Training and Preparing Dogs for Long Distance Travel

Preparing your dog for a long-distance car journey can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, it can be a hassle-free experience. When using a pet transport service to handle the journey, there are extra considerations to keep in mind to ensure your dog is comfortable and well-prepared. Training your dog for long-distance travel is crucial for a smooth journey. This guide covers everything you need to know so you can feel confident that your dog will be safe, relaxed, and ready for the road ahead.

Dog Travel Training Preparations

As expert dog trainers who specialize in obedience training, we have worked with countless dogs to prepare them for various new situations, including long-distance travel. Whether your dog is naturally calm or tends to get anxious in new environments, the right training can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth journey. Here are our tried-and-true techniques to help you train your dog for the road. These training tips will equip your dog with the skills they need to travel comfortably and safely.

1. Crate Training:

• Purpose: Crate training is essential for both car and air travel. A crate provides a safe, familiar space where your dog can feel secure amid the unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells of travel. Proper crate training ensures that your dog associates the crate with positive experiences, helping them settle more easily during the trip.
• How to Train: Begin by making the crate a normal part of your dog’s daily routine. Encourage your dog to spend time inside when alone and for bedtime. Close the door for short periods to help them adjust comfortably. Use the crate consistently at home and during car rides to help your dog more quickly become familiar with it.

2. Desensitization to Travel Sounds and Movements:

• Purpose: Travel can be overwhelming due to unfamiliar sounds and motions, especially on airplanes or long car rides. These new sensory experiences can cause stress or fear, leading to unwanted behaviors like barking, whining, or restlessness. Desensitizing your dog to these stimuli helps them stay calm and composed.
• How to Train: Gradually expose your dog to the sounds and movements they might encounter during travel. For example, you can play recordings of airplane or traffic noises at a low volume and gradually increase them as your dog becomes accustomed. Practice short car rides, gradually increasing the duration and varying the routes to simulate different travel experiences.

3. Calm Behavior and Obedience:

• Purpose: Maintaining calm behavior is crucial during travel, especially in situations where your dog may need to stay still for extended periods. Calmness not only helps prevent anxiety but also ensures the safety of your dog and others. A well-trained dog that can remain calm on command will be less likely to react to external stressors, making the journey smoother and more enjoyable.
• How to Train: Reinforce basic commands like “sit,” “stay” and “down” in different environments, including busy or noisy places. Practice these commands in a moving vehicle to help your dog stay calm and focused. Reward calm behavior and gradually increase the duration your dog can stay in a relaxed state.

4. Leash Training and Controlled Entry/Exit:

• Purpose: Proper leash behavior ensures your dog remains under control during stops or when navigating areas like rest stops. Controlled entry and exit are vital for preventing accidents or escape attempts, especially in unfamiliar environments. Teaching your dog to calmly wait and respond to commands when getting in and out of the vehicle reduces stress and enhances safety during travel.
• How to Train: Practice walking on a loose leash and work on commands like “heel” and “wait” before exiting the car or crate. Teach your dog to wait calmly before entering or exiting vehicles, preventing them from rushing out and potentially getting lost or injured.

5. Addressing Separation Anxiety:

• Purpose: Addressing separation anxiety through targeted training helps your dog build confidence and learn to manage their stress when you’re not around. Proper training aims to reduce their anxiety and prevent destructive behaviors or excessive vocalization when left alone.
• How to Train: Begin by making your absences a normal part of your dog’s daily routine. Start leaving your dog alone for reasonable periods right away to help them adjust quickly. Maintain a calm demeanor during departures and returns, avoiding any big fuss to minimize anxiety. Consistent practice and patience will help your dog feel secure and adapt to being alone with greater ease.

Getting Used to the New Driver

1. Familiarization with the Driver:

• Purpose: Dogs are more likely to listen to and feel comfortable with someone they know. Familiarizing your dog with the transportation driver can build trust and reduce anxiety. The drivers at CitizenShipper are all experienced and knowledgeable, and you can read their reviews and chat with them before booking your ride.
• How to Train: Arrange for the driver to spend time with your dog before the trip. This could include taking short walks, playing, or even having the driver offer treats or meals. This will help your dog associate the driver with positive experiences, making them more likely to listen and feel at ease.

2. Transfer of Leadership:

• Purpose: Dogs respond best to clear, consistent leadership. Transferring this role temporarily to the driver ensures your dog knows who to listen to during the journey.
• How to Train: Have the driver practice basic commands with your dog, such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come,” in your presence. Gradually step back and let the driver take the lead, rewarding your dog for obeying. This reinforces that the driver is someone to be listened to and respected.

3. Familiar Commands and Cues:

• Purpose: Consistency in commands helps your dog understand and respond appropriately, even with a new person.
• How to Train: Share your dog’s usual commands and cues with the driver, including any specific words or gestures you use. Practice these commands together with the driver giving the instructions and rewarding your dog for following them. This helps your dog respond correctly, even if you’re not the one giving the commands.

4. Balanced Training Approach:

• Purpose: A balanced training method combines positive reinforcement with appropriate corrections to strengthen your dog’s behavior and obedience, making them more likely to listen to the driver.
• How to Train: Encourage the driver to reward your dog with praise or a favorite toy for good behavior and following commands. If the dog exhibits undesirable behavior, apply gentle corrections to discourage it. This balanced approach helps your dog understand expectations and fosters a respectful, attentive relationship with the driver during the trip.

6. Comfort Items and Scent Transfer:

• Purpose: Familiar items and scents can help your dog feel secure and reduce anxiety when traveling with someone new.
• How to Train: Pack your dog’s favorite blanket, toys, or a piece of your clothing that carries your scent. These items can comfort your dog during the journey, making them more likely to stay calm and listen to the driver.

Getting Along with Other Dogs

Often but not always, your dog will be transferred with other dogs. Though the drivers are well-prepared to make sure each pup has enough space and attention, ensuring that your dog gets along well with other dogs during a long-distance journey or in any new environment is key for a harmonious travel experience. Here are some training tips to help facilitate positive interactions:

1. Socialization with Other Dogs:

• Purpose: Early and consistent socialization helps your dog become comfortable around other dogs, reducing the likelihood of aggressive or fearful behavior.
• How to Train: Introduce your dog to a variety of other dogs in controlled environments like dog parks or training classes. Use a balanced approach by rewarding positive interactions with praise or a favorite toy, and providing gentle corrections for undesirable behaviors. Gradually increase the level of distraction and excitement as your dog becomes more comfortable, helping them learn appropriate responses in different situations.

2. Balanced Reinforcement for Calm Behavior:

• Purpose: Reinforcing calm behavior helps your dog maintain good interactions with other dogs and encourages relaxation.
• How to Train: Acknowledge and reward your dog for calm behavior around other dogs using praise or play. If your dog displays unwanted behaviors, apply gentle corrections to discourage them. Practice in various settings to generalize the behavior. For example, praise your dog for sitting quietly while another dog approaches, and calmly correct any signs of overexcitement. This balanced approach helps your dog understand expectations and fosters appropriate social behavior.

3. Controlled Introductions:

• Purpose: Controlled introductions with the other dogs who may be sharing a vehicle ensure that your dog and new dogs meet in a structured way, reducing the chance of negative interactions.
• How to Train: Use a leash or long line to manage the initial introductions. Begin by having the dogs in each other’s presence at a comfortable distance, encouraging them to remain calm and neutral. Monitor their body language for signs of stress or aggression and intervene if necessary. Keep interactions short and positive, gradually decreasing the distance as your dog becomes more comfortable while maintaining neutrality towards the other dog.

Preparing your dog for long-distance travel requires more than just packing the essentials; it involves thorough training and advance planning to ensure a smooth journey. By dedicating time to the proper training, you lay the foundation for a stress-free experience. With careful preparation and consistent training, you can confidently set out on your journey, knowing that your dog is well-equipped to handle the adventure with ease.