Most puppies suffer from car sickness until they become used to the unusual nature of the motion. Often the result is vomiting, probably caused by fright as well as the actual movement. Drugs are available to control either cause, but it is much better from the start to get the dog to associate car travel with pleasure. This can be achieved gradually by having the puppy in the stationary car, feeding him a tidbit or a proper meal, for instance, and then turning the engine on without actually moving off. Once he is accustomed to the engine noise, make the first journeys short, perhaps to a destination where he can have a walk or a game. Avoid taking the dog on a car journey until at least three hours have elapsed since his last feed.
Until the dog becomes a seasoned traveler, it is recommended that another member of the household be present, to soothe him and clear up any mess from car sickness. The small puppy can be held on the lap or placed in a travel box; the back seat is the most appropriate place, and ideally the outside world and moving traffic should be outside his field of vision. Most adult dogs find the well between front and back seats the most comfortable position where they can brace themselves against sudden jerks; they should be secured with a light leather lead attached to one of the car seats' lower structures. Rails can also be erected above the rear scats to prevent the dog from jumping into the front and from being thrown at emergency stops.
Small toy breeds are easily thrown off balance and may be better confined to a travel cage or basket placed on the floor or the front passenger seat, where the dog can be reassured by the closeness of the owner.
The arrival of a dog will obviously entail changes in the household routine. Somebody must take him for early-morning walks, irrespective of inclination and weather; the house cannot be left untenanted for the whole day because the dog must be let out, fed, watered and, most important of all, given companionship and love. One of the most significant changes concerns holidays and whether or not the dog should be included. Holidays abroad in a way present no problem because a dog cannot be taken outside Britain or Eire even on a day trip or boat journey unless on the return he goes through six months' expensive quarantine.
On holidays in the British Isles, it is often possible to take a dog along, but before booking into a hotel or guest house, find out if a dog is permitted; it will never be allowed in dining rooms, and a young puppy or a nervous dog may cause havoc if left behind in the rooms while the rest of the family dines.
Regulations at caravan and camp sites vary from place to place; even where dogs are allowed , they must obviously be under proper control and prevented from making a nuisance of themselves among other campers and holiday¬ makers. Some beaches are closed to dogs.
Dogs are permitted on British Rail when accompanied by their owners; unless they are guide dogs for the blind or of lap-dog size they are charged at the rate of children's tickets and are not allowed on to seats. They are also allowed on underground systems, but must be carried up and down escalators. Bus and coach travel companies have different regulations, and it is advisable to check in advance whether they convey accompanied dogs, and at what cost.
Until the dog becomes a seasoned traveler, it is recommended that another member of the household be present, to soothe him and clear up any mess from car sickness. The small puppy can be held on the lap or placed in a travel box; the back seat is the most appropriate place, and ideally the outside world and moving traffic should be outside his field of vision. Most adult dogs find the well between front and back seats the most comfortable position where they can brace themselves against sudden jerks; they should be secured with a light leather lead attached to one of the car seats' lower structures. Rails can also be erected above the rear scats to prevent the dog from jumping into the front and from being thrown at emergency stops.
Small toy breeds are easily thrown off balance and may be better confined to a travel cage or basket placed on the floor or the front passenger seat, where the dog can be reassured by the closeness of the owner.
The arrival of a dog will obviously entail changes in the household routine. Somebody must take him for early-morning walks, irrespective of inclination and weather; the house cannot be left untenanted for the whole day because the dog must be let out, fed, watered and, most important of all, given companionship and love. One of the most significant changes concerns holidays and whether or not the dog should be included. Holidays abroad in a way present no problem because a dog cannot be taken outside Britain or Eire even on a day trip or boat journey unless on the return he goes through six months' expensive quarantine.
On holidays in the British Isles, it is often possible to take a dog along, but before booking into a hotel or guest house, find out if a dog is permitted; it will never be allowed in dining rooms, and a young puppy or a nervous dog may cause havoc if left behind in the rooms while the rest of the family dines.
Regulations at caravan and camp sites vary from place to place; even where dogs are allowed , they must obviously be under proper control and prevented from making a nuisance of themselves among other campers and holiday¬ makers. Some beaches are closed to dogs.
Dogs are permitted on British Rail when accompanied by their owners; unless they are guide dogs for the blind or of lap-dog size they are charged at the rate of children's tickets and are not allowed on to seats. They are also allowed on underground systems, but must be carried up and down escalators. Bus and coach travel companies have different regulations, and it is advisable to check in advance whether they convey accompanied dogs, and at what cost.
