This is a collaborative post: taking your dog for a ride in public transport can be a daunting experience, especially if your canine friend isn’t trained to be in one. Training your dog to use different modes of transportation is a gradual process. However, before starting to train them, it is essential to do your homework and find out which public transport allows pets on board.
You must think about the safety of the other passengers before deciding to travel on public transport with your dog. Your furry friend should listen to your commands and you, as the owner, should ensure they don’t cause any inconvenience to others. Below are a few guidelines on how to train your dog to have a smooth journey in any mode of transportation.
- Start with short routes
If your dog is already trained in heeding your command, start slow and take short routes to give him an idea. For instance, if you’re planning on taking a bus (make sure whether the driver allows pets), just go around one block and gradually increase it day by day.
- Toys and Treats
Take your dog’s favorite toys with you (as long as it is not noisy) to make him feel more comfortable. Give treats to your dog for showcasing good behavior on and off the transport.
If you are going on a long journey, make sure to pack essentials for your dog. Travel food bowls and water bottles for dogs can come in handy.
- Install a GPS Tracker
GPS trackers installed in their collar will allow you to find your dog’s exact location via cellular service if your dog gets lost. This happens mostly when you’re traveling in a new place and your dog gets excited and adventurous and finds a puzzle for them to solve. Therefore, sometimes they wander farther away and lose their way back to you.
You’ll get more information on the different types of GPS trackers at welovedoodles.com where they discuss the pros and cons and how you can provide your dog with a quality life.
- Toilet before Travelling
Make sure your dog goes to the toilet before traveling to avoid any unnecessary occurring in public transport. Remember, the driver is fully entitled to ask you and your dog to get off.
Therefore, it is a good idea to stock yourself with dog poop bags, plastic bags, tissues, and wet wipes, just in case!
- Carry a carrier or a short leash
If your dog is small, try a carrier where your dog will be safe and would not be an inconvenience to other passengers. If your canine buddy can’t fit into a carrier, then use a short leash to keep your dog in check. You can also use dog harnesses for more control and clip him with the lead in a corner if you’re on a train, and need a quick bathroom break.
You know your dog better than anyone! If your dog feels uncomfortable around strangers and has the tendency to bite, it would be a good idea to put a muzzle on him so both of you can have a smooth journey.
- Carry the paperwork
Although it may not be necessary, in some transportations, transit authorities may want to check your dog’s immunization records and any other related paperwork. So be sure to carry them in your bag at all times when opting to use public transport with your dog.
- Be wary of your Dog’s Health
Before training for a ride on public transport, it is a good idea to visit your vet and make sure your dog is fit for travel. If you are traveling in your car with your pooch, try going short distances and see if he develops nausea or vomits out all the dog treats you gave him, so it becomes easier to clean.
You can clip your dog in the back of the car using a dog guard to keep him safe and avoid flying to the front, every time you hit the brakes.
The Don’t
- Not all dogs are the same, so if you aren’t sure how your dog will react, do not introduce him to a public transport filled with people all of a sudden. Avoid rush hour when you’re traveling with your dog.
- Don’t let your dog occupy a seat.
- If your dog isn’t good with strangers, don’t let people fuss over your dog and make it more uncomfortable for him.
- Not everyone loves dogs! And some may have allergies. So make sure to keep your dog close and avoid invading other people’s space.
- Don’t travel with your dog on public transport if it is a hot day.
- Don’t take your dog for a ride if he is muddy or smelly. Be respectful of other passengers, and wash your dog before boarding public transit.
Modes of Transportation
The rules are the same for all modes of transport; be it bus, taxi, subway or train. For buses and taxis, it depends on the driver’s discretion of whether a pet is allowed on board. If allowed, they may ask you to keep your pet in a carrier or on a leash at all times and avoid sitting them on a seat. If you plan on doing that, you may be charged for it.
It is the same for subways and trains, however, first, you need to find out whether they allow pets on board. For instance, National Rail in the UK allows two pets per passenger to travel free of charge (only if they don’t occupy a seat), and in buses and taxis, pet dogs are required to be kept on a leash. Some trains may require a ticket for your dog so make sure to do extensive research before traveling.
Exercise Caution
When using tubes or underground subways, make sure not to carry your dog on escalators. A number of pet injuries occur on escalators so try to avoid it even if your dog is highly experienced. If you’re unable to carry your pooch, then use the stairs or elevators.
As already mentioned, avoid traveling during rush hours. The ticket counters will be busy with passengers going to and fro and your dog may not like being pushed around in the crowd. Therefore, go through the ticket barriers when there are fewer people around.
Read the Signs
Communicating with your dog lets you understand how your pet is feeling, confident and happy or sick and frightened. It is essential to know how your dog feels while traveling on public transport. This way you will know how to make your pooch feel safe.
Dogs show similar responses in different situations. For instance, if dinner is being prepared, you can see him drooling and licking. However, he will do the same action when getting on a bus or train, showing he is worried and reluctant to board.
Skills your Dog needs to know
A well-trained dog will respond to your call, and listen to your command. So before you jump aboard on a bus, make sure your dog is familiar with key commands such as, “sit”, “lie down”, “walk”, “wait” and some more keywords that you can train him up with. This is important if you expect to enjoy a smooth ride with your furry friend.
To Sum Up
Different breeds of dogs have different personalities. Some are more laid-back and relaxed while others can be extremely sensitive. No matter the breed, it is advisable to start slow when riding on public transport. You first need to prioritize your dog’s health and well-being above all, just like you’d do for a baby.
Plan ahead of time! Call the transportation service before purchasing tickets to find out if pets are allowed. Make sure to pack all your dog’s essentials including poop bags, wet tissues, food and water bowls, and so on. In addition, if your dog fits, use a carrier or clip a lead on his collar, so you can control him better. However, if your dog has the tendency to be aggressive, it is recommended that you put a muzzle on him during the journey.
If it is the first time your dog is traveling in public transport, no matter how long the journey is; after you get off the vehicle, let your dog go for a run either in the park or around the neighborhood. This little freedom will relax your dog and he will anticipate this activity every day after getting off the bus or train.
Traveling with your dog may not be as easy as a walk in the park. However, with a little preparation and careful planning, it may make the journey a lot smoother and safer for you, other passengers, and your furry best friend.