Anyone with a dog in training knows that consistency is the key to success. But, unfortunately, life can sometimes get in the way. That’s why pet parents must make the necessary arrangements to ensure that their dog’s training routine remains consistent while traveling.
From unexpected work trips to family vacations, leaving your dog behind while you travel can significantly disrupt their schedule, leading to backslides in training. Read on to learn how to maintain your dog’s training routine while you are away.
Be Prepared Before You Travel With Your Dog
Put together a plan well in advance of your trip.
Start with a written list of behavioral issues and the training techniques you and your professional dog trainer are working on with your pup. Strategies for addressing less severe behavioral problems, like attention barking or jumping, can likely be addressed by any competent pet sitter in your absence. However, if you train your dog using more advanced techniques, you may want to consider a “board and train” program.
Regardless of whether your dog stays at a boarding facility or with a pet sitter, it is crucial that you provide a comprehensive list of your dog’s daily activities. That will allow the caregiver and your pup to stay on schedule with routines and training.
If you opt for a sitter while you are away, be sure to spend time with them, reviewing your dog’s training routine and allowing them time to practice. Consider bringing your pet sitter to your dog’s next session with its trainer.
Even when we bring our pup along for a trip, the temptation to slack off can be significant. Don’t throw your pet’s training routine out the window. Instead, formulate a plan to maintain the training routine while traveling.
Clearly State Your Expectations
It would be best if you communicated clearly with whoever will be watching your dog while traveling. If you are not clear in your instructions, you risk the possibility of your dog regressing.
For example, let’s say your dog has made progress with not jumping while greeting. If the dog has been permitted to jump while greeting the sitter in your absence, you will face significant training hurdles when you return from your trip. The dog will relearn that jumping gets attention by being allowed to jump while you’re gone.
If you utilize training tools, like a gentle leader, teach the sitter how to use them properly. Also, make sure that the sitter can maintain whatever physical and mental stimulation you usually provide. For example, if your pup is used to walking for a half hour twice daily, the sitter should offer the same routine.
The boarding facility or pet sitter you choose should employ only training techniques that align with those you and your trainer use with your pet. Even if the person you choose to watch your dog while you are away is a rock-star pet sitter with training experience, you must ensure that the sitter’s training methods are consistent with yours. Otherwise, any progress you have made with the dog could be lost.
Choosing the Right Option for Your Dog’s Needs
Every dog is unique, and, therefore, so are their needs. That is why it is crucial to find the most suitable boarding facility or pet sitter who can cater to your dog’s particular needs. That is especially true for aggressive or fearful dogs because they are at greater risk of experiencing a backslide in their training when their routine is disrupted.
Putting an already fearful dog in a boarding situation may intensify its fear and negate any progress made through training. For example, a nervous, unsocialized dog may not do well in a boarding situation, surrounded by a bunch of other dogs and strange humans in unfamiliar surroundings. In this case, a pet sitter inside the home will be a more appropriate fit.
On the other hand, an aggressive dog can pose a significant problem for pet parents who need to travel. Whether or not the parent is present, aggressive dogs put pet sitters and others at risk. Usually, the best option for leaving behind a dog with aggression issues is to leave them in the hands of an experienced professional trainer or veterinary hospital. Doing so can reduce the chances of a mishap or a backslide in training because such professionals are not only aware of the risks that an aggressive dog poses but understand correct handling methods and can read a dog’s body language.
Sometimes, as the old saying goes, if you want something done right, do it yourself. Bring your dog along with you on your trip (if possible) so that you can maintain its training regimen is the best course of action.
Maintaining Your Dog’s Training Routine While Traveling
No one wants to leave their pup behind, especially when they are being actively trained and have made significant progress. But, unfortunately, we don’t always have a choice.
With strategic and appropriate planning, a pet parent will return home from their trip to a pup that has not only been prevented from regressing but has continued making progress. When that happens, the human and their canine companion will quickly pick up where they left off and happily continue their training adventure.
As always, we are here when you need a helping hand with dog training in the Los Angeles area. Happy traveling!
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