What have been your experiences travelling with your dog?

What were the pros and cons of taking your dog on vacation with you? Did you have trouble finding hotels/motels to stay in? Would you do it again? Do you have any advice to offer anyone thinking about taking their dog with them. I am talking about a fairly large dog here (Labrador Retriever), and any advice would be welcomed.

My newest puppy has been my worst experience. He gets car sick. That's the first thing I would work on. Other than that, there are plenty of pet friendly motels, look on the Internet and plan your trip accordingly. I have a feed/water bowl that has a plug so I can stop and water my dog any time.

The only problem I have encountered with my dog is that he gets car sick. He is now paranoid about riding in cars and will spend the whole ride sitting rigidly and drooling non stop until he finally pukes. I have tried several remedies recommended by vets and trainers for this to no avail. Hotel rooms are usually more expensive if you have a dog with you. Also, you have to think about where you will be leaving the dog if you decide to go somewhere during this vacation where the dog will not be welcome, such as some stores and restaurants. Most hotel will not want a dog being left unattended in their hotel rooms due to destruction issues and also the risks housekeepers might face if they enter a room with a dog. Do your research on a places dog friendliness before you settle on a destination or hotel.

we bought a 28 ft motor home so we can take our dogs everywhere. for the most part, if i can't take my dogs i don't go. we stayed at a Holiday Inn about 10 yrs ago (Honeymoon) and took our 2 70 lb dogs with us. and i think motel 66 allows pets.now we have 3 dogs that weigh 100 lbs +/-, a 40 lb Aussie x, and a 15 lb terrier x, so staying in hotels is a bit more difficult. we like to go camping and it's easier with the motor home. but we go to extremes and not everyone can.

it was good for us we went from california to colorado in a car my dog did very well she had food water eveytime we stop at a rest stop she did her thing the hotels we stayed at wernt to mad about the dog as long as we keep her quite we gave her things to chew during the ride or she was asleep most of the ride my dog loves to go for rides as soon as we open the car door she jumps in herself

Some hotels don't take big dogs, sadly! they may be a little of a chalenge, but you can find it as easy as a few clicks thanks to the internet! Everytime we take our dog on vacation (to a hotel) she leads the way to our room, she litterally sniffs her way into the elevator, than would stop at our door even when we kept walking! The only other thing you might have an issue with is if you are someone who drives 10 hours at a time your dog may be like I have to pee now!!!!! some sujections of things you should bring:A portable water/food bowl for when you stop (can be a bowl and a bottle of water to poor in it)extra leashesbaggies (can be plastic bags from the grocery store) to pick up the poop so its not on whom evers propertytoys, remmeber you dog won't be able to play as much as normal, if you dog likes tennis balls, bring plenty and as often as you need to find a somewhat secluded grassy location that you can take your dog off his/her leash so they can play! a dog bed unless they sleep on your bed!It's best that your dog knows, commands like, sit, stay, come, or atleast your basics! anything your dog may or might need bring it! just as you would! Good Luck It will be so much fun!!!

My dogs (a lab and a lab mix) LOVE to travel with me. I have only kenneled them on one occassion where a plane ride was necessary, otherwise, I plan my vacations for them to come along. Red Roof Inn is one chain of hotels that will accept large dogs. I don't use a restraining belt in my car with my boys (I know, I know, I should,) but they are SO good in the car. They both lay down in the back seat and sleep the entire time! One thing I would HIGHLY recommend is to make sure you bring extra of your dog's food along. I made a trip up to my grandmothers, thinking I had plenty. When I ran out...I could not find a place in her small town that carried their brand of food. Also, you might want to stake out vet clinics in the area you will be ahead of time so you are not freaking out if an emergency comes up. I also over guestimate my travelling time. The boys enjoy stopping every hour or so for a potty break and to get some fresh air. Good luck, have fun on your trip!

Depends on the dog, obviously. I have one dog that instantly goes to sleep and will stay where I put her for hours till I get to the destination. My other dog has to be put in a crate and tranqulized because she barks at everything and tries to attack the other cars. First off make sure the dog dosen't get carsick. You may want to go to the pet store or vet and get some pills specifically for your dog (don't ever use people medicines!) to prevent car sickness and anxiety just in case. You may want to get a crate, it's the most saft, or at least get one of those harnesses that hook to the seat belt. Also it can make finding a hotel much more difficult, definately call ahead. A lot will accept small dogs (under 20 lbs) but not large dogs, and they may require a high deposit incase your pet has a accident. So medicines to prevent any problems, frequent pee stops and walks to keep him calm, and call ahead. Traveling with a pet can be amazing or a disaster, just plan ahead. Also I would start driving him/her to the park and places to get the dog used to sitting and being quiet so it isn't as exciting. Good luck!

I've traveled with my dogs a lot. It is difficult to find motels that allow more than one dog. It can also be a bit more difficult to find motels that allow large dogs. You need to plan ahead and find where you are going to stay. There are many websites that list pet friendly motels. Some chains like LaQuinta and Motel 6 allow dogs. However, Motel 6 says one small dog. La Quinta varies. There's also lots of restrictions on where you can and can not take your dog. If you try to do any sightseeing, it could be a problem. Even state and national parks have severe restrictions on where dogs are allowed....usually NOT on the hiking trails. So, it really depends on the vacation. If you are going camping, dogs are usually allowed, but not always. You can find pet friendly beaches and parks if you research on the Internet first. There are even some pet friendly cities like Carmel, California, where dogs, even large ones are allowed in stores, outside restaurants, nice motels, the city beach.

I love it my dogs go with me every where. And I use to travel all over the USA with them I had 2 min-pins now 3 DACHSHUNDS,My dogs would not eat while travelling good thing this keeps them from getting sick, also every time we would stop they seem to have to do there potty stop. They didn't drink much either and my 3 do the same thing now.When I had my dob we had some trouble but not much alot of hotels who let you have pets will mostl likely let you have a bigger size dog as long as you have control of the pet. they also require a larger pet deposit which you get back.You also have to clean up behind your dog.OHHHHHH, yea would do again and do now with my3 little ones now.Best I can tell you is to look up where you are going and ck out motels in the town and see which ones except pets and e-mail to see how much rate is and deposit for dog,Another good thing is no one bugs you at room once the dog barks. the maids wont come in if you tell at front desk to call first and put do not disturb sign out. your dog will be safe if do this so maid doest come in and dog gets out also to keep some one from being bit.Hopes this helpsTake the family pet they enjoy going too.