Preparing Your Dog for Your Absence: Care Tips and Transitioning Back Home
Ensure your dog’s comfort and stability when you’re away!
Training for Manageability
The better trained and easier to manage your dog is, the more options you have when you need to go away. If your dog is toilet trained, relaxed at home, and easy to manage on walks, friends or family may be more willing to care for them.
Frequent travellers should start training their dogs today to ensure they are always prepared for these situations.
Reducing Stress with Routine
Your absence can be stressful for your dog.
To mitigate this, I maintain a consistent routine one week before leaving, during my absence, and two weeks after my return. This routine includes playtime, outings, and calm time at home, providing a sense of stability for your dog.
Visiting the Caregiver’s Home
Before I travel, I visit my friend's house with my dog at least three times.
During these visits, I explain the importance of maintaining the routine and demonstrate how it's done. We also take walks around the block, sticking to the same route to help my dog learn the area. This familiarity can be crucial if your dog gets spooked or the leash breaks, as they will know how to return 'home.'
Using Technology for Safety
​I attach an Airtag to my dog's collar using this Airtag holder, linked to my friend's phone, to track her easily if she gets lost. I also update the phone number on her tag to my friend's number and ensure she wears her collar at all times.
Packing Essentials
I pack all the necessary equipment for my dog's routine, including walking gear, toys and items for calm time. Since my dog is crate trained, I bring her crate along, providing a familiar safe space. For food, I opt for pre-made fresh meals to make feeding easy and ensure she gets the necessary nutrients.
List of Key Information
I give my friend a list of nearby vets and emergency contacts, along with my dog's insurance details. This ensures she is prepared for any health issues that might arise.
Ensuring Smooth Transition Back Home
Upon my return, I stick to the same routine for another two weeks to help my dog transition back to normalcy. This consistency helps minimise any stress or anxiety she might feel after the separation.
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By following these guidelines, you can ensure your dog remains comfortable and stress-free during your absence and transitions smoothly back into their routine once you return. If you need further assistance or have any questions, feel free to contact me. Happy Travelling! :)
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