LONG car trip bringing home puppy, what do I bring?

[Sam&Bella]

Hello everybody!

I posted a comment on one of my previous discussions, that I have picked my breeder! It is going to be Bella's breeder and they are in FL. It is going to be 15 hour drive, and I want to make sure that the puppy is as comfortable as possible. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I should bring with me?

Thank you!

[Amy and Annabelle]

Since she won't be fully vaxed yet,I would bring something from home for her to do her business on so she doesn't have to go in a public area where who knows what diseases lurk there. A couple of rolls of papers towels, I'm sure there will be messes. You won't want to leave your new puppy in the car by herself, so bring plenty of food and water for yourself and the dogs, as I assume Bella will be going as well.

[Sam&Bella]

Great Idea!! Actually, my dad is going with me, and Bella is going to stay with my mom. I wish she could go, but she has done this trip many times while we were moving and I don't want to stress them both out:)

[Amy and Annabelle]

We only had a 2 hour drive and just let her poop and pee in her carrier. I washed it out good once we got home and then started with the housebreaking. But 15 hours might be too long to deal with the smell with no way to give it a good cleaning. Annabelle's poo was really soft serve for a few days. Part of it may have been the breeders crap food. Maybe others that have done the long car rides have a better solution.

[Sam&Bella]

 That makes sense:) Thanks for the suggestions!

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

If you are going to be traveling by yourself, you'll certainly want some sort of harness or crate that's attached to the car, so that the puppy will be safe and secure for the long ride. The same idea goes for the night, if you will be staying at a hotel or someone's home. Other than that, I'd pack food, water, bowls, poop bags, a blanket, paper towels, towels, a trash bag, maybe a Snuggle Puppy (Google that), something with mama dog's scent, something with your scent, some toys, etc. Congrats on deciding on a breeder. While it's a long distance to Florida and back, you must feel comfortable knowing that you've already had a good experience with this breeder. 

[Sam&Bella]

Thank You!

My dad will be driving, and I will be holding the puppy in the back seat. I am so happy that I went with Bella's breeder! I will have to make a big list of what to bring:)

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

We did this with ours, and I've memories of such sweet snuggles :)
I'd bring an extra bowl for her to throw up into in case s/he gets nauseous (along with water and paper towels, of course). Good luck!

[Sam&Bella]

Thank You!

Actually it's funny that you say that! (throwing up in a bowl) Bella wasn't feeling good the other day and when we were in the car, I had to catch her puke in her travel bowl:(

[Amy and Annabelle]

It's funny, back in July we boarded Annabelle for 5 days. She was with us for the first leg of the trip. After about 2 hours on the road, I realized I had left her favorite blankie at home. Once we got to the hotel, I went and bought her a new blankie. I washed it in the hotel laundry and then rubbed her scent and my scent all over it. I don't think she knew it wasn't her original. The staff at the boarding place said it was her security blanket and she was either laying on it or carrying it around with her at all times. Which is not what she does at home. She only lays on it when we are on the couch watching tv. Other than that she ignores it.

I am a stickler about car safety. From the day we brought her home until she about a year old, she was in a carrier that was strapped in the seat belt when we rode in the car. Not only do I want my dog to be safe, I don't want an unrestrained dog or carrier flying at my head in an accident. Be warned that whatever you put in a crate/carrier if you have one, will more than likely get peed and pooped on.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Great ideas!! I had to drive alone (but only a 3 hour drive) with Finn in a secured crate.  The breeder sent a stuffed toy with us but I wish I'd known about Snuggle Puppies. But here's another idea. When Finn started to cry I found that I had a classical CD of Meditations by Bach. I know this sounds crazy but it soothed him.  I've heard others say the same thing about classical music and animals. Seriously, he slept the whole 3 hours.  I couldn't change it because when I would try, he'd wake up and start to whine. I'd restart the CD and he'd drift right back off to sleep :)     

[Amy and Annabelle]

I love that.

[Sam&Bella]

That is so cute:)