Dogs can make the perfect co-pilots for road trips and when you go over the river and through the woods to grandma\u2019s for Thanksgiving. Whether they make the perfect house guests is, in large part, up to you.<\/p>\n
Dogs are at the same emotional level as a two year old,\u201d says Jen Jones of yourdogadviser.com<\/a>. \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t take your two-year-old to a friend\u2019s house and say, \u2018You have to behave now.\u2019 You have to have the same rules everywhere you go so whether you are at your house or someone else\u2019s house, your dog will behave in the same way anywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n Jen shared appropriate doggie etiquette and tips to making your pooch a good houseguest.<\/p>\n Two dogs playing tug of war with a toy. Photography \u00a9petographer | Alamy Stock Photo.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Well socialized dogs tend to be able to adapt more easily to new people, pets, sights and sounds.<\/p>\n \u201cDo it at an early age,\u201d Jen says. \u201cIf you have a rescue dog and they are passed the developmental age, you can still do a lot of training to help them adapt.\u201d<\/p>\n But Jen notes that older dogs may take longer to be socialized if they have not been, and it\u2019s important to be patient. If your trip is next week, it may be best not to bring the dog along \u2014 but that doesn\u2019t mean they can\u2019t come on another one down the road.<\/p>\n \u201cGo about socializing the same way you would a puppy,\u201d she says. \u201cBring lots of treats and use lots of praise, and slowly introduce your dog to new experiences repeatedly and calmly.\u201d<\/p>\n If your dog continues to have issues, work with a behaviorist or trainer. And remember: Meet your dog where they are.<\/p>\n \u201cIf your dog seems fearful of a new experience, it is best to remove him from the situation,\u201d Jen says. \u201cForcing a dog into a situation that is frightening does not help and actually compounds the issue, often creating risk for everyone involved.\u201d<\/p>\n Related: Have a New Puppy? Here\u2019s how to Socialize Your Dog While Social Distancing<\/a><\/p>\n Keep a schedule<\/b><\/p>\n At home, you likely generally feed and walk your dog at the same time. Try to keep that when traveling by pulling over to walk them at their normal times and bringing a food dish so they can have dinner on schedule.<\/p>\n \u201cThat way they aren\u2019t begging to go outside or feeling anxious wondering what is to come in the next hour,\u201d Jen says. \u201cWhen they have a schedule, they are more relaxed.\u201d<\/p>\n Teach them basic obedience<\/b><\/p>\n Your dog doesn\u2019t need entertain your hosts with fun tricks, but knowing a few basic commands will help you guide them in their new surroundings. Jones suggests sit, stay, stop, teaching them to bark and stop barking on command and housebreaking before taking them to a hotel or someone else\u2019s home.<\/p>\n Training courses and positive reinforcement, like treats, are better than punishment.<\/p>\n \u201cDogs don\u2019t understand negative reinforcement like putting their nose in pee,\u201d Jen says.<\/p>\n Related: <\/strong>Send Your Dog Back to School<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Walking up and down hills is a good endurance test. Woman and Akita on a hike<\/a>. Photography by Blazej Lyjak \/ Shutterstock.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Exercise them<\/b><\/p>\n If you\u2019re worried your dog may be anxious or hyper in a new setting, take them for a long walk or do some extended playtime before hitting the road.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you want your dog to be relaxed and happy, make sure you get their energy before you go to that place,\u201d Jones says.<\/p>\n Ask permission<\/b><\/p>\n Be sure to notify your hosts you would like to bring the dog to make sure it\u2019s OK.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t just show up to an Airbnb and think you\u2019re going to have a dog there and hide it,\u201d Jones says. \u201cThat always goes south.\u201d<\/p>\n Related: <\/strong>Traveling with Dogs: 8 Things to Pack for a Road Trip with Your Pup<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n What to do if you\u2019re leaving your dog<\/b><\/p>\n If your entire itinerary isn\u2019t dog-friendly, that\u2019s OK, but prepare your pup for your departure. Though you may come and go at home, your dog may react differently in a new area.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a brand-new place,\u201d Jones says. \u201cIt\u2019s really important to bring things that smell like you around, and leave their favorite toys out and providing a lot to do, like kong toys with peanut butter, puzzle toys if he\u2019s a brainy breed, safe bones, things that will keep him busy or occupied. You can also leave white noise on like the TV.\u201d<\/p>\n Two dogs eating out of the same bowl. Photography \u00a9John Mcallister | Thinkstock.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Avoid the food fight<\/b><\/p>\n If your dog is one to beg at the dinner table, you may not be able to squash that in time for your trip. The key is to have a contingency plan, like asking if there\u2019s another room for Fido to stay in during dinner or bringing his crate. Don\u2019t feel guilty \u2014 it\u2019s best for your dog.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s for the dog\u2019s safety, too, especially at big meals like Thanksgiving and Christmas when you are eating rich food,\u201d Jen says.<\/p>\n Bringing toys, a cozy bed and blankets and white noise can help your pet stay relaxed while you\u2019re chowing down.<\/p>\n Featured Image: <\/em>Kemal Yildirim<\/em>\/Getty Image<\/a><\/p>\n Read Next: <\/strong>These 6 Holiday Foods Aren’t Safe for Dogs<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n The post How to Make Your Dog the Perfect Houseguest<\/a> by Beth Ann Mayer<\/a> appeared first on Dogster<\/a>. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n The post How to Make Your Dog the Perfect Houseguest<\/a> by Beth Ann Mayer<\/a> appeared first on Dogster<\/a>. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.<\/p>\n Dogs can make the perfect co-pilots for road trips and when you go over the river and through the woods to grandma\u2019s for Thanksgiving. Whether they make the perfect house guests is, in large part, up to you.<\/p>\n Dogs are at the same emotional level as a two year old,\u201d says Jen Jones of yourdogadviser.com<\/a>. \u201cYou wouldn\u2019t take your two-year-old to a friend\u2019s house and say, \u2018You have to behave now.\u2019 You have to have the same rules everywhere you go so whether you are at your house or someone else\u2019s house, your dog will behave in the same way anywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n Jen shared appropriate doggie etiquette and tips to making your pooch a good houseguest.<\/p>\n Two dogs playing tug of war with a toy. Photography \u00a9petographer | Alamy Stock Photo.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Well socialized dogs tend to be able to adapt more easily to new people, pets, sights and sounds.<\/p>\n \u201cDo it at an early age,\u201d Jen says. \u201cIf you have a rescue dog and they are passed the developmental age, you can still do a lot of training to help them adapt.\u201d<\/p>\n But Jen notes that older dogs may take longer to be socialized if they have not been, and it\u2019s important to be patient. If your trip is next week, it may be best not to bring the dog along \u2014 but that doesn\u2019t mean they can\u2019t come on another one down the road.<\/p>\n \u201cGo about socializing the same way you would a puppy,\u201d she says. \u201cBring lots of treats and use lots of praise, and slowly introduce your dog to new experiences repeatedly and calmly.\u201d<\/p>\n If your dog continues to have issues, work with a behaviorist or trainer. And remember: Meet your dog where they are.<\/p>\n \u201cIf your dog seems fearful of a new experience, it is best to remove him from the situation,\u201d Jen says. \u201cForcing a dog into a situation that is frightening does not help and actually compounds the issue, often creating risk for everyone involved.\u201d<\/p>\n Related: Have a New Puppy? Here\u2019s how to Socialize Your Dog While Social Distancing<\/a><\/p>\n Keep a schedule<\/b><\/p>\n At home, you likely generally feed and walk your dog at the same time. Try to keep that when traveling by pulling over to walk them at their normal times and bringing a food dish so they can have dinner on schedule.<\/p>\n \u201cThat way they aren\u2019t begging to go outside or feeling anxious wondering what is to come in the next hour,\u201d Jen says. \u201cWhen they have a schedule, they are more relaxed.\u201d<\/p>\n Teach them basic obedience<\/b><\/p>\n Your dog doesn\u2019t need entertain your hosts with fun tricks, but knowing a few basic commands will help you guide them in their new surroundings. Jones suggests sit, stay, stop, teaching them to bark and stop barking on command and housebreaking before taking them to a hotel or someone else\u2019s home.<\/p>\n Training courses and positive reinforcement, like treats, are better than punishment.<\/p>\n \u201cDogs don\u2019t understand negative reinforcement like putting their nose in pee,\u201d Jen says.<\/p>\n Related: <\/strong>Send Your Dog Back to School<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Walking up and down hills is a good endurance test. Woman and Akita on a hike<\/a>. Photography by Blazej Lyjak \/ Shutterstock.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Exercise them<\/b><\/p>\n If you\u2019re worried your dog may be anxious or hyper in a new setting, take them for a long walk or do some extended playtime before hitting the road.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you want your dog to be relaxed and happy, make sure you get their energy before you go to that place,\u201d Jones says.<\/p>\n Ask permission<\/b><\/p>\n Be sure to notify your hosts you would like to bring the dog to make sure it\u2019s OK.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t just show up to an Airbnb and think you\u2019re going to have a dog there and hide it,\u201d Jones says. \u201cThat always goes south.\u201d<\/p>\n Related: <\/strong>Traveling with Dogs: 8 Things to Pack for a Road Trip with Your Pup<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n What to do if you\u2019re leaving your dog<\/b><\/p>\n If your entire itinerary isn\u2019t dog-friendly, that\u2019s OK, but prepare your pup for your departure. Though you may come and go at home, your dog may react differently in a new area.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a brand-new place,\u201d Jones says. \u201cIt\u2019s really important to bring things that smell like you around, and leave their favorite toys out and providing a lot to do, like kong toys with peanut butter, puzzle toys if he\u2019s a brainy breed, safe bones, things that will keep him busy or occupied. You can also leave white noise on like the TV.\u201d<\/p>\n Two dogs eating out of the same bowl. Photography \u00a9John Mcallister | Thinkstock.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Avoid the food fight<\/b><\/p>\n If your dog is one to beg at the dinner table, you may not be able to squash that in time for your trip. The key is to have a contingency plan, like asking if there\u2019s another room for Fido to stay in during dinner or bringing his crate. Don\u2019t feel guilty \u2014 it\u2019s best for your dog.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s for the dog\u2019s safety, too, especially at big meals like Thanksgiving and Christmas when you are eating rich food,\u201d Jen says.<\/p>\n Bringing toys, a cozy bed and blankets and white noise can help your pet stay relaxed while you\u2019re chowing down.<\/p>\n Featured Image: <\/em>Kemal Yildirim<\/em>\/Getty Image<\/a><\/p>\n Read Next: <\/strong>These 6 Holiday Foods Aren’t Safe for Dogs<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n The post How to Make Your Dog the Perfect Houseguest<\/a> by Beth Ann Mayer<\/a> appeared first on Dogster<\/a>. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7647","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\n![\"Two](\"http:\/\/www.dogster.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/04\/Two-dogs-tug-of-war-with-toy.jpg\")
<\/p>\nProperly socialize your dog<\/b><\/h3>\n
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<\/p>\n<\/p>\nProperly socialize your dog<\/b><\/h3>\n
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