Sometimes our furry pals want to travel with us everywhere. And why not? They are, after all, “man’s best friend.” When you’re hitting the dog park, the lake, or even lunch on a restaurant patio, (link once blogs are posted) Fido is welcome. However, if you’re planning to see your friend at their house, there are a few extra steps before a fun time is ensured for all involved.
Ask first.
This should go without saying, but before bringing your animal over, talk to the host. Some people will feel bad about saying so, but they may not want another animal in their home. If you suspect this is the case, be sensitive, and make it clear that Fido does not have to join you.
Does your friend have another animal?
If your friend has a pet, have a special conversation before arriving about how things should work. If there is a skittish cat who will run away, will your dog want to chase the feline or will she behave? If they have another dog, how will attitudes mesh? If dogs are excessively playful, shy, can become cranky, or want breaks from play, these factors should be considered. Make sure clear boundaries are in place before you arrive so both you and your friend have a plan to manage the animals.
Bring your own supplies.
Bring food, a handy and travel-friendly collapsible water bowl, and a spray pet mess cleaner just in case of an accident. If your pup has a housetraining accident, you should take care of any mess—not the host!
Make sure your dog’s manners are excellent.
Don’t permit your pup to jump, bark for attention, sneak food from the table, or get into your friend’s belongings. When you first arrive, keep your dog on a leash inside until they are comfortable. Once your pet feels more at home, and once the host is also comfortable, you can ask to let Fido off the leash and see how things go.
Keep treats on your person—and let the dog know you have them.
Keeping treats in a pocket or on a special dog training treat bag for your belt, which you can find anywhere from the local pet store to unique shops on Etsy, will help Fido stay close by and keep looking to you for cues on how to behave. Tiny treats will let Fido quickly learn what behavior is most rewarded, which will encourage her to learn good manners outside your home.
Make sure you have a list of animal hospitals and boarding facilities nearby.
If a road trip is involved, have a printed list of animal hospitals close to your friend’s house just in case. Knowing you are prepared with a list of boarding houses will help everyone relax and make the visit much less stressful if Fido isn’t handling the visit, or if your friend’s pets aren’t responding well to the furry guest. If you’re ever in North Texas and looking for veterinarian, call us a LazyPaw Animal Hospitals. We’d love to host your dog!
