The Traveling Puppy!

[proudag08]

Because some might see this later, and there are time references in the body of this post the date today is Tuesday November 15th

Ok so I have put off posting this because I am afraid I will not like to answers that I get...

So I am picking my pup up tomorrow after work. He will come home and I am off Thursday and Friday. Friday night, we leave for College Station. We are staying with some friends there until Sunday evening. Then we head to Houston, stay there until Tuesday evening then head to the in-laws house from Tuesday to Saturday then come back home. All the while we will have the pup in tow. Now mind you he will have his crate and will also have plenty of attention at all these stops. All the stops are aware of the pup being there and are totally ok with it. Also, the pup will not be left alone any longer than I'd say 2 hours at a time in his crate during the trip.

Now my question is this: Is that going to affect my puppy in the long run? I mean I figure that pros maybe travel with pups a lot, but I may be wrong (its happened once before :roll: ) I just want to make sure that I am not going to put my puppies health or mental well being at stake by taking him all these places so soon after getting the him. Is taking him to all these places and all these new people going to "over stimulate" my pup? I think this is just me being a nervous first timer, but I'm just trying to make sure...

So, what do you think?

[Cajun Casey]

How old is he and what is his vaccination record against parvo?

[Garrison]

Your pup will be fine, they eat, play, sleep and poop, let them do all four when they need and life is good. Keep him out of Petco and rest stops.

[proudag08]

How old is he and what is his vaccination record against parvo?

He wil be 9 weeks old and will have first round and possibly second round shots...

[AzDoggin]

Socialization-wise - it will be advantage, not a disadvantage, IMO. You and your family will be fill-ins for momma and brothers and sisters. The pup will be around you constantly...that's nothing but good for a young one. Here's a good article on the social/behavioral aspect: http://flyingdogpress.com/content/view/51/97/

Casey voiced the only potential downside. I think you might be able to mitigate this one somewhat by keeping pup away from areas that other dogs frequent - DO NOT put him down at truck stops, rest stops, dog parks, places where other dogs gather and piddle if you can help it.

[RoostersMom]

Ditto what the others have said. All my pups travel a bunch. Even when they're little. However, you really do need to keep them away from ANY places where other dogs have been. 9 weeks old IMO is practically like being unvaccinated since antibodies might still be screwed up from the mom.

I really like churches (my favorite) and baseball diamonds. I don't use any gas station stops or fast food places. Also be really careful on trying to keep his feeding schedule normal - don't let the family give him treats or he'll be nasty with the runs. That sucks when you're traveling. Schedule good breaks when you're driving in order to get the pup out for exercise in safe places.

Also, bring your friends and family earplugs for his screaming in the crate - hope they won't need them, but with pups that aren't crate trained, you never know how bad it's going to be.

[Cajun Casey]

If it's been at least seventeen days since his first DP vax, have the breeder booster him when you pick him up. Get a bottle of Safegard for goats at TSC in case the excitement knocks his immune system and he gets coccidia. Don't let the family houseapes feed him rich holiday food and he should do just fine.

[Sharon]

Because some might see this later, and there are time references in the body of this post the date today is Tuesday November 15th

Ok so I have put off posting this because I am afraid I will not like to answers that I get...

So I am picking my pup up tomorrow after work. He will come home and I am off Thursday and Friday. Friday night, we leave for College Station. We are staying with some friends there until Sunday evening. Then we head to Houston, stay there until Tuesday evening then head to the in-laws house from Tuesday to Saturday then come back home. All the while we will have the pup in tow. Now mind you he will have his crate and will also have plenty of attention at all these stops. All the stops are aware of the pup being there and are totally ok with it. Also, the pup will not be left alone any longer than I'd say 2 hours at a time in his crate during the trip.

Now my question is this: Is that going to affect my puppy in the long run? I mean I figure that pros maybe travel with pups a lot, but I may be wrong (its happened once before :roll: ) I just want to make sure that I am not going to put my puppies health or mental well being at stake by taking him all these places so soon after getting the him. Is taking him to all these places and all these new people going to "over stimulate" my pup? I think this is just me being a nervous first timer, but I'm just trying to make sure...

So, what do you think?

It will not affect him in the long run.
Pup may cry the first 3 nights. Are the inlaws ready for that?
The stimulation will be great for the pup. relax:)
Don't use areas where other dogs eliminate.
Only his regualar food, or you'll have diahrrea all the way home.

[Coveyrise64]

For your trip.......

Plenty of paper towels and extra water to clean the crate, you're going to need it. If the drooling/motion sickness gets to bad 1/2 of a 25mg benedryl will work. Light meals, you don't want him traveling on a full stomach and easy on the water as well. Plenty of newspaper for bedding, you're going be throwing a bunch of it away (and a trash bag). Towels if he is going to riding in the seat next to your wife.

Coveyrise64

How old is he and what is his vaccination record against parvo?

He wil be 9 weeks old and will have first round and possibly second round shots...

[marysburg]

Buy bottled water which is not spring water-get reverse osmosis water. Don't let anyone feed or water your pup but you, and don't let anyone give him milk. It will help avoid loose stools due to diet changes on your trip. Have fun with your new pup.

[proudag08]

Thanks guys, he is going to the vet Friday. Is there anything I should ask the vet to give him before we leave?

[ultracarry]

If your going to get him chipped , don't do it at the vet. They hold clinics that chip for $20 cheaper usually.

As for stopping and letting the dog out, use some of those side roads off the highway and walk him. I'm guessing your by witchita falls area???

[proudag08]

I'm in Ft Worth actually. And yes I had planned on stopping somewhere else, other than a rest stop or gas station to let him out to do his thing. And the vet is a long time family friend. I'm sure the chip wont be too expensive.

[Doodle]

Sounds like you have the precautionary advice. Try to keep some kind of schedule for potty and rest just as you would any youngster. RELAX. Be calm and confident no matter what. If it scares you the pup will likely pick that up. Now travel safe, and have FUN. My young one logged many miles at a tender age. She travels beautifully and loves new experiences. It has paid off as she matures.

[Redfishkilla]

Take some paper towels in the car. I bet you clean his crate a few times, no big deal. Try to feed him at the same times. Might make bed time consistant too. You'll prolly have to get up in the middle of the night to take him out so make sure the family knows that, ol' uncle ed might meet you at the door with a shotgun otherwise. post some pics.

[GUNDOGS]

although it may not apply here since the pup is little and will obviously not be far from you or off lead he could still get loose, ya never know so i suggest to take a photo or two of the pup and have them with you JUST in case he got away or taken so you have a picture to post at places to report him missing..we travel ALOT with our dogs and i always make sure i have good up to date pics with us just in case, a few years back a friend of ours lost his springer while we had the dogs out for a pee break in georgia on our way to florida, the dog broke loose from his collar and off he went, when we went looking and couldnt find him doug (the owner) had no pics on him to post incase someone seen him, he wasnt chipped either BTW and was never seen again so chipping and a picture or two is a good thing to do for all dog owners especially dogs going into fields off lead in unknown territory hunting..JM2C...ruth

[proudag08]

All of this is great!!! Thanks guys!!! T minus 3.5 hours til my guy comes home!

[Cajun Casey]

Have your vet provide you with some Albon against coccidia, since you are going in anyway. Do ask about boostering early on the DHPP-CVK. Better to jump the gun a little than put the pup at risk. Might ask about kennel cough, too.