1st Long trip with my doodle.... A few questions

[Christine & Shelby]

My Shelby and I will be taking a trip next month - we will be driving from Texas to Indiana (2 days of driving), staying 4 days in Indiana and then driving back to Texas. We previously took a trip to New Mexico for a wedding 1 day driving, 2 nights in a hotel, 1 day driving.

Shelby does great in the car.... And I know what to pack, to take breaks and get her some exercise on our breaks, etc.

My questions revolve around making her feel comfortable and safe in the home we'll be visiting. There are no other dogs in the home, but other family members have dogs.... Smaller dogs, so with proper introductions - I am sure we will be fine as Shelby is typically more comfortable with smaller dogs.

Things I plan to do to make this home we visit feel as normal as possible:
Bring her door bells
Bring her bed
Keep routine normal - feeding, walking, etc.
Same treats for when we leave the house
New tag to indicate Indiana address while we are there (or should I get a I'm traveling tag?)
Her favorite toys and chews.

What else should I be thinking about? I am fortunate that when we go to visit the other family members I will be able to take Shelby.... I am just concerned about making her comfortable if we need to leave her at home while we go out to eat or do something else not dog friendly. The previous trip Shelby was on her own while I was at the wedding.... And I worked hard to wear her out before I left for the night (dog park, PetSmart, walk, play,etc. she did great.

For those of you who have made long road trips and stayed I a new home.... I'd love to hear your thoughts and advice.

I've already planned where we will spend the night and have identified our dog friendly accommodations.

Thanks so much....

[Doris]

I think you have thought this through!!  Bodi's tag has our cell phone numbers - so even if we are travelling we can be reached.  I don't think an "I'm travelling tag" is a bad idea though.  They don't cost much and will give you peace of mind.  Have fun!!

[Christine & Shelby]

Thanks... You have a point... Her current tag has my cell on it... So would a different tag make that much of a difference?

[Wendy and Myla]

We just did a road trip with Myla - she has travelled lots in our motorhome but this was her first trip in hotels -  I did everything you have mentioned but I also brought her favourite blanket that I put on the backseat of the truck that she laid on and then I put that blanket on her bed in the hotel room.  We were a bit worried about leaving her in the hotel room by herself (we were afraid that she would bark or howl) so we walked around the hotel and then listened outside the door but we didn't hear her so we went for dinner.  When we came back, we noticed that she had dragged her blanket to the other side of the hotel room and was sleeping there.  We figured she didn't like the heater where her dog bed was.  We moved her bed and everything was fine but I am glad that she had the blanket to move with her.

It looks like you've thought everything out!  Have fun!

[Christine & Shelby]

Good ideas. Shelby's never been a blanket dog, but I'll likely bring/leave a t-shirt with my scent on it.

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Sounds like you've got about everything covered. Is Shelby crate trained? Our 2 are and we always take their crates when we go on vacations with the dogs. We give them at least a couple hours of being at the new place to get comfortable with it before we head out for dinner or whatever, and then into their crates they go. Staying with the same routine, bringing their favorite toys and bedding are all good ideas. With both my doods I did make exceptions to the routine rule, though, as they both started sleeping with us while on a vacation, which continued on after we returned home. They just seemed to need to be close to us more than usual at those times, and we allowed it.  As far as tags, we have our cell numbers on them. You may want to do a little research beforehand into nearby vets just to have a name and number in case of an emergency.

[Christine & Shelby]

She Waac rate trained and used her crate until she was about a year old! but hasn't used it since - she never really enjoyed her crate like some dogs do - she seems to prefer house freedom, but we are a quiet household - just the two of us! She currently sleeps with me at night and will be allowed to do the same on our trip. I'll look into vets... Thanks for the suggestion.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Sounds like you've done due diligence!  Only thing I might add is, if you had to leave her for any length of time, to maybe leave a worn t-shirt or something similar with your scent on it, which would provide some comfort, while you have to be away.

We find, anytime we travel with Enzo, she is completely happy, as long as we are near by.  LOL...She makes herself at home just about anyplace we visit!

[Christine & Shelby]

Good to knowthat Enzo just settles in wherever you are. I suspect this will be the case with Shelby as well. The t-shirt idea is great and something I have done before... but not in a while - great suggestion.

[Wendy and Myla]

I just thought of something that you might already have but I always have a spare leash in each vehicle just in case I forget to bring her regular one or the clasp breaks (which happened when she was a pup).

[Christine & Shelby]

I do have spare leashes I. The car, but it's a good reminder as I will be cleaning out the unnecessary items before our trip!

[Sue Z. + Finley]

When we drive from North Carolina to Pennsylvania to visit family I bring the following: food and water bowls and feeding stand (he didn't like eating or drinking out of unfamiliar bowls) and a pet gate. My sister has a large dog and he and Finley tend to rough house if given a chance. When we leave them alone we found it better to keep them apart and behind gates. Finley did not use a crate after he was about 8 months old so we used a gate until we were sure he could be left alone. These items are in addition to the items you are bringing. Have fun on your trip!

[Christine & Shelby]

Thanks for your suggestions.... I appreciate it!