Take Obedience and/or Behavioral Training

There are SO many trainers and methods available today. Just make sure to choose someone who uses positive motivation and reward to train your animal. "I so can't stand it" says Debra Jo, Emma's human, that I am about ready to open my own school.

WE RECOMMEND USING TECHNIQUES LIKE THOSE USED BY KYRA SUNDANCE AND CHALCY.

 ***Someone once asked me how I got Emma to  listen and perform so well. I responded, "she never learned to do it wrong." Be patient, learn "when" and to give the reward and be consistent and have a lot of fun!***

Take a Pet First Aid and CPR class

I can just can't say enough about this! I have taken the red cross class for humans so I guess I thought I had it covered. There ARE specific techniques and instructions for both first aid and CPR with a pet.  I don't know if I pay more attention or if animals are just more intergraded into our daily lives but my training as come in handy more than once. I think it is a responsibility for us to have this course under our belts and the knowledge will give you a calm and a confidences needed in emergency situations.

WE RECOMMEND SUNNY DOG INK PET FIRST AID AND CPR

***Taking this course was the best thing I ever did for both myself, my pet and animals I didn't even know!***

 

Have Current Vet Checks and Records

Having current vet checks and veterinarians seal of approval insures that your pet is healthy enough to travel.  Take a copy of your records, including your vets name and number with you. (Make your pet a medical passport book.)         d

WE RECOMMEND THE ORANGE-OLIVE VET HOSPITAL   

***This is Debra Jo with Dr. Patricia Pannier! I seriously don't know who loves going to the Orange Olive Vet Hospital more, me or Emma?***

Micro Chip your Pet and Have Pet ID

The new laws are scary and some animal shelters don't need to hold your pet more than a few days. If YOU don't contact them by that time your pet could be subjected to be put down. There is no guarantee your animal will end up at a no kill shelter. Micro chipping is proof of ownership.

WE RECOMMEND AVID PET TRACKING SYSTEM

***Until your pet learns to use the phone, Avid can help them find their way home!***

Pet ID can be obtained online and at many local pet retail stores. You may want to consider making 2 sets and even an extra collar. If you pet loses one set, you'll be prepared!
 

Have an Emergency Action in Plan

Did you pack your pet first aid with you? Do you have a vacation destination? If so, look up the local emergency vet facility and print it out and take a copy with you. Do you have more than one animal traveling with you? If so in an emergency situation you may want or need to board the other animal, at least take time to see what is available in the area you will be visiting. Having internet access will help you find a place in less time too. Talk about it if you are traveling with your partner, family, friend and make sure everyone knows what to do incase of an emergency.

WE RECOMMEND YOU TAKE THE INDIVIDUAL EFFORT ONE NEEDS TO PERFORM IN ORDER TO PREPARE!

WE ALSO SUGGEST THAT YOU BROWSE THE FEMA AND ASPCA WEB SITES FOR INFORMATION ON PREPAREDNESS AND HOW TO IDENTIFY THE SIGNS YOUR PET IS IN TROUBLE!

***Emergency Plans can also consist of fire drills. Did you look the exit route from your room at the hotel? We had to have a special harness made to lower Emma out of the RV window in case a fire were to occur. Implementing these type of plans at your home base can also save a life!***

 

Back Dog Essentials in a Back Pack

Mothers of babies have baby bags so there is absolutely no reason your fur baby shouldn't have one too!

WE RECOMMEND YOU CARRY THIS AT ALL TIMES.


***Emma has one in every vehicle including her Harley. Some differ a little but each has the essentials needed. A first aid kit, extra water, a little collapsible water dish, an extra leash and collar, picture with her and I together (Incase someone actually doesn't know were a pair?) doggie waste bags and an extra toy and her "incase of emergency card"! (Yes, I made her one of those.)***

***Emma back pack is literally a doggie back pack by Ruff Wear. Not only does it hold all her essentials it doubles as a "load" when we go out hiking! Dogs love a job! Emma was more focused and less distracted the day she got her gear!***

Train Your Pet and Yourself for Travel

Traveling with your pet isn't easy, at first. Is your car set up for the proper restraints? Is your pet okay on a tie down or does he/she need to be crated? Is your crate secure? Does your pet suffer from anxiety when traveling? How often are you stopping to let you and your pet move around a bit? Do you know the signs your animal exhibits when he/she has to go potty! Have you calculated into your travels extra time for pet care? Have you given your pet a chance to gain travel skills by starting off on short successful trips and then working your way up to more time in the car?

It may sound like a lot but it all gets worked out pretty quickly. Your vet, and many experts listed on this page have information that can help you solve these issues.

WE RECOMMEND SECURELY HARNESSING AND RESTRAINING YOUR PET DURING ALL TRAVEL EVEN LOCALLY!

***Figuring out how to keep a dog secure in a side car was a little bit of trick. I must have purchased every single harness and lead on the face of the earth. We even took the sidecar apart to see what it was going to take to drill into the side of the darn thing. Then I found BATZI BELTS! The unique triangle attachment made it a synch to adapt the system to Emma's unique ride. She can sit, stand and lay down. She has enough room for limited mobility but not enough rope to hang herself. She can't get over the side in any direction! With Batzi, my dog is safe, I am safe and other then some can't stare and drive, the rest of the public is safe too!***
 

Plan Your Trip Ahead of Time

 This seams pretty basic but you have no idea how many times I have just thrown us both in the car and taken off for the great outdoors. Adventurous of us, yes, but without a little formal planning all the rest of our suggestions just seam to need to be amplified. Planning ahead gives you the ability to prepare properly. Just makes sense.

WE RECOMMEND YOU MAKE AN ITINERARY!

***Weather we are traveling alone or as a family. We always make sure another friend or family member has a copy of our plans. Even if we differ from them at least someone knows where we are at all times!***
 

Take Lots of Pictures They are Memories

 This seams pretty basic too but how many times have you left the house without your camera? And with all those pictures you could?.... make a website!


WE RECOMMEND PHOTOGRAPHY ALWAYS!

***Emma has heard the click of a camera so many times she is starting to "strike a pose" without a cue!***

 

Slow Down and Enjoy Life WITH your Pet

The human / animal bond that occurs when you spend 24 hours a day with your pet is absolutely amazing. You become so "in tune" with each other. A close, interpersonal relationship worthy or record. In fact, studies have proven that there are actual health benefits for people living with pets. Lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, reduced stress levels and better mental health for those living with animals. So take your pet on vacation with you, it's the healthy thing to do!