tied down. Experiment with "double-duty" of items you need to carry. For example, I like to sleep on a pillow from home, so I put a pillow cover on it (to keep it very clean!) with the daily pillowcase - then stick a folded clean pillow case inside of it - that way my dogs can use it for a naptime pillow and I get to use it at night by putting the clean pillow case on. A pelican 1520 case fits perfect right behind the center console on the rear floor. I store HEAVY stuff that I need to keep easily accessable, moves the weight of stuff further forward, AND extends the backseat area for my dogs. Those twist in the ground metal dog stakes are a must! I carry one for each dog and have both 10 and 30 foot leads with hooks. To keep them handy and travel safe, I store them inside the cargo bin. I cut 2 heavy duty strips of aircraft grade velcro to further secure the lid of the bin for travel safety (I also carry my bottle jack in there). I secured 2 extra "open" strips of velcro directly above the cargo bin near the ceiling so that when I open the bin I can temporarily stick the velcro closures up there (otherwise I will loose them!). I found some hose at the hardware story and cut it in small pieces to slide on and cover the sharp ends of the dog stakes when not in use (I carry a few extras of it in my glove box in pelican micro case where I keep replacement fuses. I have an ARB frig on a transit slide lock in my cargo area. It has a metal bar (the handle) that faces the cargo door. I wind up their leads and keep them secured to that with velcro straps (this way it takes only seconds to remove them and store them). I NEVER allow my dogs to run loose. Nor do I allow them to ever think they will be able to. Leashes and collars are on before they are ever allowed out of the backseat - even when we are at home. They also wear their collars and leashes on the way to getting in my truck. I use my rear shackle as a tie up spot frequently. I hesitate to mention this unless you are totally safety minded at all times and NEVER start your truck unless dogs are in the backseat. If my dogs are "chomping at the bit" to get out, I'll loop their leashes to my rear shackle while I twist the dog stakes into the ground. Depending on where we are, I also clip their 10 or 30 foot leads directly to my shackle. I carry surveyors tape and keep it attached to the hand-holds on the ceiling where my dog guard attaches. I use this to mark the permimeter of the area that my dogs can reach by tying the tape from my truck and a tree or whatever else is nearby. This is especially important for visibility at the end of trailrides during post ride clean-up/maintenance. Dogs are territorial even if they are not aggressive - and will go after anything in "their territory". If another truck comes back from the trail, I don't want them to accidently run over my dogs when my dogs decide to come out from under my truck to herd theirs. In any case, keeping them safely secured benefits everyone and leaves you free to do whatever you need to do when you stop. I've mentioned velcro straps and they are a must as far as I'm concerned. I buy a handlful of them for .97 each at Boaters World whenever I am there. I lose alot of them (and lose them too), so I keep "spares" on all sides of my roofrack rails so that I can easily rip one downward when needed. They are great for securing trash bags high on my rear ladder. I always keep one there on the trail and it has stayed there securely on the highway when I have forgotten to throw it away when coming off the trail. Keeping a trash bag there also guarantees my dogs my dogs get lots of company and interaction when everyone else uses our trash bag Food & Water: When preparing for a trip, I fill zip lock freezer bags with dog food. I put one scoop of dog food (which equals "one meal") in each bag. 2 dogs eating 2 meals per day = 4 individual bags per day. I store the small individual bags in large size zip lock bags for double protection and ease in carrying. I don't allow myself or my dogs to be "too comfortable" so that we can make it no matter what our circumstances. My dogs always get some "people food" with (or in addition to) their dog food so that their tummies would be fine if we were ever without dog food (and vice versa). I like to keep things very simple on the trail, so for lunch I usually eat peanut butter on very smashed up bread. I keep dog bones in the bag of where the bread gets smashed (which is fine with me!). After I use plastic knife to put peanut butter on my bread, I put some on a few dog bones for them, then throw the knife in trash bag. In our heat, drinking fluids is very important in the heat. Gatorade is great for keeping electrolytes balanced in the heat and I drink it often. When I need it, I figure my dogs do too - so I pour some into their water bowl (they luv it!). As a general rule, if I drink, they drink. If I eat, they eat. If I take a "potty break", they go along and have a "potty break" too. This makes things easier for me since we are all taken care of at the same time. This even applies with comfort/medical care. I carry OFF childrens strength bug spray and OFF (double duty) clean up wipes. If I spray myself with OFF, I spray them too. My vet filled a pelican case for me with K-9 medical supplies, but I can leave it behind and still care for them with human supplies/meds (like Benedryl, pepto bismo, etc). I do my best to make sure that what choose to carry will work for all of us, that cuts down on "dog" supplies. My dogs get their bi-weekly baths outside with the garden hose with regular shampoo and conditioner (not doggy shampoo that smells icky). This keeps "baths" simple even when we are away from home. Learn about the "hazards" of any areas you will be in and be prepared to protect your dogs if necessary. For example, in Florida we have alligators. Dogs are their favorite food and they can smell dogs 1 mile away (which is another reason my dogs don't run loose and they are by my side). Carry extra meds they must have in case you don't get back home when it is time for them (like once a month Heartguard chewy). I'm not a fan of chemicals on or in my dogs, but I have gotten them vaccinated for lyme disease. I also started them wearing Preventic Plus collars and use K9 Advantax whenever we go into the forest. So far we have not had any ticks, but I do carry a (tiny) tick removal kit in my medical supplies. It contains everything needed to remove a tick and retain it in a speciman bag (in case if disease). AAA has a book "Traveling With Your Pet" that lists all accomodations by state where pets are allowed. Most states also have specific books. In Florida, we have a book "The Florida Dog Lover's Companion". It lists hotels, campgrounds, parks, restaraunts, etc where pets are allowed. I have gotten to go to the absolute neatest places that I would never have experienced if not for my dogs! Most places require a nominal pet fee, but it is still way cheaper than boarding. Watch what your dogs do, you can learn from it and might end up more comfortable yourself. For example, we were in a blazing hot sandpit and my dogs dug out a deep hole under my truck. I didn't know it was nice and in the hole until I reached under with their water bowl. They ended up with the company of me and 2 freinds in their "cool spot" while we watched everyone else play on the sand pits. When exposing your dog to anything new, assume that your dog won't handle it well until such time as you are 100% certain of how they will react (or not). If you display total confidence as "leader of the pack" they will feel totally secure. Animals can sense fear in humans and if you feel fear, they are going to go on alert and do what their ingrained senses tell them to do - which is to go on the offensive to protect "the pack" they live in, which means protecting you and your wife. On the other had, they will also be the best warning you could ever have if danger approaches. In any new situation, you will all be learning together, no matter how well seasoned you are. For example, I have been learning to use my winch. My dogs hate this new sound and think that they need to protect me from it - which would be a huge disaster for everyone! There is no way that I could ever safely use my winch while also watching them, so when it's winching time - they go in the backseat with all windows up to a height that they can't jump out to "protect" me from my winch. None of us are trustworthy (yet) in this area - but it's up to me to teach us all and keep us safe in the process. Expect a few mishaps in the learning process, but try to keep them minimal. I've closed my winch controller cable in my window a few times when raising it, but that is minimal (in my opinion) compared to dogs attacking winch. When my dogs don't like something that they must get used to, I'll resort to stupid goofy happy over-animated expressions in my communications to demonstrate that something is fun, not fearful. Currently, after winch usage, I tell them what a good girl I am for saving us with winch! They don't totally believe me yet, but I have been animated enough that they look at me with questioning looks rather than trying to get out to attack my winch. Put your dog to work whenever possible. Dogs were made to work and they still need to have "a purpose" even when traveling. Not only that, it will keep them from boredom, mischief, tire them out, and cut down on your work load. Besides, it is totally heart-warming and humorous to see that cute "I'm important" look in your dogs eyes! Kelty makes a wonderful chuckwagon dog pack. They are adjustable for any fit, safe, reflective at night, and your dog can carry his (or her) own supplies. Once you find out what works best for "your pack" to travel with a dog, it is guaranteed to be the best unconditional companionship, luv, and enthusiasm (without complaining) you'll ever get on this earth. You know how sometimes you wish you could just stop and throw your passengers out? this never happens with dogs!! Besides that, their backs make great soft furry pillows for napping. And, sleeping back to back with a dog keeps you warm Good Luck, Jamie | ||
| Jamie (Rover_puppy) Senior Member Username: Rover_puppy Post Number: 587 Registered: 05-2003 |
Jens, I'm so very sorry to read about Buddy. I can't imagine the grief you must be feeling in your loss. My heart goes out to you. Jamie | ||
| Jens St�rmer (Jenzz) Member Username: Jenzz Post Number: 55 Registered: 08-2002 |
Thank you, Jamie. Buddy enjoyed every single moment of his 10 1/2 years, but that doesn't make it easier if the last day arrives. Your text on dog travel is brilliant, I can't imagine you wrote something that good "on the fly"? | ||
| Jeff Mclaird (Granitedisco) Member Username: Granitedisco Post Number: 62 Registered: 08-2003 |
Jens - my condolences too - Hootch is another part of our family and I know what his loss would mean to us. Jamie - the dog travel info is superb - I now it sounds a bit daft but I hadn't even thought of talking to the vet prior to the trip - apart from the normal checkups. Its a funny but true fact that owning and being involved with Landy's goes way above and beyond just owning a truck. Jeff | ||
| Jaime (Blueboy) Senior Member Username: Blueboy Post Number: 846 Registered: 02-2002 |
Jamie "sums" it fairly well. As far as dogs off-leash, it depends upon your dog and the situation. Our Labs are off-leash 95% of the time as that is how they were trained. If we are entering a park with a large amount of folks, they start off on leashes just so the people don't freak out. Key for us has been much excersize during the drive. On our trips back to PA., we have found certain stops where they can both go swimming which is great for a Lab. There really are many hotels/motels that allow pets. A decent and more commonly found is Comfort Suites. Large room which makes it nice. We also carry their beds with us as it makes them more se | ||
| Jeff Mclaird (Granitedisco) Member Username: Granitedisco Post Number: 65 Registered: 08-2003 |
Have to get hootch actlimatized to a new bed soon - he has a huge bed that will never fit in the disco - but we did get a 3 room tent so he can have his own room Jeff | ||
| Jamie (Rover_puppy) Senior Member Username: Rover_puppy Post Number: 593 Registered: 05-2003 |
Since my "trail crew" consists of 2 dogs, a friend mailed me an article awhile back I will never forget. My heart was so touched by the story that I was in major tears when I finished reading it. I kept it on my desk and read it twice more that week and I know I cried harder each time. It was about a who had lost his very best freind and trail partner, a dog named Flinders. It was a beautiful and heartbreaking tribute to Flinders. I don't remember the man's name, or even what his dog looked like in the picture - but I'll never ever forget the name Flinders for as long as I live. They sounded like a perfect match, were an incredible team, and shared much together. It was so sad. If I remember correctly, the man and Flinders had begun their adventures together. As Anne of Avonlee would say, I felt like I had read about a kindred spirit. When I started off roading, my dogs were the only ones who were willing to go with me. I still think often about Flinders - he comes to mind at least twice a week. Something really neat happened recently. I was in another town visiting a friend and told him about the Flinders story. Darned if he did not know someone who personally knew the man! He told me that the man had just gotten another dog and was happy again. Hearing that sure made my day!! Now when I think about Flinders, I wonder how the man and his new dog are getting along. Jens, when I read your post, Flinders was the very first thing that came to mind. I hope that a day will come when your grief is lessened. If wishes come true, I wish for you that when the time is right - another dog will come into your life and begin to fill up the ouchy spots with new joy. It happened for a man with a dog named Flinders, so it can happen for you too... | ||
| Ron Brown (Ron) Senior Member Username: Ron Post Number: 636 Registered: 04-2001 |
I would not hesitate to take puppy. The car is the only place she is good. If it is just me she sits in the P/S seat. I fill in the foot well so she can lay down when she gets tired of sitting (this takes about 6 hours). If it is alyssa and I she puts her head on the center armrest. | ||
| Jens St�rmer (Jenzz) Member Username: Jenzz Post Number: 56 Registered: 08-2002 |
Can't resist to post two more pics: beachball.jpg sand.jpg |
