The Puppy Training Podcast

Episode #67 When I Go On Vacation

March 17, 2021 Baxter & Bella Puppy Training Season 3 Episode 67
The Puppy Training Podcast
Episode #67 When I Go On Vacation
Show Notes Transcript

Today we are talking about what to do when you go on vacation. Who will look after your dog when they aren’t coming along? I get asked a fair amount about going on vacation and whom to trust with my dogs' care. Here are a few helpful tips for you as I know spring break is right around the corner!

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Podcast Episode #67 When I Go On Vacation


Hello! It’s been a long winter but we are springing back into action and ready to produce new podcasts for you. What a great few months it’s been here at BAXTER & Bella! We appreciate your support and enjoy working with so many of you in our Online Puppy School. 


Today we are talking about what to do when you go on vacation. Who will look after your dog when they aren’t coming along? But first, a few updates on what we have been working on around here...


Time flies when you’re having fun - we’ve had no shortage of busy the past few months. Boots - now known as Yoshi is graduating next week - yep next week - as a service dog. We have been working hard to get him ready with finish videos of all his behaviors and cues, practicing outings with elevators and escalators, riding plenty of city buses and overall prep for success! We are going to miss him like crazy but are super excited for his new family to enjoy what an amazing dog he is. 


We are also revamping our program and can be found after hours at the computer fine tuning and redesigning. Stay tuned for the update. 


And that’s not all! We are getting our very own labradoodle puppy in May! A big shoutout to Camdenlane Labradoodles for taking such good care of and preparing our puppy for the world. We are seven weeks away from meeting our newest family member. After training many puppies for others, I promised my ten year old we’d keep this one. I look forward to doing therapy work with them as soon as we are able! 


Don’t worry! We have plans to take a ton of new video - after coaching 1000’s of clients we have a better idea of what you’re looking for and are super excited to capture the moments many of you are asking about. 


With that said, you are always on our minds and we want to help you in the best ways possible as you work to train your dogs. 


I get asked a fair amount about going on vacation and whom to trust with my dogs' care. Here are a few helpful tips for you as I know spring break is right around the corner! Yay for sunshine! 


My first point of action is to find a family member or close friend to watch my dog. I have several family members who love dogs and are usually willing to take my puppy into their home while I am away. I love this option because my dog will be in a home environment with a person who has their best interest in mind. For young puppies this option is ideal as they may not be fully vaccinated yet and they safest option for them.


I recognize that is not possible for everyone so what next? 


If family or friends don’t work out, I find a trainer close by who shares my same philosophies and will work with my dog to both care for them and train specific things I’m currently working on. I like this option because not only is my dog cared for by a person who knows what they are doing, but my dog also learns and practices good behavior while I’m gone. Win-win for both of us. I come home to a dog with improved skills. Oftentimes you can leave a young puppy with a trainer if it is in their home and only around their healthy vaccinated dogs.


Don’t know a trainer close by or perhaps don’t have connections with one who will take your puppy in? Asking neighbors, friends with dogs, a veterinarian or groomer whom they recommend is a good way to find solid references. They may know of a dog walker, pet sitter or boarding facility you can hire. These are people who WANT to watch your dog while you are away. It is what they do and depending on where you live, may be a great option. If you hire a pet sitter or dog walker, some are available to come to your home while others have your puppy stay with them in their home. 


Whatever route you choose, I highly recommend meeting the caregiver in person BEFORE you hire to make sure it is a good fit and you feel comfortable trusting your pet to their care. 


Observe how they interact with their animals and your animal too. Is the place clean? Do they have other pets and if so are those pets friendly? Will your pet be staying in a safe environment, temperature controlled, clean and secure area with access to fresh water? Are the other animals staying with your dog healthy and vaccinated? Do they require proof of vaccination? Do they check for fleas or ticks? Is there an emergency plan in place? How many dogs are they watching along with yours and is there a low handler to dog ratio?

Cost is also an important factor to many. I would ask what the cost includes. Will my dog get playtime and for how long? What about walks? Does this person know how to walk my puppy and not to follow if my puppy pulls? Doing a test run before you actually go on vacation is a nice way to see how things go for a short day or overnight experience. You can see how your dog responds to the caretaker - did they seem happy and comfortable around the person? If so, you’ve probably found a great connection.

Whenever you leave your pet with someone, bring your pet’s sleeping place (crate or bed), enough food to last the length of your trip plus one extra day just in case. Bring proof of vaccinations and favorite chews and toys your puppy loves. Leave a contact number where you may be reached in case of emergency. Then go and have fun! As hard as it is to leave our furry canines behind, knowing they are in good hands allows you to enjoy your trip and you’ll be back together again before you know it. 

So plan that spring break vacation and if your dog can’t come along - there are options available so both of you will enjoy the week - even if it is apart.