If you are an owner of a Mini Bernedoodle, you are inarguably proud of your little companion. They are naturally affectionate, adaptable, and, best of all, always eager to join in family adventures. For families that love escaping the hustle and bustle of city life and prefer weekend getaways or a long trip, your four-legged companion can also move with you without causing any issues.
However, you should know, traveling with a Mini Bernedoodle is not about packing their leash and going out; it does require some preparation and patience. Furthermore, you should be aware of some insider hacks, and that should keep their journey stress-free. Here, we will explore everything you should know about traveling with your affectionate pet, covering preparation, safety tips, the indispensable gear, and overall, how to make the adventure trips with Mini Bernedoole enjoyable.
Reasons that make Mini Bernedoodles the best travel companions
Before we delve into the details about preparing the Mini Bernedoodle for travel, let us take a look at the reasons that make them such great travel buddies.
- Adaptability: Being smaller in size than the Standard Bernedoodles, it is very convenient to travel with them. They can adjust in just about any mode of communication, i.e., from cars to flights.
- Friendly nature: Mini Bernedoodles have the natural instinct of appreciating meeting new people and experiencing new places.
- Moderate energy: Like all dogs, they also require regular workouts, but they aren’t overly demanding in this aspect; as a result, it makes road trips and short getaways quite manageable.
- Strong bond: These dogs always love to live close to their human counterparts. Thus, they would always prefer being with their owners when they are on an adventure trip than being left behind.
Preparation before travel
So, let us commence with the initial steps that you should perform before the trip. Considering them as the ideal procedure for preparing them, regardless of the number of days you are planning to go out.
Before setting out for a major trip, especially if it involves moving in flights or long drives, consult the vet first. Ensure vaccinations are up-to-date, check for any potential health issues, and ask about preventive medications for ticks, fleas, or motion sickness. Sometimes, a health certificate may also be necessary if you are flying.
Train the Mini Bernedoodle accordingly
Do the needful by training them, which would help them get used to traveling before they actually do. Here are the steps that you can follow:
- Go for short car rides, and gradually increase the duration and length of the trip.
- Make them convenient to crate training so they feel safe while traveling in a carrier.
- Train them to settle down with appropriate commands, and that should help them to settle down in new environments and reduce anxiety when they are really traveling.
Packing essentials
Just like you do not want to miss the essential items before traveling, consider doing the same for your four-legged friend, too. Mini Bernedoodle essentials would typically include:
- Food and water bowls.
- Food that should suffice during the trip.
- Fresh water and a portable water bottle.
- Leash and harness.
- Waste bags.
- A crate or a travel carrier
- Favorite toys and a blanket (to remind them of home).
- First aid kit.
Car travel tips
Often, road travel is the most convenient way to travel with a Mini Bernedoodle. Here are some handy tips to keep them comfortable:
- Make use of a crate or harness seatbelt: Ideally, for safety purposes, your dog should be secured in the back seat. In this aspect, crates work very well if they are already trained and are used to it. Harness seatbelts are also a favorable option for dogs who love to look out of the window.
- Ensure frequent stops: Unlike humans, who can travel consistently for hours, dogs are not used to this. Therefore, you should aim for breaks every 2 to 3 hours. Utilize the break for making them visit the bathroom, stretching, and some light exercises.
- Keep temperatures comfortable: It is a bad idea to leave your dog parked alone in a car. Heat and cold temperatures can prove to be life-threatening for them.
- Keep the entertainment quotient in equation: Ensure carrying a lot of chew toys or puzzle toys, and that should keep them busy for longer drives.
- Keep an eye on motion sickness: Some dogs can show signs of drooling, panting excessively, or vomiting. If this happens often, consult the vet and administer adequate medication to control such issues in the future.
Air travel
Flying with a Mini Bernedoodle can be trickier, as we already mentioned; driving is the best possible option. Therefore, if you plan to do so, it will require some positive planning, which is as follows:
- Check airline pet policies: Foremost, your duty would be to check the pet policies of the particular airline you plan to travel. Every airline has different rules regarding this. Some of them allow small pets in the cabin (if they fit conveniently in an under-seat carrier), while others may make it mandatory for them to travel in the cargo.
- Book early: Remember, airlines do not have abundant seats for pets, so book early to avoid disappointment.
- Invest in a quality carrier: Ensure the airline has an approved carrier that is comfortable and breathable.
- Pre-flight exercise: It is a good idea to make the dog exhausted and tired before heading to the airport. It will make the dog feel asleep during the travel duration.
- Limit food before travel: Do not stuff your affectionate pup with food before travel; instead, go for a light meal before takeoff, and it will help prevent nausea.
- Comfort items: Do not forget to keep a familiar toy or blanket in the carrier, and that should ease its anxiety.
Tips for staying at the hotel
After reaching the destination, it is crucial to make the Mini Bernedoodle feel at home, and for this purpose, you need to do the following:
- Choose a pet-friendly accommodation: Pre-book or call the hotels that welcome pets to stay with their owners. You can be sure that these homestays have adequate facilities to keep the dog comfortable.
- Create a familiar space: Set up their crate, toys, and blanket in a corner, exactly the way you do at home. This will make them feel at ease, and they will regard the place as a haven.
- Stick to the usual routine: Ensure the feeding, walking, and playtimes are the same as you used to do back home.
- Follow the rules: Keep your dog leashed in public places, and never leave them alone for longer durations. The bottom line is, never create a situation that leads them to bark out of stress or anxiety.
Safety tips for your Mini Bernedoodle
Indeed, the experience of traveling with your beloved Mini Bernedoodle should be something you would cherish for the rest of your life, and you would appreciate the decision of keeping a Mini Bernedoodle as your pet. But, do keep the safety issues in mind:
- Leash and ID Tags: Even if you are roaming with the dog in secure areas, it should have proper identification tags attached. In this aspect, microchipping is the best option.
- Hydration: Always carry water, especially when you are out for a hike or walking during warm weather.
- Protect their paws: Places like pavements, sand, or rocky terrains can have a great toll on the paws of these cute little creatures. Consider keeping dog booties to prevent damage to their paws.
- Mind the weather: As you know, Mini Bernedoodles have thick coats, which makes them comfortable when you visit colder destinations. However, in places where the temperature is higher, it will naturally make them uncomfortable. You should prepare for it accordingly.
Common travel challenges and ways to address them
Despite making all the necessary preparations, some travel challenges may still surface. Here, we list them for your convenience and suggest ways to deal with them:
- Separation anxiety: If the travel duration is long, the dog may suffer from separation anxiety. Keep familiar-smelling items, and that should help.
- Restlessness: Chew toys are the best for long-distance travel, and they will take care of their restlessness.
Wrapping it up
As mentioned before, traveling with a Mini Bernedoodle can be one of the most rewarding experiences for a pet owner. When you prepare appropriately, you should not have any issues during the travel. Since these dogs are enthusiastic by nature, they will make your trips more joyful and memorable.