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A good way to make the best vacation or long road trip easier, for you and your family, is to have your dog's travel supplies prepared in advance. You can pack all of their necessities and a few of their favorite toys in a pet travel bag. Take the bag and leave it inside your car. This method works well whether you're taking a short ride into town or a last minute weekend getaway. Having some of your pet's things can help to relieve some of the stress and anxiety that they may experience. If you have all of the basics already prepared then all you have to do is jump in, call your dog and head on down the road. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:off ice:office" /

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Don't let your dog travel without a few of the basics. This should include some dog treats, your pet's favorite toy, a leash and a nice clean bowl. If it's a longer trip than your dog is comfortable with and you have the extra space, a pet travel kennel is often your best choice. It will provide protection and a much needed refuge required for your dog's comfort.

Rewards-

The treats are great to encourage good behavior and consistent mannerisms while in public. When you give them a reward it will always let your dog know what sort of behavior is expected and this will make travelling with them a lot easier. Even if your dog hasn't been trained well, this reward system really works. It lets them know automatically what you consider good behavior and what you expect of them during your trips together.

Toys-

Your pet's favorite toy will encourage them to be more at ease and occupy them while inside your car. Toys are very helpful when using your pet travel kennel. They will always be more willing to get in the kennel and stay inside, without a large fuss, if there is something familiar inside for them. Once inside it will distract them long enough so that they eventually will calm down and get comfortable as they become more familiar with the kennel itself.

Control-

Obviously the leash is a very important addition. When travelling there can be times that it can be difficult to stop your dog from running out of the car door as soon as it opens. This can be dealt with easily by requiring your dog to sit and wait until you get the leash attached to its collar. As soon as your pet does this give him the reward (dog treat). If you do this every time you're dog will eventually learn from the reward system and do it automatically as soon as you stop your car.

Convenience-

Having a bowl is great to have in your pet travel bag also. The food and dish will give additional reassurance and helps to get them to enter and exit the car without your assistance. If you remember to take a zip top bag with some dog food and a bottle full of water you should have everything you need.

Hope that this information will help anyone planning a trip with man's best friend and it helps in making your vacation or weekend trip the best for you, your family and your pet.

Learn more about this author, W.C. Klein.
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