Road Trip up the East Coast....Any suggestions?

[Danielle]

Next week I am driving from Western Florida up to Long Island, NY, and while I have made the trip before (but usually didn't drive most of the way), I am doing it for the first time alone with my Labradoodle Koda. Koda is really good in the car for the most part but I am worried about having to leave him in the car alone for my own restroom breaks and such. Has anyone ever had to do this and how did it work out? Usually, either my boyfriend or I stay with him while the other goes into the rest stop or wherever, but being that I am doing it alone, I don't have that luxury. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! :)

Also, does anyone have any good rest stops that would be good for Koda or any other helpful suggestions?

[Adina P]

How is Koda generally when left alone? I have traveled with all three dogs and one dog at a time. They have each been left in the car alone and together for varying lengths of time including overnight (when we have stayed with friends or family who could not or would not have dogs in their home or when we have had to stay at hotels that didn't allow dogs or have gone out to eat, etc.) and have been fine (although Thule has never been left alone overnight in the car by herself).

Will Koda be traveling in a crate?

[Danielle]

Koda is typically not great when left alone in the car. In the house he is fine, but that took some serious time and he has other dogs where we are now. The longest I would leave him would be to use the bathroom - I am trying my best to prepare so we don't have to stop for food (and if we do it will be drive thru) and the hotel I am aiming for allows dogs, but I am just so nervous about leaving him in the car at all. I thought I heard somewhere that it is illegal in some states to leave a dog in the car and I have heard horror stories of dogs getting stolen from cars (but at 80+ lbs and a slight aggressive streak when strangers approach the car I'm pretty sure that won't happen). I am just nervous about the whole thing.

It is good to hear that you have done it though and everything was fine. I'm sure everything will be, but I am just trying to make it as painless as possible for him.

Oh and no Koda won't be in a crate. I have a dog seat belt/harness for him. I don't think he would tolerate a crate - haha!

I appreciate your help! :)

[Leslie, Dexter & Kirby]

When we have taken road trips with the doodles, we try to find rest stops that have outdoor seating. However, now that it is winter, this may not be fun for you :) We also can leave them in the car alone for ~10-15 min and know they are fine. Dexter does extra good in the car alone - I wouldn't be too concerned leaving him a bit longer.

I assume you are taking 95 up? I'm not sure if you'll pass it, but we have stopped 2x at a wonderful dog park in Chesapeake Virginia on our drive to OBX, NC...
http://www.chesapeake.va.us/services/depart/park-rec/citypark.shtml

There is a dog park in NJ (Thompson Park) that is pretty close to exit 8A on the NJ turnpike (95) - http://www.pawspot.com/park-profile/v/nm/Thompson+Dog+Park/park/933/

Good luck :)

[Danielle]

Haha yeah the outdoor seating may be good for the southern states but after that it may be a bit too cold for both me and Koda! Thanks for your wonderful suggestions. I will definitely check out those links and see if we are going to be near any of those places. I really appreciate it! :)

[Jacquie Yorke (DRC)]

I drive all over the damn east coast with Blake...lol......He always waits in the LOCKED car ( windows cracked for air) while I take my little rest room and coffee breaks.....Then I usually come back and walk him around for his pee break.....Koda will probably sleep....That's what Blake ends up doing...Sometimes he'll sleep the whole way up to Rhode Island...( About 3 hours and change)....He schleped with me down to Maryland last week to collect Charley....( about 4 hours)....He's always great in the car....

[Danielle]

Your dog sounds like a better traveler than mine. He's done this trip a few times, but usually he has my boyfriend and I with him and never gets left in the car alone. He, and I hate to say it, throws a bit of a fit when I get out to get gas sometimes -and he can see me. He is very good in the car other than that. You're right - he does sleep. It's just such a long ride I just hope he doesn't get too bored without someone to play with him when the other is driving like usual - haha!

Thanks for your help! If your dog can do it, then I don't feel like I am asking too much of Koda lol. Oh and yes, the car will ALWAYS be locked if I am not there. No worries about that.

[Naomi]

I live on the Island with our doodle Suki Marie. Where on the island are you heading?

[Danielle]

I am heading to a couple places, but first East Setauket. I grew up in Mount Sinai. Where are you located?

[Adrianne Matzkin]

We have a new DK member from East Setauket - Eillen Hattersley. She just joined last night. I know this because growing up my mother's brother lived there and her 2 sisters lived in Port Jefferson.
Have a safe trip.

[Danielle]

Haha, yeah Eileen is who I got Koda from actually. :)

[Adrianne Matzkin]

small world!!!

[Joe R.]

We drove down to Florida to pick up Lilly last March. We stopped in that South of the Border place on the way down. It was a good place to be able to walk the Gus around away from the highway. On the way home we stayed in a motel right off 95 in Florence, SC. It's about halfway between DC and Daytona Beach. I think it was the Days Inn. Gus slept most of the trip down and they both slept most of the trip home.