Traveling with a Puppy

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

I'm taking Aspen on her first road trip this weekend to my family's annual beach vacation. We will be gone for one week and will stay at a vacation house right on the beach. Since this is my first time taking a fur baby with me I'm not exactly sure what to pack. I'm looking for some feedback from all of you on things that are necessities and things that are good to have.

Also, how do you travel with a dog in the car? Do I need to put her in the crate or do something else? It will be a 12 hour drive.

All suggestions are welcome! Thanks in advance!

[Amy and Annabelle]

I traveled last Thanksgiving with Annabelle. We were gone 5 days. But my drive was half the time of yours.  I brought brought all the comforts of home for her, bed, toys, food, leash and collar with current tags, wet wipes to wipe paws down, poop bags for cleanups, water bowl with a jug of of water. She travels in her crate seat belted in the back seat. Annabelle loves her crate though. It is her safe place, so that is where she wants to be. I have tried a couple of times with a harness and she hates it, she is so hyper and a mess, and makes her whiney noises. In her crate she sleeps and we don't hear a word out of her.

[Julie, Eloise & Beasley]

Sounds like it will be a fun trip!  I remembered this discussion from a few weeks back, I thought there were good suggestions here.  I know there have been lots of other good past discussions, too - use travel or car travel in the search box. 

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/travelling-with-my-doddle?...

I think a strapped in crate is safer than a harness, especially for a younger puppy - so if the crate fits, I would do that.  I'm not sure if Aspen has had all her shots, but probably the most important thing is not to take her to potty spots where lots of other dogs have gone (rest areas are the worst).  We would look for restaurants or other places with "fresher" looking grass.  Safe travels and take lots of pics of her first vacay!  :)

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

I'm not sure how old Aspen is at this point but it sounds like she is fairly young.  While others have commented on things that you need to bring like the food, beds, bowls, etc., you need to remember to think about her safety as well.  If she is a chewer you need to be sure to have her crate for when you are not at the house.  I also always take something to make sure I can block the exit from the deck or porch.  You have to remember that the beach house isn't puppy safe like home is so you need to be prepared for that.  You also need to check out Vets in the area where you are traveling so you are prepared should something happen.  Remember that this time of year the sand on the beach can be really really HOT so remember her little puppy feet are tender so they don't get burnt.  I also always travel with a note in my purse and in the glove box of my car asking that should an accident happen and I'm incapacitated would they please take care of my doodles under someone can arrive to get them.  Please don't take them to a shelter or pound.  I give them numbers to call and also give permission for them to be treated by a vet should they need it.  I also usually take copies of their shot records. 

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

Wow, you're such a good doodle mom! Great ideas. I've nothing to add, lol.