When going on a trip, many dog owners think about whether they should take their pet with them. Traveling with a puppy can be both an enjoyable adventure together and a real nightmare. Therefore, it is worth taking this issue seriously, considering the pros and cons of this event.
Puppies and adult dogs are creatures with a high nervous organization. They, like people, can experience complex deep feelings: joy, fear, anxiety, insecurity, longing, sadness, and others.
One of the most dangerous feelings that can cause both psychological and physical harm to a puppy is stress. At the same time, stress can cause both a long journey and a long separation from the owner.
Therefore, when deciding on a joint trip, it is necessary to consider whether the puppy will experience stress and from what exactly. It is recommended to choose the option that will bring the puppy less stress.
In addition, you need to consider the pros and cons of traveling together.
Cons of traveling with a puppy
1. Difficult adaptation to climate change. Puppies of some breeds, for example, Siberian Husky, Spitz, etc., do not feel well in hot countries, they can easily get heatstroke. Hairless dogs can get sunburn. Dogs with short and smooth coats can get hypothermia in countries with cold climates. Therefore, the owner will have to be on guard all the time and make sure that the puppy either does not overheat or does not freeze.
2. Long stay of the puppy in public transport. Sometimes it takes a long time to get to the resting place by public transport, which puts the puppy in an awkward position. For example, not all puppies, due to their age, can endure 4, 5 or more hours. Moreover, if you have to fly with the puppy on an airplane, then the baby will have to spend several hours in a special carrier and, possibly, in the luggage compartment. Therefore, it is worth assessing in advance whether the baby will withstand such a test.
3. Difficulties with placing and visiting public places. Every year in Europe there are more and more public places where you can be with dogs. There are fewer such places in Russia and other less developed countries. We should also mention the reservation of rooms. One has only to select the item “Pets allowed” on the “Booking” in the filter, and the accommodation option becomes 2 times less. And when calling all the remaining options, the owner learns that not all hotels are ready to accept a large breed puppy.
4. The need to prepare special documents. There are times when the trip ends at customs control. Almost every state has its own requirements for animals imported into their territory. Therefore, it is important to study the rules of both the host country and Russia. Searching and collecting information, collecting documents and certificates also requires a lot of time, effort and nerves.
5. Additional waste. For some puppy owners, the last point is a strong argument for leaving the puppy at home. For a puppy, albeit a small breed, you will have to pay extra for a place in the transport. Often, hotels where pets are allowed are accommodated in more expensive rooms or charge an additional fee. And if the puppy spoils something, then you will also have to pay a fine.
Pros of traveling with a puppy
1. There is no need to decide with whom to leave the puppy. Not everyone has close friends or relatives who are happy to accept a puppy and take care of him during the absence of the owner. And placing a puppy in a hotel, in a confined space, next to other dogs, can cause a lot of stress in the puppy.
2. Traveling together strengthens the bond between puppy and owner. Travel is also a challenge. As great as it is, the puppy will still experience stress. Receiving constant support from the owner, he learns to trust him.
3. Positive emotions from spending time together. A man and his faithful friend explore this world together - what could be better? In addition, the owner does not have to constantly worry about how his puppy feels there. 4. A faithful companion who follows the owner even to the ends of the world. The puppy is full of energy. He is ready to walk, swim, play all day. It is difficult to find such a companion among people who is ready to support any activity.
5. The key to successful further joint travel. The more often the puppy travels, the easier it will be to endure a long journey, change of climate, environment, etc.
In addition to the pros and cons listed above, it is also worth considering the nature of the upcoming vacation. If the owner is going to spend days on a flight to relax in bars and clubs, to attend excursions (on which dogs are not allowed), and the puppy has to spend all the time in the room, then it is better, of course, to leave the baby at home. In addition, all people have a different nervous system. Not everyone can handle the puppy's unpredictable behavior caused by stress, difficult adaptations and other factors.
