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Michael Baugh CDBC CPDT-KSA

A lot of folks are traveling with their dogs this summer. Travel can be stressful for our dogs (for us too). This is especially true for those of us who have dogs with underlying emotional challenges.

Here are some things to consider:

Pack for your dog like you would for yourself. Remember their medications, food, bowls, collars and ID, kennel or travel crate, bedding, etc.

Set up a quiet space for alone time where you are staying. We may go to see family and there may be many people and other animals there. Give your dog a break from all the activity.

Avoid trouble. If your dog has difficulty meeting new people or new dogs at home, they definitely will in a new setting. In fact, they may be even more sensitive to unknown people and animals. Protect your dog from an emotional (aggressive) outburst. Keep people and animals at a distance or confine your dog for a little while in their quiet place (mentioned above).

Don’t let anyone coerce or shame you. We all have friends or relatives who “know dogs” or fancy themselves dog training experts. They might try to push you into a decision about your dog that you know is wrong. Or, they might try to interact with your dog in a way that you know won’t work. Resist. Stand up for your dog. Be their voice.

Watch out for resource guarding. Dogs with a history of guarding food, objects, places or people will be likely to guard in a new setting. There may be dog toys or children’s toys available that you don’t have at home. Watch out. There will also be food at family gatherings that your dog will seek or guard. Confine your dog or keep them on leash in high-risk settings.

Let your dog’s body language be your guide. If your dog looks anxious or upset, trust what you see. Diffuse the situation and give your dog a break. Remember, avoiding an outburst is much more effective than responding to one.

Watch for overexertion and overheating.

Make sure your dog gets plenty of rest.

Many dogs do well traveling and having new experiences. Keep in mind though, travel is challenging even for typical dogs. Be your dog’s safe place – your dog’s advocate and protector. That’s the best way to set them up for success and a good time.

 

Michael Baugh is a dog trainer in Houston TX. 

 

Michael Baugh CDBC CPDT-KSA

I held the door at the emergency vet clinic for a man and a young girl. They were leaving. She had been crying. The girl was eight or nine. The man, probably her father, rested his hand lightly on the girl’s shoulder. “Thanks,” he mumbled softly. The girl clutched a collar to her chest, red with a bone-shaped tag. She looked up at me and said nothing. It was late afternoon, late June. They drifted past me, into the parking lot and the searing South Texas heat.

Their dog was unconscious when they brought him in. It was heat stroke, also called hyperthermia. The veterinary team tried. They did everything they could. The dog didn’t make it. A girl, a family, woke up that weekend morning with their beloved friend. They went to bed that night without him. Nature is cruel.

Hot cars are the primary cause of heat exhaustion and heat stroke in dogs. Don’t do it. Ever. When I was young, I left a dog in a car with the air conditioner on. I accidentally locked myself out. The car stalled. A locksmith showed up in minutes. My dog was fine. But, I learned my lesson.

Leaving a dog outside without shade, ventilation,  or water is another common cause. There’s no excuse for that.

The one that sneaks up on us is the cruelest cause of all. We love our dogs. We want to play with them, walk them, run with them. Their bodies are different. They cool themselves differently, less efficiently. We think they are okay. They aren’t. We think they are cute and playful with their giant tongues hanging out. But, they are suffering. An emergency, by definition, is unexpected. Trouble comes on quickly. So can death, faster than we think.

Dogs collapse running along bicycles (don’t do this). They can collapse on walks, in backyards, in our arms.

I can’t forget that little girl’s face, the collar, the tag. I didn’t see her dog’s name. I was thirteen when my dog, Casper, got hit by a car.

“I know, honey,” I wanted to say to the girl. But she and her dad breezed by. It would have been inappropriate. But I do know. Sleep will be hard and the tears will come easily. She will remember for years, decades. She’ll keep the collar, maybe forever.

I tell Alexa to play her droning notification. “The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory until….”

October, I think. “Delete notification,” I yell.

Houston is hot. It gets hot every summer. Hyperthermia is avoidable. We can protect our dogs. Tips from your dog trainer:

• Keep the dogs inside. Play inside.
• Limit outdoor activity to potty breaks.
• Shorten or skip walks. Early morning is cooler than evening.
• Provide cool (not cold) water.

There are telltale symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If you are in doubt, err on the side of caution. Go to the vet right away.

I left the emergency clinic hours after the little girl and her father. My dog, Charlie, nuzzled under my chin; I kissed his forehead. He’d swallowed a bee. That was a bad idea to start. It turns out he’s also allergic to bees. Now we have another summer hazard to watch out for.

“You’re going to be okay, little buddy,” I said, choking back tears. I cranked up the AC and steered us toward home. “You’re okay.”

 

Michael Baugh teaches dog training in Houston Texas. He specializes in aggressive dog behavior.

 

Michael Baugh CDBC CPDT-KSA

We planned Charlie’s first plane ride to Arizona for May. Then, we cancelled it. Then, the storm hit and off we went. This is the photoessay story of his big adventure.

Spoiler alert: Charlie did fine and absolutely loved Sedona.

But, like any big event with a dog, it took planning. I followed my three rules:

• Train reliable and predictable patterns of behavior. For Charlie’s trip this included getting in and out of a small carrier on cue.
• Set your dog up to succeed. We trained daily, primarily so we had a solid working relationship that I hoped would withstand the pressure of travel.
• Keep your dog below threshold. This is dog trainer lingo that basically means help your dog stay calm and not freak out. Having taught Charlie to self-soothe with conditioned relaxation really helped a lot (see cover photo of him chilling out at the Phoenix airport).

 

Video of Charlie learning to get in his carrier

Charlie was a bit nervous waiting for our flight to board in Houston. This was a brand new experience for him and he had no idea what was going on. It’s okay to reassure your dog. Let him know you’re there and you’ve got his back. No, you are not reinforcing fear.

Charlie under the seat in front of me. I helped him through this part with some yummy snacks and petting. He trembled and panted turning taxi and take off. We did the best we could. Once in the air, Charlie fell asleep (in his carrier) on my lap.

 

Waiting for the rental car at the Phoenix airport.

Dogs (and people) make strong associations with places. Charlie, like Stella and Stevie before him, loved Sedona (see Charlie’s first hike below). I hope that pane rides become connected with fun trips for Charlie. The trip home was actually better than the trip out, so maybe it’s starting to happen already.

Charlie at the Phoenix airport before the return trip. Notice the relaxed down.

Hydrating before the flight is a good idea.

As fun as the trip was, it’s always nice to get back to your own bed.

 

Michael Baugh teaches dog training in Houston, TX. You can follow Charlie on Instagram to see his future adventures.