If you walk your dog every morning or evening, you might not realize how much he looks forward to this part of his day. To a dog, the walk is a travel experience. New sights, sounds, smells-all these are important experiences for him. You can prove this by not going on the walk one day. Watch how he seems crestfallen when you don't appear with the familiar leash at the regular time. He may even try to bring the leash to you or follow you around until you take the hint: It's time for a walk. One way to enhance the walking experience is to vary your route at least partially each day, so he can satisfy his need to explore. Unfamiliar routes are a good way to get him used to new experiences similar to what he might get on vacation with you.
If he enjoys just a dog walk of a mile or two through the neighborhood, imagine what a treat it is to go on a family vacation with you. These days, dogs are welcome in lodging facilities across the country. And not just cabins or campgrounds-5 star hotels in the middle of major cities more and more have a pet friendly policy. This is the ultimate excitement for your dog: he looks out the car window wondering where you are headed and what you are going to do.
YOUR DOG
If your dog only goes on short walks with you at home it may be time for a little fitness training if you two are going on vacation. Don't expect your dog to go from being a couch potato to a marathoner in just a few days. Start off with walks that are just five or so minutes longer than his normal walk and gradually increase the time up to ½ hour.
Walking in a strange location means you have to take extra precautions. You pooch may be friendly to everybody at home but a little leery of strangers in a strange place. For the first few walks away from home try to find a quiet route where he can sniff and explore without a lot of distractions.
No matter where you walk your dog make sure his collar includes a tag with your contact information, preferably a cell phone you always have with you. And keep your buddy on a leash all the time unless you're in an off leash park. A safe puppy is a happy puppy.
Why You Should Walk Your Dog on Your Dog-Friendly Vacation
Get your free report - Visit Rose and Kate. Rose is our rowdy Irish Setter and Kate is our adorable Springer Spaniel. They even have their own blog. Brian Hill is the author of Over Time and several nonfiction books.
YOUR DOG
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