Strip trip traveling with a dog
Hi - just looking for some advice, pros/cons about strip trip traveling with a dog. I want to leave for 2 months and bring my 50 lb staffordshire pit bull but I can't get past this roadblock of worries about her well-being and my ability to be gone during 8 hour shifts (at home, she goes out every 3-4 hours). Also worried that I won't be able to find places to stay. She's quiet, very calm and sweet. To most, she doesn't look intimidating but there's still that stereotypical fear of the breed.
Has anyone ever done work trips with a dog? What was your experience?
Re: Strip trip traveling with a dog
I traveled with a full grown Rottweiler for a few different reasons. The pros- most people assume a larger dog is a guard dog, and they are good company.
The cons- a lot of hotels won't allow dog big enough to cause damage inside the room, especially the "bully" breeds. You might need to find a boarding kennel in some areas.
Also being around a dog 24/7 can get tiresome. A dog is like a kid on the road- you can't leave them alone for extended periods and they can be clingy. Not all breeds travel well.
PS check if you are going to cities with "Breed Specific Legislation" on their law books. You can be detained/cited for having a banned breed. Small town cops CAN use your "banned breed" dog as an excuse to annoy you.
Re: Strip trip traveling with a dog
If you can leave your dog at home, or with friends or kenneled, I would recommend that over bringing the dog with you, for all the reasons Snuffle listed.
A dog that's cool with running around town with you might not be so cool with the added stress and unfamiliarity of an extended trip outside of its usual borders. It's also kind of cruel IMO to be leaving the dog alone in unfamiliar hotel rooms for long shifts while you're working.
I would actually forgo the trip entirely if I couldn't make suitable arrangements to keep my dog cared for in my hometown.
Re: Strip trip traveling with a dog
Very helpful, thank you both for the input.
Re: Strip trip traveling with a dog
I'm an expert on this! Motel 6 hotels all allow pets ( check to be sure, but I've never had an issue ). The really tricky thing will be when you want to splurge on a nice property - than you'll really run into the no pets thing hard.
Have you considered a small truck and travel trailer by chance?
My dog is easier because he is just 8 pounds but even then he does add a complexity to the trips. I sometimes work really long club shifts ( 10 hours + ) if he's not there but I max it at 7-8 hours because he is so well trained I worry he'll make himself sick trying to " hold it " if he waits for me. I should probably train him to use those little pads but we never have. He is just used to going outside.
Some clubs may make an exception to let you leave mid shift to take him out too.
Re: Strip trip traveling with a dog
I always travel with my dog, and did with the one I had before her. I agree to find hotels that will allow pets. I am not sure if you have ever crated the dog but I recommend to bring a collapsible cage to leave the dog in while you are at the club. If you end up staying in a city for a few days or weeks at a time you can use Rover to find someone to walk her for you. In the times you are not at the club be sure to take the dog out for walks or to the park.
I disagree that the dog will be stressful in a new city. I know for a fact that large breeds need the stimulation of walking and sniffing; I call it "dogsploring"; though I am not sure if it is better for them to do this in different areas or not.
Also, try and make sure you are visiting dog friendly cities. I know in Fort Lauderdale you can take your dogs to certain restaurants and bars, I have taken my dog to the beach a million times. In Providence RI I once took my dog into a CVS- a place where people go to buy allergy medication! Because they allow it there. I took my dog to TN last year too and she really liked it there.
Lots of places in California and more liberal/"blue" states/ area in MY experience are more dog friendly, though maybe some rural areas are as well.
Re: Strip trip traveling with a dog
Lots to consider here. Thank you guys so much. Would be happy to hear from other folks too!
Re: Strip trip traveling with a dog
+ 1 that the dog will not get " stressed " ( if you know your dog )
Mine always has his little bed and blanket and his usual food dishes everywhere we go.
I am going to start using Rover I think but I'll probably have to pay for the first hour as shared time ( with the sitter and me there ) because mine doesn't react well ( not snappy but he is just scared ) unless he sees me with a person first.
Re: Strip trip traveling with a dog
there's hotel sites like bringfido.com ...beware of the "pet friendly" hotels that use it as a gimmick and then charge an enormous pet fee for "cleaning" excuses. I once got to one and they charged me 200 bucks once per night for the dogs. No mess in the room just upfront. It's already paid for and you're thinking "fuck, what have I done." Some ban the "dangerous" breeds too. I have no problem keeping mine in a room when I'm not there.. Mine just nap and play with each other when gone but you are right, they are clingy when you are back and get bored if you don't bring toys. Palomar Hotels are the bestttt they are so dog friendly... even can provide a dog bed and water bowl for the room.