Suggestions needed for tomorrow

[Crazy Doodle Lady]

Dexter finally comes home tomorrow. I can not wait! I have the house all ready to go, my camera batteries charged, camera gear out and ready to use and a long weekend off to adjust my little boy to his new life and schedule. The only thing I am concerned about is the drive home tomorrow.

I work until midnight tonight and will be leaving at 5am to get him. It will take me probably 4-5 hours to get there thanks to rush hour traffic and then another 4 hours home. I'll be exhausted for sure. My question is how do I keep him calm and happy on the long drive home? I'll be traveling by myself and have never driven long distance for a puppy before. What if he has to go to the bathroom? Or gets car sick?

Does anyone have any tips for me? They would be much appreciated.

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Charlie rode on my lap in a blanket for 5 hrs.  We stopped up on Snoqualmie Pass for coffee and I took him out to go potty - but he did not go.  So, we got back in the Explorer and continued on home.  He slept the whole way.  After we got home, he went outside, but came back in and slept some more.  Beau was the same way.  I found them both to be fairly quiet for the first 24 hours.  So I hope thi8s also happens to you, enjoy this time!  Looking forward to seeing lots of homecoming photos.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Are you crating him for the ride? I would just stop every 30 min or so if he seems to get restless, or after he wakes from a nap. He won't be drinking or eating much most of the day so he may not need to go often. I suggests bringing paper towels, extra layers of towels or blankets for the cage or seats if not caged. Car sickness is often an issue with their first long ride. Have some chew toys ready, give one, then another after awhile. He will probably sleep most of the ride. Have fun!

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

I would bring a small crate that you could keep on the front seat with you so the puppy could see you and you can interact with him if he gets scared.  I would not keep a loose puppy in the car.... way too much could happen.   Isn't there someone who could go with you?  I had to drive 2 1/2 hours to get my Oliver but my BF came with me, we brought a package of wee wee pads and 5 seconds down the road Oliver puked but buy BF caught every thing in the wee wee pad.  Oliver puked 2 more times but we were well prepared.  Maybe you can ask the breeder not to feed the puppy before you pick him up and maybe exercise him so he is nice and tired.  I would probably stop a few times so he can get out and relive himself if necessary.  But please keep him in a crate if someone is not with you.

[Robin and Libby Louise]

I have no great tips to offer, but I wish you much luck and can't wait to see pictures!  Drive safely!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Stop periodically for you and for him : )

[Marie and Hoka]

For safety: Stop places you think others are not having dogs relieve themselves.

[BG and Gavin]

I second this comment by Marie.

[Jen W]

My puppy threw up about 2 minutes in to our car ride home.  I think she was just nervous and scared (so was I!)  Have some towels handy just in case.  I'd also bring some water and a little bowl for him to drink out of.  

My guess is he'll sleep most of the way though.

Congrats!!

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Definitely a small crate for him.  Most times the car puts them right to sleep.  But I would plan on stopping quite often for him ( and you). Bring some water for him, but let him drink sparingly.      Another idea to keep him calm and to keep your sanity.....bring along a few towels and rub down Mom and his littermates.   The scented towels will help comfort him on the long ride home and while adjusting to things at your home.

  Safe driving and looking forward to updates and pics, of course! ;)

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

If you are alone, you definitely need a crate to keep him safe and unless you have a strong bladder, you will need to stop and will need a crate to leave him safely while you run in and out.

I agree about the car sickness - plan on it.  I would also agree not to feed him before.  Maybe some dry kibble on the way at a break.  

Good luck!  Quite an adventure ahead, but you will love having Dexter as your new pal! 

[Sally S Miles]

We drove a long way to get both of ours and it was interesting to say the least.  We made a weekend out of each trip - saved some energy for our puppy arrival.  Journey pretty much slept the entire five hour drive home, an occasional whimper was all.  Elmer on the other hand would 'sing' for twenty minutes, sleep, wake for stop, sing some more, sleep, etc. Six hours and we stopped every time he started to stir.  We took an x-pen with us, a big pile of newspaper (cardboard would have been better in the wind) and would set him up a pen for potty time. Some wipes for puppy feet in case he does step on ground - and lots of spare towels, etc.  He only had one oops in the crate, but did potty every stop. I did haul him away from high traffic spots, but there were two of us and that helped. His crate rode home in the back seat, he could see us both as well as big sis - but he thinks he is Pavarotti  in the car. Both arrived home ready to eat and romp and cuddle!

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

great idea with the port-a-potty x-pen!