Leave serenely for the weekend with your dog
When I adopted Musher 4 years ago, our first weekend together was… how to say… colorful! I didn't know exactly what I should put in my dog's suitcase, how the car journey was going to be for her and what reception I would be given by the hotelier where we had taken a room.
The first weekend or the first vacation with your dog can be a bit hectic because you leave the frame of the routine and the “comfort” of the house. But once everyone has made their mark, it's always a pure delight. To prepare for your holidays or WE with your dog, here are some tips to keep in mind: material, equipment, mode of transport, type of accommodation... Let's take stock together.
How to equip your dog to go on weekends?
Who says weekend, necessarily says suitcase! When I go away for the weekend with my dog, I usually take a lot longer to pack my dog's suitcase than mine… I'm so scared of forgetting something essential that his suitcase is usually much more bigger than mine.
Besides, while looking for a slightly original and offbeat collar and harness to prepare for a weekend with Musher, I discovered the Klep's website. It was born from a great idea from Blanche and Matcha, her Shiba Inu. Blanche was fed up with unsightly and unattractive dog accessories. She had the idea of listing on her site all the most beautiful and original products she found around the world to equip our dog friends. From Canada to Korea, she decided to select the most beautiful pieces. Unique accessories and limited series created by inspired enthusiasts with pretty materials. And the little extra, the site had even created a section reserved for accessories for traveling with your dog, the must, W'ouf race!
December 2024 Update : Blanche and Match's beautiful adventure has come to an end. The site no longer exists… what a shame!
Despite everything, even if you can no longer order on this site, as promised, I am sharing with you a small list of the equipment to pack in your dog's suitcase for your next weekend: his harness/collar and leash, your bowl, mat or basket depending on the size of these accessories, a small first aid kit in case of emergency, the necessary kibble and treats, a microfiber towel and the inevitable poo bags 😉
If you are going for a sports weekend with your dog, other equipment will of course be added to this list: bat bag, life jacket for dogs, canicross harnesses, boots... To find out more, I advise you to download the vacation checklist with a dog to make sure you don't forget anything. Thanks to this list of essentials, be sure to leave with a light mind!
I take my dog for the weekend or I have him looked after, you have to choose!
I started this article by telling you about my dog's suitcase because I never go on weekends without it. But before preparing your dog's suitcase, it is important to ask yourself a real question: Am I taking my dog or am I keeping him?
This is an essential question so that your weekend is as pleasant for your dog as it is for you. It is essential that the place of your stay is suitable for your dog. It goes without saying but it's always good to remember. I take two examples...
You leave 3 days in the Jura massif with your dog? Perfect ! It's the ideal destination to have a good time together: cani-hiking, cani-cross, cani-paddle... No hesitation, bring your dog! You will enjoy. I myself tested this destination with Musher, my labrador : the top.
Are you going for the weekend to the festival of lights in Lyon? Here's a weekend project that doesn't seem very suitable for your dog... The lights, the sound, the crowd...: your dog may not be very comfortable in this environment. He may even risk being trampled on… Don't cancel your weekend but have your dog looked after by a relative, a petsitter or entrust your usual pension.
Should I take my dog or have it looked after? Here are some parameters to consider when making your choice:
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Your dog's temperament – Does he quickly get comfortable when you take him to a new place? If you know your dog needs a few days to get comfortable, taking him with you for 2 days may not be the best solution.
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The living conditions for your dog – Have you chosen a dog-friendly accommodation for your WE ? It is important not to rely solely on the “ok dog” criterion. Contact the host to make sure that your companion will be welcomed.
Some hotels tolerate the presence of your dog provided you shave the walls, others will, on the contrary, know how to welcome your dog warmly and pamper him as a full-fledged member of the family. And they are the ones we highlight on our site 😉
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Activities to do on site – it's nice to have found dog-friendly accommodation, but there still has to be one or more dog-friendly activities to share with your dog. Bringing your dog for the weekend is great! But if he can share a mountain of activities with you, that's much better.
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Travel time and mode of transport – These two parameters must absolutely be adapted to your dog. No question of leaving for 5 hours by car if your dog is not comfortable with this mode of transport. Traveling with a stressed or anxious dog is not easy. If you have to take the train, make sure your dog is in good standing and follow a few simple tips to make your trip as smooth as possible.
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Your dog's age – It's important to consider your dog's age and physical condition as well. An old dog will not necessarily appreciate leaving the comfort of his home and his bearings even for a weekend.
If your dog cannot come for the weekend with you, many care solutions are possible: family, friends, the petsitter, home visits, boarding, foster family or you can even call on the services. mutual aid between individuals!
You will find in the Mag' of EmmèneTonChien.com lots of advice to best prepare your WE with your pet on train travel, on how to travel with an anxious dog, on ideas for vacation destinations to test with your dog... Go take a look, it's a wealth of info Wow Good!
I hope these few tips will help you share wonderful weekends with your 4-legged friends! Share your best moments with me Instagram with the #emmenetonchien 🙂