Traveling with Your Dog? Here’s Our Top Tips for A Great Experience

Summer is in full swing, and with the warm weather and longer days, it’s the perfect time for adventures with your dog! In 2023, traveling while working remote has become the norm and doing it with your pup can be a tail-wagging time. Not only do you get to explore new places together, but you’ll also create lasting memories with your furry friend by your side.

However, we also know how hard it is to navigate the ins and outs of traveling with your dog. You might be thinking where do I even start, how do I make sure my pup is safe and comfortable on the journey, and what are the essential things I need to know?

So, we put together a list of our top dog traveling tips for you to feel confident in bringing Fido along on all your adventures. Whether you’re planning a much-needed vacation or embracing the nomadic lifestyle of #vanlife and working remotely, you’ll want to have your bags and treats packed by the end!

 

Plan Ahead

Vet Prep: Schedule a pre-travel appointment with your veterinarian to have healthy and safe travels. During this visit, ensure that your dog is up to date on vaccinations, including those required for specific regions you plan to visit. If you’re wondering about which vaccinations your dog needs and where, check out our full dog vaccine guide.

Pack Dog Essentials: Make a checklist of all the essential items your dog will need during the trip. This includes food, water, treats, medication, leash, collar with ID tags, waste bags, bedding, and toys. Don’t forget to bring a first aid kit for any unforeseen situations.

Plan for Rest Stops and Exercise: Just like humans, dogs need regular breaks and exercise during long journeys. Plan for frequent rest stops where your dog can stretch their legs, relieve themselves, and hydrate. Research dog-friendly parks or rest areas along your route where you can take short walks or play fetch to keep your dog active and happy.

 

Dog-Friendly Accommodations & Regulations

Hotels: When it comes to finding dog-friendly hotels, it’s essential to do your research in advance. Many hotels now offer pet-friendly accommodations, but each establishment may have its own set of rules and regulations. Look for hotels with designated pet areas, dog-friendly rooms, and special amenities. Remember to inquire about any additional fees or size restrictions that may apply.

Airbnb Regulations: Whether you’re a travel nurse on a long-term assignment or a digital nomad exploring new destinations, Airbnb can be a fantastic option for dog-friendly accommodations. To ensure a smooth experience, take a few moments to review the host’s pet policy and house rules before booking. It’s also recommended to reach out to the host directly, inform them about your pets, and inquire about any specific restrictions that may apply. Additionally, you can make it easier by searching on Airbnb’s “Pet-friendly Vacation Rentals” site.

Co-working Spots: For those embracing the nomadic lifestyle of #vanlife or working remotely, finding dog-friendly co-working spaces can be a game-changer. These shared workspaces offer a productive environment and often have facilities to accommodate your furry co-worker. Look for co-working spaces that have pet-friendly policies, such as designated pet areas or dog-friendly workstations.

 

Training Your Dog for Van Life

Embarking on a trip with your dog is an exciting experience. To make sure your travel is enjoyable and stress-free, it’s essential to prepare your furry friend with proper training. Here are some dog training tips to consider before hitting the road:

Obedience Training: Teach your dog basic obedience commands like sit, stay, come, and leave it. These commands will not only keep your dog safe but also make facing new environments a breeze.

Leash Skills: Make sure your pup is a pro at walking on a leash. Practice leash walking and discourage pulling by rewarding them for walking beside you. A confident and well-mannered walking partner will make strolling through new parks, trails, and city streets a fantastic experience.

Socialization: Introduce your furry friend to various people, animals, and environments. This will help them become social butterflies, ready to greet new friends with a wagging tail.

Crate Comfort: Yes, we know that many puppies dread their crates in early stages of training. However, having a crate can make your travels easier, as well as prevent stress for your dog. With the right approach and training, your dog’s crate becomes their safe space, a familiar haven that remains constant no matter where your adventures take you.

Need training help? At DGA we are here to support you every step of the way in training your dog for your next unforgettable travel experience. With our expertise and personalized training programs, we can ensure that your dog is well-prepared and behaves their best for your travels ahead.

Read more below to see what our clients have to say about their DGA experiences.

What Our Clients Have to Say

“One major thing that I’ve noticed with [Penny] is just how calm she is in situations where she historically has been really antsy or didn’t have self-control. [Dog Gone Amazing] did a really great job preparing her for these types of situations.”

Kristi’s Dog Travel Tip: Make sure you have a specific spot for your dog’s food and water. When traveling, try to keep consistent with your dog’s schedule so they know what to expect every day.

Kristi & Penny
DGA Client

Click here to read  Penny’s DGA transformation story.

“We did the 14-day Board and Train. [Dog Gone Amazing] taught Maze how to walk with the e-collar, prong-collar, and off-leash. Prior to that, we could barely walk her because she would pull like crazy because she had no recall. Now, it’s nice when we are traveling because we feel super comfortable having her off-leash or we know we can walk her and be in control the whole time!

Right after we did her board train, we took her to Canada, and we got compliments everywhere we went on how well trained she is.”

Monica’s Dog Travel Tip: When arriving at a new place or location, bring your dog to get used to the surroundings and establish a new routine so they can get comfortable.

Monica & Maze
DGA Client

Three Tips to Make the Most Out of Summer With Your Pup With a Bonus Dog Activities List!

The weather is warm, the sun is shining, and you and your furry friend are probably itching to get outside to enjoy some dog activities this summer. But, as much as you want to hit the trails and head to the beach, you can’t help but worry if your dog is ready for all the summer activities you have planned.

Perhaps they haven’t been out much due to the drastic winter snowfall, or maybe they are timid when it comes to trying new things. Whatever the case may be, we are sharing some helpful tips and training advice to prepare your pup for an enjoyable summer filled with exciting dog activities that you can do together.

After reading our three main tips, you can feel confident that your companion will be as cool as a cucumber this year. 

Preparing Your Dog for Summer Fun

Before em-barking on any summer adventures, it’s important to prepare for the activities ahead. This includes ensuring your floof is up to date on vaccinations, brushed up on their skills and training, and ready for the summer heat. Here are some tips to help you prepare for a fun-filled season:

Schedule A Veterinary Checkup

Before the dog activities begin, schedule a checkup with your vet to make sure your pup is in good health and up to date with their vaccinations. This is especially important if you plan on taking your dog to a dog park or other public areas where they may meet other dogs.

Additionally, warmer weather means more annoying pests. Fleas and ticks thrive during this time. They can cause havoc and even some diseases for unvaccinated pets. To protect your pup, check that they have the Borrelia Burgdorferi (canine Lyme disease) vaccine with your veterinarian. If you have any more questions about vaccines and which ones your dog needs to stay healthy, we have a complete Dog Vaccine Guide on what you need to know.  

 

Polishing Your Dog’s Skills

You might be scrolling through social media and seeing dogs with their owners on hikes, paddle boards, boats, and having fun in the sun, which makes you think: My dog could never. Well, we are here to tell you that they CAN.

Spend some time practicing basic commands like sit, stay, come, and leash training. If you’re planning on hitting up a crowded public place like a festival or a dog park, don’t worry. With a little socialization and desensitization training, your dog will handle all the noises and distractions like a pro! Gradually exposing your dog to different environments and situations can help them feel more comfortable and confident in these settings.

Still nervous? Don’t be afraid to enroll your dog in training classes, especially if they need extra help with socializing in different environments, with other dogs, as well as with people. It can be a fun and rewarding experience that can build a stronger bond between you two.

 

Keep You & Your Dog Cool This Summer

Summer should be a fun and safe time for both you and your dog. Keep in mind that heat and humidity can really affect dogs. It’s crucial to be aware of the signs of overheating and heat exhaustion which can include excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, and vomiting.

To help your dog beat the heat, bring plenty of water to drink and take frequent breaks in shaded areas. You can even consider grabbing a cooling vest and dog booties for hot pavement from the nearest Petco or online store. And just like you, your dog can also get sunburned. While fur provides some protection from the sun, applying a pet sunblock every three hours on the belly and other less furry areas helps prevent damage.

Finally, PLEASE always remember to never leave your dog alone in a parked car, even for just a few minutes. If you want to check out some more summer safety dog tips for Reno/Tahoe, check out Adventure Seekers Q&A.

Dog-Friendly Summer Activities

Now that your dog has prepped for summer, we can explore dog-friendly activities you can enjoy together. Here are some ideas for the Reno/Tahoe:

• Hiking: Take Fido on a hiking adventure! Choose a dog-friendly trail and bring lots of water, food, and poop bags. Some of our favorites are the Tahoe Rim Trail, Van Sickle Bi-State Park, or Monkey Rock Hike for gorgeous panoramic views.
• Go to the Beach: A beach day is perfect for water-loving dogs and is well worth the sandy bath afterward. Be sure to do your research before taking your pup to the lake in Tahoe. There are dog-friendly beaches such as Kiva Beach and North Zephyr Cove Beach. However, locations like Kings Beach do not allow dogs on the sand or water. You can do some digging on the Tahoe Beaches website for more dog-friendly places.
• Have a Staycation: If you’re looking for a more relaxed and pampered experience, consider booking a staycation at the Renaissance Reno Downtown Hotel & Spa. This luxurious hotel welcomes dogs with open paws and offers a variety of dog-friendly amenities like pet bowls, doggie treats, and a chewy welcome gift. You can also create a personal engraved dog tag for your pooch to wear home or add it to their creative dog tag wall.
• Attend a Dog-Friendly Event: Keep an eye out for dog-friendly events like outdoor concerts or Food Truck Fridays! It’s a great opportunity to get your dog out and about, but just make sure they stick to dog food.

With these tips, you and your dog are sure to have a summer full of fun and adventure. By preparing for dog activities, polishing their skills, and keeping them cool, you’ll be able to enjoy all the exciting opportunities that Reno-Tahoe has to offer.

 

Ever Wonder Which Vaccines Your Dog Needs and Why? Here’s Your Answer.

As a pet owner, one of the best ways to ensure your four-legged friend stays healthy and happy for years to come is by staying up to date with dog vaccine requirements and recommendations.

These vaccines can help protect your pooch from mild to severe diseases. But, with so many different vaccinations available and an overwhelming amount of information on the web, it can be hard to know which vaccines your dog needs and when to get them.

For that reason, we put together a complete guide to dog vaccines. Whether you just got a new pup or need a refresher, we have gathered all the information that every owner should know about vaccinating their dog.

Understanding Vaccines for Dogs: What Are They and How Do They Work?

Vaccines help your dog’s immune system fight off certain diseases. They work by introducing a harmless, small amount of a disease-causing agent known as an antigen into your dog’s body. This triggers their immune system to produce antibodies to fight off the antigen. That way, if your dog is exposed to the disease in the future, its immune system will recognize it and be better equipped to fight it off entirely or minimize the intensity of the illness.

Do Dogs Really Need Vaccines?

Like humans, dogs need a series of vaccines at a young age and annual shots to protect their health. Not vaccinating your dog can increase their risk of contracting dangerous and potentially fatal illnesses that can be spread through contact with other animals and humans. For example, most deaths caused by canine parvovirus happen within the first 48 to 72 hours after symptoms start. However, a tiny needle prick, in addition to good hygiene, can avoid the unthinkable.

The Core Vaccines That All Dogs Need

So, let’s look at the different types of vaccines for dogs, the ones you should consider, and those that are often required.

According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), “core” vaccines are recommended for all dogs regardless of their environment or lifestyle to safeguard against potentially deadly illnesses. These vaccines include:

• Canine distemper virus (CDV)
• Canine adenovirus (CAV)
• Canine parvovirus
• Rabies

Which Dog Vaccines May Also Be Recommended or Required?

Non-core vaccines are typically voluntary, but they may be required or recommended depending on where you live. We recommend consulting your vet about which non-core vaccinations are right for your dog. The AAHA includes the following vaccines on its non-core list:

• Leptospira
• Borrelia burgdorferi (canine Lyme disease)
• Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus
• Bordetella bronchiseptica
• Canine influenza virus-H3N8/H3N2
• Crotalus atrox (Western diamondback rattlesnake venom antigen)

Our Dog Gone Vaccination Checklist

Doggy daycare, grooming, and training facilities, including Dog Gone Amazing, also require dogs to be vaccinated to keep all our furry friends here healthy and safe. At Dog Gone Amazing, our vaccination checklist includes the following:

• Bordatella/kennel cough
• Rabies
• Parvovirus
• Parainfluenza
• Adenovirus

These vaccines need to be administered before coming to our facility. Vaccines must be given at least seven days before arrival at our Reno dog training facility to be up to date.

How often should my dog’s vaccines be boosted?

Dogs should be boosted every three years with their core vaccines. The first rabies vaccine is effective for one year, and any rabies vaccine after the first year will last for three years.

How long do vaccines take to become active?

The time it takes for a vaccine to take effect can vary depending on its type and the dog’s immune system.

Although walking right when your puppy comes home may be tempting, completing the entire vaccination series and following the recommended waiting period is crucial to provide complete protection for your pet. Most vaccines require two weeks to take effect, and the rabies vaccine takes about 28 days.

What Dog Vaccine Should My Pup Get At What Age?

The AAHA and other veterinary experts recommend vaccinating your dog for different diseases at different ages.

3 Weeks Old: Bordetella

Puppies at risk due to their environment may receive a Bordetella vaccine as young as three weeks old. The current recommendation is to administer this vaccine at 6 to 8 weeks of age.

Ages 6 to 16 Weeks Old: Core vaccines

At 6 to 8 weeks of age, your puppy will receive their first round of core vaccines. At least three doses of a combination vaccine between 6 and 16 weeks of age should be administered about two to four weeks apart. In Nevada, every dog 12 weeks of age must have a rabies vaccine.

Although we have outlined the typical vaccination schedule, visiting your veterinarian once a year is best to ensure your pup is current on all vaccinations.

Once your puppy has completed its vaccinations and the waiting period has passed, it’s time to get out and learn something new! We offer a variety of puppy training packages that will help create a strong foundation and set your dog up for good health and great behavior.

Click here to learn more about our puppy training services and the benefits you and your dog will receive.

 

Do You Have a Reactive Dog? Here Are Our 5 Best Training Tips To Help

Your furry friend might be a reactive dog if they get overly excited, bark at passing dogs and people, or growl when feeling threatened. While this behavior can be challenging for owners, it’s important to remember that reactive dogs are still great pups at heart who need extra help to bring out their best.

Whether you’re an experienced pet parent or just getting started, this blog can help you understand what a reactive dog is, why some dogs are reactive, and why training is so important. With our top five training tips for reactive dogs, you’ll have everything you need to turn your dog into a calm, confident, and popular pup at the dog park!

What Is a Reactive Dog, Anyway?

A reactive dog displays overly excited or strong behaviors in response to everyday situations, sounds, sights, and movements that other dogs would typically ignore. This could look like your dog barking and lunging at people who come to your house or at another dog when you’re out for a walk. Other reactive behaviors include:

• Jumping toward other dogs, people, or objects while on a leash
• Whining, trembling, or snapping at people or other dogs
• Barking excessively or growling at other dogs, people, bikes, or cars
• Becoming overly excited or agitated in certain situations
• Being highly sensitive to noises or sudden movements
• Urinating when approached
• Tensing up or looking away

One common misconception is that reactive dogs are aggressive. However, it is quite the opposite. Reactivity is a heightened emotional response, while aggression is hostile and harmful behavior toward another person or dog.

Why Are Some Dogs Reactive?

There are many reasons why a dog may be reactive. Some dogs are reactive due to a genetic predisposition, while others may not have received enough socialization or exposure, which can cause a stronger reaction to unfamiliar stimuli. Another common cause of reactivity is fear. Dogs who have had negative or traumatic experiences in the past can act out of anxiety.

Finally, a lack of training can also be the root cause of a dog’s reactive behavior. Dogs who have not received proper training and boundaries may become reactive because they are unsure of how to respond to certain stimuli.

Here Are the 5 Best Tips To Train Reactive Dogs

All dogs can benefit from training, and reactive dogs are no exception. Here are five of our best training tips for managing reactive dogs:

1. Start With the Basics

Before working on reactivity, your pup needs to have a solid foundation of basic obedience commands, such as “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” This will give you a means of communicating with your dog and redirecting their focus when they become reactive.

2. Identify Your Dog’s Specific Triggers

Every dog is unique and behaves differently in response to their triggers, and the best training program for a reactive dog is customized to them. Triggers can include other dogs, bicycles, loud noises, or even people in specific clothing. Identifying what sets your dog off is crucial to creating an effective training plan. Once you’ve identified your dog’s particular triggers, you can begin working on training and desensitization.

3. Get Your Dog Out and About!

Desensitization exposes your dog to everyday sounds and situations, such as bicycles, skateboards, cars, sirens, people laughing, and other noises. Taking your dog out into the world can expose your pup to these stimuli and help them create associations with positive experiences. Eventually, they will become more confident and relaxed in new situations. To learn more about desensitization, check out our video that shows the difference between trained and untrained dogs.

4. Keep Calm, Be Patient, and Avoid Punishment-Based Techniques

Using punishment-based techniques can escalate the situation and make reactivity worse. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and redirect your dog’s attention.

5. Get Professional Help

Reactive dogs require special attention when it comes to training and behavior management. Professional training can help reactive dogs learn how to change their responses, get along with other dogs, and build relationships with their humans. Together, you and your dog can benefit greatly from the positive reinforcement techniques and unbiased evaluation of your dog’s reactive behaviors that a professional trainer offer.

At Dog Gone Amazing Education Center, our training programs build trust, create clear boundaries, and teach reactive dogs to learn how to express their excitement and behaviors. We believe in all dogs’ potential, and amazing abilities to learn, adapt, and grow.

Our private lessons are a great starting point for reactive dog training. In these one-on-one sessions, we can work on specific behaviors and address individual challenges in a safe and controlled environment. We can help you feel more confident in taking your furry companion on their daily walk or embarking on a new adventure together with compassion, consistency, and patience.

If you suspect that you may have a reactive dog or are seeking personalized training tailored to your dog’s specific needs, our quiz can help. Click here to take the quiz, and we will be in touch!