Flying With Your Pets
Allison Christian • June 21, 2019
Travelling Restrictions
Since dogs and cats are a part of the family, it's more and more common to take your family pet with you while traveling. Unless you have a Service Dog or a legitimate ESA, some airlines are restricting breeds on their flights. Since 2018, airlines have made changes to their policies on flying with pets. Most “fighting breeds” (whatever that means) are required specific crates and brachycephalic (ie. pugs, Frenchies, Boston terriers) are recommended not to fly as they do not do well maintaining normal body temperature. If you have a pet that is anxious please reconsider taking them on a flight and explore a pet sitter (licensed, insured, check references) or a family member keeping them while you travel. Don’t forget, Naples Top Dogs are pet sitters!
Requirements
Preparation is key! First, contact the airline to see their specific requirements. Some airlines restrict the number of pet dogs per flight so do not wait till the last minute. Second, make sure you have the right carrier for your pet. Your pet should be able to lie down, get up and turn around, and a carrier too big may not be acceptable for the flight and a carrier too small will make your pet uncomfortable. Each airline is different. Since “pigs and peacocks” were brought on as “ESA’s”, airlines have made stricter policies. Here is a link with specific information on what to do to fly with your pet. These policies are governed by the USDA.
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel/by-country/unknown-requirements-pet-travel
For a crate that will be checked in as baggage, special IATA requirements are necessary. Here is a link to provide you with that information.
https://www.iata.org/whatwedo/cargo/live-animals/Documents/pet-container-requirements.pdf
For carriers that are going in the cabin, the carrier must be able to fit under the seat. This pretty much limits the size and weight of in-cabin pets. Typically it's under 20 lbs. Remember, this is only applicable to pets! We are not referring to Service Dogs or legitimate ESA’s.Finally, make sure your pet has the necessary paperwork from the vet. All airlines require a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian within 30 days of the flight. Lastly, the day of the flight, give your pet a small meal and prepare a Kong for the flight. Make sure your pet is well hydrated and bring back up if there are unexpected delays.
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Not many of us speak dog and I have never met a dog that speaks English or any other human language. So how do you know what your dog is saying to you? Anthropomorphism, the relating of human emotions to dogs (and other nonhuman entities) is a major player in the miscommunication between dog parent and Fido. As humans, we often think our dog feels guilty, shameful, or even jealous. So what is Fido really saying? He is talking but you are not listening, or actually not reading his body language or facial signals. Happy Dog: This is the “Social Butterfly”. This dog will have a relaxed face and mouth, his tail will be wagging, to the right, another signal that your dog is comfortable with new people (you will have to watch in slow motion). His eyes will be soft, he will approach you for an affectionate back scratch. This dog has been properly socialized from a young age and/or is a breed that is particularly known for being non-aggressive, confident, social butterflies.
Confident Car Rides and Safe Travel with Your Puppy Car rides for most puppies can be enjoyable but sometimes it can be a scary thing for other puppies. Some puppies can get nauseous on rides. So how do we make it a positive experience for all pups? This can make it difficult to even go to the vet, run errands, the groomer, and never mind long journeys. Learn more about how to create a positive experience for your puppy and an excellent travel companion. Why Are Some Puppies Afraid In the Car? While puppies may enjoy car rides, I am here to help you to understand why some puppies can become afraid of them. Let’s look at Classical Conditioning in real life. Your puppy comes home for the first time, their long journey from the breeder whether you picked him up, he was driven by private transport, the breeder brought him to you or he was flown by cargo to you. Now he is in a completely new environment, taken away from his littermates and his mother. The most likely second car ride will be to the veterinarian for his first exam. For some puppies, this may not be a big deal, but not all puppies are alike. He is in an unfamiliar place, handled by unfamiliar people and possibly other dogs at the vets office that possibly made him afraid. So the next time you go to go for a car ride, he now associates it with something fearful. We, inadvertently created this fear response, so how do we fix? Now we learn that our new puppy has associated the car with fear. Let’s take some yummy treats and just sit in the car for a minute. We can Counter Condition and make the car now enjoyable. There is a great seatbelt made by Kurgo . Kurgo also has a program named SAFE AGAIN that will assist in Seat Belts prevent your puppy from jumping around in the car which could cause an accident or if a car were to hit you while at a redlight, your puppy will most likely be injured. You ride with a seatbelt, children ride with a seatbelt, and so should your pup! A carrier is also another safe way to transport your puppy safely. A Kong toy can also be put in the carrier to create a positive association with the car and occupy your puppy while driving. A great carrier can be found at Diggs and use NAPLES25 for a discount! ONLY 16% of Dog Owners Restrain their Dogs During Travel, Even Though 86% Admit It is Dangerous!!! EASE HIS FEARS Once your puppy is distracted in the back seat, such as by eating, climb into the front seat and sit there for a while. Then get out, so that the puppy understands nothing bad happens when you’re with them in the car. Do this for a day. The next day is when you can start the car with your puppy in the back seat. Turn the engine off without going anywhere. Do it a few times during the day until your puppy enjoys the back seat. This conditioning can take time, be patient. TAKE SOME SHORT TRIPS You’re now ready to start backing the car to the end of the driveway. Just go that far, and stop. Do it a couple of times in a row, letting your puppy out once you get back. If they start whining or showing other signs of stress, you may be taking things too quickly. It can take a while to complete this step, but it’s always effective. Slowly but surely increase how long you spend in the car. Take a trip around the block, and then a trip to the park before going back home. Find somewhere your puppy will recognize and enjoy. The trip should be something positive so that they enjoy the experience and look forward to having it again. The biggest advice I give to my new puppy owners is take the puppy to the vet for no reason, get some love, yummy treats and go home. Here is an article on “How to Make Your Dog Love the car! FUN FEAR FREE RIDES Another way to make car trips easier is to do some crate training with it. Keep the puppy confined while the car is mobile. Loose animals can be a danger to themselves and the driver. Use a car barrier, a kennel, or a seat belt. Also, consider using a car accessory for dogs such as The Backseat Bridge. HANDLING PROBLEMS AND POSITIVE FUN Make sure to keep your pup on the back seat to avoid them getting hurt by airbags. There are lots of accidents caused by puppies and dogs getting underfoot and preventing drivers from using the brakes. By taking trips that your puppy will actually enjoy, you’ll slowly but surely alleviate their fears over car travel. With some persistence, you’ll have a puppy, adolescent dogs and adult dog who eagerly anticipates their next car ride. If you need help training your puppy for car ride click here to get in touch with our dog trainers!
In life, few things are more joyously dependable than a good dog, which is to say, all dogs! If you’re a dog owner, you know that the relationship you have with your dog is one of the most rewarding ones you can ever have. No matter what kind of day it’s been or what type of mood you’re in, your dog is always happy to see you and welcome you home. They may want a treat or two for their trouble, but the unconditional love and fierce loyalty they show us is more than worth it. You love to do everything and go everywhere with your dog, including the lake or swimming pool. Dogs love a dip in the water, and who doesn’t love to watch them doggie paddle? Even so, you’ll want to make sure that your dog is safe while going into the water. These tips on water safety for dogs can ensure that your four-legged friend remains safe while going for a swim. Know Your Dog To begin with, you are going to want to make sure that your dog is up to swimming in the first place. Different dog breeds have different degrees of capability in this regard. Some dogs which are good at swimming include Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Irish Water Spaniels, and English Setters. While dogs that are bad at swimming tend to be on the smaller side, so you probably shouldn’t chuck your Shih-Tzu or chihuahua in and expect them to swim like Michael Phelps. Regardless of the breed, you should never throw your dog in the water without their expecting it. Dog Obedience You also want to make sure that your dog is well trained and obedient. Whether your dog’s in trouble or you simply want to make sure that they get out when you say so, you need to make sure they understand and are ready to heed your commands. Check out our training services if needed! Be Attentive You’ll also want to be sure to be extremely attentive while your dog is in the pool. Treat them as you would a small child swimming in the pool. You need to constantly be on the lookout for any sign of your dog struggling and, should you detect trouble, get them out of the pool immediately. You also want to make sure that your dog does not drink any pool water, or water from lakes. The former will be full of chlorine, while both could be rife with bacteria and other contaminants which would not be healthy for your dog to ingest. Make sure to rinse off your dog completely when they come out of the water. Dog Vests When it comes to dog safety, dog vests can sometimes be a useful precaution. If you do invest in one, you’ll want to make sure that it fits snugly, and that you make sure that it remains snug throughout your dog’s time in the water. Make sure that the vest is free of any tears. With these tips, you’ll be able to ensure your dog enjoys going for a swim in a safe fashion.
Despite all our differences, few things unite us across borders and beliefs more than our beautiful beloved bark machines. Whether you own a tinyShih-Tzu or massive Great Dane or anything in between, the important thing is that you’re lucky enough to be a dog owner. Cute, friendly, dependable, loyal -- dogs really are man’s best friend and your relationship with your four-legged friend is bound to be one of the most rewarding in your entire life. You love your dog and so want to make sure it stays in good health during the long hot summer months. For as much as we all love fun in the sun, the heat that comes with it can be hard on our canine companions. That’s why you’ll want to heed the advice of the best dog trainer in Naples and apply these quick and easy tips for helping your dog stay cool during the long hot summer. A Matter of Timing When walking your dog during the summer months, timing is critical. To keep your dog cool, you’ll want to be sure to try and arrange walks then the sun isn’t directly overhead and when temperatures are cooler. One of the most important things to remember when it comes to protecting your dog from the summer sun is that it isn’t just the heat beating down on its back and body that can be difficult. You know how hot the pavement can get during the summer. Now imagine having to walk on that with bare feet. Dog foot pads and sizzling hot sidewalks don’t mix. If it’s extremely hot and you’re traveling over asphalt, cement sidewalks, or similar terrain, it may be best to just skip bringing your dog altogether. Ice Packs and Wet Towels If you do bring your dog, you’ll want to make sure that it can cool its paws. The best way to do this is to bring along ice packs and wet towels that you can lay down for it. In addition, those towels can be draped over its body to help it beat the heat that way. Take breaks, take it slow, and make sure that it has ample time to cool its paws. If it seems as if your dog is struggling, don’t force it to continue. Seek Out Shade You’ll also want to be sure to seek out some shade. The less direct sunlight that you and your dog have to experience on long walks, the better. Bring Water and Cool Treats Summertime walks can dehydrate your dog, and fast. You thus want to bring along cool water and a collapsible water dish so it can stay hydrated. You can also bring along refrigerated treats. It can thus be a good idea to invest in a thermos or other insulating container that can keep water or treats cool while you’re out walking. You love your dog and would hate for it not to get the exercise that it needs. That said, you also don’t want it to suffer in the scorching sun. With these tips, you and your dog can beat the heat together.
