The long ride home

[Krista, Angel, and Toby]

Hi all!! Tomorrow is the big day where I get to bring Angel home! I think I have everything I need, but I wanted to see if there were any further tidbits of advice people could offer for a puppy's first big car ride (~5 hours) I know to play soothing music, I know to stop every hour or so unless she's sleeping soundly; I know to have someone hold her. (I don't have a crate that will fit in my Civic). I know to take her to the farthest, most inconvenient place to eliminate. I know to bring a few chew toys to occupy her.

What else ought I know?

In my backpack -- my puppy pack, as it were -- I am bringing her leash, which has waste bags and hand sanitizer attached, a Kong, a bone / rope toy, a squeaky toy, treats, wipes (what for, I don't know, but I have a feeling I'll need them), water bottle with a little tray attached. Should I bring a portable food bowl? Is it too early to charge the clicker in the car? Or to teach her her name? Do I want to give her any treats in the car? Should I bring a couple of puppy pads just in case?

OMG I can't believe that by this time tomorrow I will be well on my way to bringing Angel home!!!

And what about those first moments in the house? Cesar Millan recommends taking the dog for a walk before she enters in order to establish both rank and trust. I live in a Cul-de-Sac. Should I do that or will Angel be too pooped to care, do you think?

What about introductions to a crotchety old cat (17 yrs old) to the new puppy? Should I let it wait a while or do it right away? Or let them come to each other?

Holy Moley! "To-MORROW, To-Morrow, It's always To-morrow! It's only a day A-WAY!"

[Sandy]

Speaking only from my experience, Toby wasn't ready to walk anywhere on a leash for quite some time. Walking on a leash is not natural for a young puppy at all, so I wouldn't plan on doing much walking around with her! I have a feeling she'll be exhausted from the car ride, and overwhelmed from the change of locations (at home with Mommy to her new house). Just love her and let her feel her way around her new home.

[Tammy & Gracie]

You only need a bowl for water. I suggest no treats or food, she will be likely to become carsick on the long drive if her tummy is full. Bring a roll of paper towels for any accidents that may occur. With luck she will sleep most of the way! Congrats and try to sleep a little tonight!

[Lynne B]

I wouldn't walk the puppy around outside until she has had her 2nd set of vaccinations. When we brought Beck home we put him in a crate and had our old cranky dog in the SUV with us, we played loud music and stopped once for him to pee. He did fine, he slept almost the whole way. My philosophy is that the best time to get a puppy used to all the obnoxious noises and things that happen in our lives is when they are very young, so I intentionally get them used to loud noise, doors slamming, TV sets, whatever goes on in the course of our everyday life.

I would let the cat get used to the puppy in her crate, I wouldn't let them run around together until the cat is totally relaxed around the puppy.

[03pilqobzlvp7]

Congratulations! I drove about 3 hours to get Duff (I think). I had someone else drive while I held him, that way he became comfortable and familiar with my smell. He slept most of the way and was too scared to pee when we stopped. I didn't need a leash on him for a long time (he was too scared to leave my side). Hopefully he won't have a full stomach or bladder when you get her in the car. I think it's nice you have all those toys and treats for him, but you probable won't need them. I don't see any reason not to call her by her name every time you speak to her so she learns her name. I recommend making lots of eye contact right off the bat. It helps them learn good communication and trust, as well as develop a relationship with you. I don't have a cat, but personally, I would let them discover each other on their own and be sure to be within arms reach just in case. The cat will let her know who is boss. Keep us posted!

[Michele Barton]

Congratulations! Our ride home last month was a 12-hour drive with 2 puppies. Needless to say, I was not looking forward to the trip, but it worked out fine. We had a crate to put them in, but they spent most of the time sound asleep on the floorboard between my feet. It was a hot day, and we put on the a/c on the floor setting, and they seemed to really enjoy the cool air blowing on them. I put down a puppy training pad in case of accidents. Neither one spent a lot of time on my lap, mostly because it was just too hot and sunny. Gus threw up once, but that was our only mishap. The worst part was finding places that seemed safe enough for them to do their business. When we got home, we let them romp around on the lawn before taking them in the house.

As for the cat, we also have a crotchety cat, and we just let her check out the pups in her own good time. She hid for a few days, then curiosity got the best of her and she came around while they were asleep to check them out. Now she comes around them when she wants to be chased (she really does egg them on to do this). Best of luck tomorrow!