Your Golden Retriever is part of your family and your Golden loves being with your family. Being away from its family would be very depressing for your Golden Retriever. So it you plan on taking a trip by car, why not take your Golden Retriever?
It would be a lot of fun and an exciting experience.
If you do decide to take your Golden Retriever, here are of few tips for traveling with your Golden Retriever
Getting Ready For The Trip
Once you decide where your destination will be, check for hotels or rentals that are “pet friendly”. There are a few websites that can give you information about the policies on breed and weight restrictions. DogFriendly.com, VRBO.com, and BringFido.com, to name a few.
Also, inquire about any extra charges that you may be charged for your Golden Retrie
ver. Some rentals or hotels may charge extra for cleaning. So its good to know what to expect.
So that your Golden will have all the comforts of home while your away, you should pack the following:
- Food and enough water to last the car trip
- Food and water bowls.
- Dog bed or blankets
- Any medications
- Favorite treats
- Favorite toys
It’s a good idea to keep your veterinarian’s phone number with you in case of an emergency.
Also make sure your Golden’s collar has an ID tag on it with your dog’s name and your correct cell phone number on it.
During The Ride
While in the car ensure that the area your Golden Retriever will be in is safe and secure. You can use a dog crate, a dog car seat, a dog car harness or a dog hammock. Be sure to use one that is the appropriate size for your Golden Retriever.
When I first took Buddy in the car, he would lie across my lap. I didn’t drive. It was a very uncomfortable ride for me. He was also very excited. So its a good idea to take your Golden for a walk before he gets in the car. It will probably calm your dog down a little.
After a while he got used to the car. I had a dog car harness to keep him secure and I always sat next to him which made him relax. Also, I could tend to him if need be.
It’s a good idea to take your Golden Retriever for rides in the car starting from when he is a puppy. Take your Golden to the park or the beach. Some place where it is fun. Your Golden Retriever will associate a car ride with something fun.
Remember, you will have to stop every few hours in order to give your Golden Retrieve a potty and water break. Please, never leave your dog alone in a hot car. You should never leave your dog alone in a car more than a few minutes. If you can avoid never leaving your dog in the car at all, that would be best.
You’ve Arrived At Your Destination
You have arrived at your destination and your Golden Retriever isn’t sure where he is. Take your Golden for a walk. Let him take his time and become 
familiar with his surroundings. Inquire about dog designated areas.
You should also inquire about restaurants and shops where dogs are allowed.
When you go into the room, surround your Golden Retriever with his familiar possessions. Put out his bowl of water, food bowl, bed and toys,
Before you leave your Golden in the room alone, give him plenty of time to sniff around and become familiar with his environment. Close doors to any rooms you don’t want him to wander into while you are gone.
Do not leave your Golden Retriever alone for long periods of time. Your Golden will not be used to the surroundings and may become depressed.
Putting a radio or television on will not make him feel so lonely while you are away.
Have Fun
The Golden Retriever is a great dog to take on vacation. Goldens are active and playful and always ready for a good time, especially when he is with his
family.
Golden Retrievers love the out doors so hiking, long walks or the beach are good family activities.
My friend took her Golden Retriever to Cape Code every October. He had the run of the beach.
Remember
As I stated before, Golden Retrievers love being with their families. Participating in family events like going for long car rides or vacations will make your Golden very happy, They crave attention and need to be with you.
It’s a good idea to prepare your Golden for trips to different places. It doesn’t have to be a long car ride. Get your Golden Retriever used to the car and going to unfamiliar places. Your Golden Retriever will come to appreciate these activities.
Also, train your It Golden Retriever to be reasonably behaved. Having a well behaved dog will make your stay at a dog friendly rental or hotel a more pleasant experience, dog friendly rentals or hotels will ensure that these establishments will remain dog friendly..
Taking your Golden Retriever on vacation with your family is far better than having to research and put your Golden in a kennel.
More and more families are traveling with their dogs. It’s a trend that growing every year.
It’s the perfect family activity for the Golden Retriever. You could almost see him smile.
