Travel and the Family Pet

As a child, do you remember what traveling with the family dog was like? Maybe you have recent experiences.

The dog roaming from one lap to another. The dog getting in the driver's lap. Either to cuddle up there or to look out that window. Needing to stop so the dog could go pee. The potty walk, the water stop.


On one camping excursion, It began to rain and we were not near camp. The wet dog was in the car with the rest of us wet ones. Good thing he was a dachshund. The dog smelt the worst. No telling what he had rolled in. Whatever it was, it stunk worse on that wet dog. On top of that, he has eaten something that did not agree with him. He threw up and not in one spot either.



The other non-camping trips. I can remember my parents calling ahead for reservations. Whether or not the hotel would accept a dog. Many hotels, in the '60's and '70's would not take dogs. Or, a hotel charged extra for a dog. It was like asking for a roll away and being charged for that.



Dad, would ask if the dog could stay home. They could get someone to stop and take care of our dog. Mom, would roll her eyes and give him that seething look.



Through any trip, the dog got in Dad's lap or to look out the driver's window. Seemed like this always happened while Dad was in heavy traffic, bad weather or on a bad road. Mom just sitting there, not offering any help. That's when Dad, would roll his eyes.



The dog even went to Knots Berry Farm and Disneyland just as many times as I had been as a child. The leash, the food, Dad carrying the dog, Dad sitting on a bench with the dog. Because he was tired of standing in line or carrying the dog all over the place.



If we didn't take the dog with us, the maid could not clean our room. Because the dog would not let them in the room. There was the time the dog ate Mom's favorite sandals. If the dog got left behind, there was always the poop to clean up and the spot in the carpet to wash out.



Throughout my life, I have observed others traveling with their babies. Often thinking, "That's like going anywhere with our dog. It's hard to tell". The first time I thought that, I was about seven. That thought popped into my mind every time I noticed someone traveling with a baby.

(I'm sure many mothers would challenge that .)



Now days, traveling with a baby is easier. And so is traveling or not, with a dog is easier. There are even strollers for dogs too. Or, to leave your dog at the vets office or a dog sitter. There are doggy hotels and dog walkers. Locating dog collars, crates and food and water storage that collapse to make packing for the family dog 50% better and easier for the family/packer. 'Way" much easier that it once was.

Today, the advantage of information and products available to dog owners is enormous. From information to browse, to call about, to easy buying access. There is a wide range of products available, especially on the Internet. Ordering from the Internet is easy and simple.

When ordering dog products (or anything else for that matter) off the Internet, read their policies. Make sure that somewhere in their information, it is stipulated that, "information is secure with us, we do not sell or give your information to anyone else for any reason." Some kind of words to that point.

Any site, that has https, is a secure site too. One can think of the 's' as 'security'. A site with the 's' has gone the extra mile to invest in a secure site. Which can be costly too. That is why it is important to make sure that your information is Safe with any site.

I find more ideas on the Internet. I can find do products, check prices out and availability much easier than stumbling around and starring in a store. And I don't have a clerk trying to help me, nor am I having to turn them away. Seems easier for me, to make a better decision.

When it comes to my dogs ( I have 4 wonderful strays), I need to think about weight and measurements. Not all products in a store show this. The store products either don't fit or one store will have this, another that.

I find better dog products, at better prices, in estores that are not Big Name stores. Even in the estore side of a Big Name Store, there are way too many selections to sift through. Staying away from the Big Name estores. It is easier to walk through the other estores and look at their products. Easier to find a good price and add it to my cart.

When comparing my dog product to the Big Name estore, I find I have a more appropriate product at a better price. With less time and less foot work too. I always feel satisfied with this.

There is also important travel information pertaining to traveling with your dog. If by car, boat, RV, or on airplanes. There are sites that provide this information for you and the benefit of your dog. Many sites have good tips to offer and even inform the reader of each airline company's regulations, when boarding with your dog. (Depending on the size of your dog, depends on where your dog can stay in the plane.) There is information about which hotels and campgrounds accept dogs.

It was interesting to find just how many hotels an campgrounds will not accept dogs. Yet most hotels would rather have the dog verse the child. (Doesn't say to much for children's behavior does it?)

There are improved pet carriers, crate products, even harnesses that attach to a seat buckle. Dog products that are adjustable to all kinds of cars to make a vehicle dog friendly and comfortable. Cots, food and water provisions. Toys for the vehicles, toys for the trip, toys for at home. Guess there is something out there for almost any need/want a person could think of.

I said 'almost'. There is no way, that I have a handle on what a person could think of or want for their dog and why. There might be someone out there who needs a pet product for a specific reason and want.

For me, I like and care about dogs. I have learned a lot about dogs and the good products for them. Learned from browsing the Internet. At one point, I thought I knew a lot about dogs. I grew up with animals. The Internet has broadened what I once thought I knew. And showed me that there was way more out there to learn. It I ever have a question, I go to my browser and find a good answer.

Being a dog lover and one who likes animals a lot, I joined forces and we started our own estore. For information about our store, visit us at http://www.ourdawghouse.com/.

For other areas to browse, try these:
http://www.petswelcome.com/ This site has much travel information and good tips. Not only is there information here on which hotels accept dogs, but also, which B&B's, campgrounds and ski areas accept dogs. Also on crate tips.
http://www.gogreendogbeds.com/ For the 'Green' dog owner. There are wonderful dog products for anyone shopping for dog products. With some interesting blogs about particular dogs and other tips. Spend some time at this estore.
http://www.wonderdogs.bc.ca/ This is a novelty information. Bob Kersen and his Wonder Dogs perform with amazing strength and fun. Watch the videos. Dog training is also available, to actually become a dog trainer yourself.
http://www.dockdogs.com/ This is another site with fun videos of dogs performing. Of all sizes and years of age. Dogs perform, jumping into a huge pool of water. They cover lots of footage sailing through the air. The site also shows when and where the next competitions will be. Offering order forms as well.

There are probably a dozen more sites I could share. Like I said, "I have learned a lot" on the Internet just browsing around through dog things. Guess I am kind of interested in the subject.

Most of us, when it comes to our family dog, we treat him as a part of our family. His needs become like the rest of our family. We do the best we can if not better to provide for our family members and their welfare.

The traveling days I used to know, of traveling with the family dog, has sure changed. For the better in many ways. Improved ways so the family dog is not walking over our toes, the gas pedal, in and out of our laps in an effort to get comfortable. The dog can stay safely in a hotel room and the hotel maid can come in the room too. No more poop or pee spots to have to clean up. No more chewed up sandals.