39% of Americans opt for going on a Road Trip as their vacation, many preferring the flexibility it offers and how easy is it to take their furry best friend with them. Taking your dog on a road trip can be great fun for both your dog and your family, but it does mean your dog will need to be content sitting in the car for long periods of time, which may require some training beforehand. It’s also important to prioritize your dog’s needs to keep them safe and comfortable.

Getting used to the car

Not all dogs will automatically get into a car and sit down. Many will be cautious and uncertain about whether they want to get in or not. Encourage them to jump in themselves and give them a treat for doing so. Teach them a command to go with this. Get them to sit, and then let them back out of the car. You may want to include them getting into a secured crate that will be used for your road trip or tethering them in via a harness. Once they’re comfortable with this, start taking them out on short trips, such as to visit family, friends or go somewhere new and exciting for a walk. This will teach your dog that sitting in the car results in something enjoyable.

Doggy rest stops

Your dog will need more rest stops than you to keep them comfortable. Depending on the size of your dog, their breed, how much they drink and their age you should stop every couple of hours. Make sure you park somewhere safe where your dog can get out to stretch their legs, do their business and have a sniff around to provide some mental stimulation for them. Dogs can experience motion sickness the same as humans but you may not have spotted this in your dog on shorter journeys. Regular stops are essential to help relieve their symptoms and give them a chance to hydrate if they have been sick.

Planning your hotel stays

Traveling with your dog takes some additional planning to ensure things go smoothly. You need to make sure any hotels, b&b’s and motels you plan to stay at are dog-friendly. There are several websites dedicated to this, but it’s a good idea to contact the hotel directly, particularly if you have a big dog, restricted breed or more than one dog. It can be difficult to know when you’re going to arrive at your destinations when you’re on a road trip as you may hit traffic, have car problems or arrive earlier than planned. Do your research of the areas you plan to stop in so that you know of any dog-friendly hotels nearby.

You need to be prepared to put your dogs needs above your own if you take them on a road trip with you, but it saves you having to put them into kennels and worrying about them while you’re away, plus they get to enjoy spending time with you and exploring new places.