Here is a fact that most people can agree on: dogs make the best traveling companions ever. The loyal creatures get excited at the mere presence of you after you’re gone for just half an hour from their sight. Taking them with you on a trip will be a whole new adventure in their eyes. Wherever you are making a road trip or just going on a vacation, your dog will be happy to go with you.
Taking your dog on an extended vacation is never out of the question, but it’s not something that you should do without taking some precautions. You can make things manageable for them by “training” them to take their time out of the house and relax in different places. Let them find home is anywhere with you. Take him to short trips first, make sure to let explore his surroundings and get familiar with them every time he goes out. Dog training like this is extremely important for you little buddy to feel at home.
Once you are sure that your pooch can handle travel, you certainly will enjoy more of your time with him. If you are still on the fence about taking your dog for a ride, here are some solid reasons why they are the best travel companions you will ever have.
They will Make Even the Longest Trip Amusing
If you have never traveled with a dog on a car, take a moment to see a few videos on YouTube. They are some of funniest companions you can keep at your side. If you like to travel with music, they may even “sing” with you (they growl as my terrible music taste). They will get excited over anything that gets their attention, and they will remain in their side of the seat most of the time.
Dogs Travel Light
When you take a road trip with a partner, the hassle of baggage comes with them, namely in the form of large suitcases that take a lot of space. Dogs don’t need any luggage. If they do, it’s because you as their owner need to provide them with something (a little toy, a pillow, etc.) plus the only space the dog takes is the seat he rides on and that’s it.
They Don’t Complain
You are on the road, and you find traffic. You are likely to curse and keep going. Your dog? He won’t even care. You make a stop to get some gas, or pick up a meal. The dog sits tight in the car with his little dog collar while you do your business. Starts to rain? The dog won’t even flinch. Also, the dog won’t bother you with the old classic “are we there yet?” a thousand times over.
Dogs Make the Trip Enjoyable
If you are going to bring your pet dog to a nature-themed trip, they will be the ones pointing out the things worth looking at for you. If you are visiting the countryside, the mountain or the beach, they are the ones that will enjoy the open space and make you realize of much you can enjoy nature yourself. They will smell the flowers, walk through narrow paths with diligence to guide you, and bathe on the shores with you. They will run around and get the most of the experience. It’s very likely that you will get tired before they do.
Dogs are Very Photogenic
Your trip won’t be complete without some mementos to remember the occasion. One of the best thing about dogs is that they are born models, and they always look good in pictures. Make sure to take as many as you can. We can’t say for sure why this happens, but they seem to know when they are having their photo taken, and they will gladly pose for you. You probably will even get a glimpse at how your dog smiles in one of them!
Their Social Skills Are Probably Better than Yours
Ever noticed how the people in the park with dogs always get approached by other to socialize? Dogs can’t talk, but they sure are some of the best icebreakers when it comes to helping you get to know new people. Their friendly nature can be beneficial on a trip, especially if you have problems to talk to other people out of the blue.