See All the Places Cello Has Been HERE!

See All the Things Hooch Has Done HERE!

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Here are a few sites I like to use to find dog-friendly places to go with Cello, Hooch, and Lager:

(1) BringFido.com :

BringFido.com has been providing pet friendly suggestions since April, 2005.  BringFido.com is a dog travel directory that provides reviews, pet policy information, and online reservations at pet friendly hotels through a partnership with Travelocity. Information is also provided on bed & breakfasts, vacation rentals, and campgrounds that welcome pets in 150 countries worldwide.  BringFido.com also provides information on both airlines and hotel pet policies, as well as recommendations on dog beaches, off-leash parks, outdoor restaurants, and other animal attractions in more than 10,000 cities around the world. Bring Fido has a toll-free number (877-411-FIDO) dog owners can call if they need assistance locating a a pet friendly hotel at the next exit on the highway, an animal hospital that’s open at 4am, or the best restaurant in the area that allows dogs to sit at its outdoor tables.

Some of the great reasons to use BringFido.com: 

1. Bring Fido has confirmed the pet policy at every hotel listed on the website, so there won’t be any surprise pet fees, weight limits, or other restrictions when you check-in at the hotel. If you find a pet policy that is no longer accurate, you can contact them, and they will cover any additional pet fee you may have been charged.

2. Bring Fido does not charge a booking fee when you make a reservation. They guarantee that you’re getting the best rate available on all prepaid reservations. If you find a lower rate within 24 hours of booking, they will gladly refund the difference plus an additional $20.

3. You can choose a free gift every time you make a reservation online. Just visit the “freebies” page prior to booking to see the current offers and enter the appropriate gift code when making your reservation. They will ship your free t-shirt, sticker, or other gift as soon as you return home from the trip.

4. Bring Fido donates a portion of all proceeds to numerous pet charities, humane societies, and rescue groups every year. You can help save a homeless pet every time you reserve a hotel room through BringFido.com.

(2)  DogFriendly.com :

DogFriendly.com has been helping humans share adventures with their canine kids since 1998.  They have published world-wide pet travel guides for people with dogs of all sizes & breeds.  City Guides show pet-friendly hotels, attractions, such as tours, stores & historical sites, campgrounds and parks,& off-leash parks, beaches, patio dining, skiing, and more. You can also view free listings, highway guides, the site’s blog, or their dog travel books/ebooks.  You can even join their newsletter to find out about everything dog-friendly!

(3) Gopetfriendly.com:

GoPetFriendly.com has it all … you can search this site by category – such as pet friendly hotels, campgrounds, beaches, and parks… to veterinarians, pet supply stores – and even restaurants and wineries where your pup is welcome to join you.  Everything you’ll want or need while you’re traveling across the US and Canada is here, all in one place.  The site even has a Road Trip Planner that will map your trip and locate all the pet friendly places along the way.  And if that isn’t enough – there is also a collection of approximately 30,000 consistent, detailed pet polices from hotels and campgrounds.

Cesar Millan has some great tips on his site for traveling with your dog:

Cesar’s Best Dog Travel Tips

Bringing your dog on vacation with you just adds to the fun and alleviates the worry of not knowing what’s happening with your dog while you’re on the road. You need to do your homework on dog travel though. Planes and cars aren’t designed with dogs in mind, and you need to know what to expect when you reach your final destination.  By planning your dog travel ahead of time, you can make the vacation a truly relaxing time for you and your dog. Here are my best dog travel tips to help make that happen:

Crating your dog for travel

It’s natural to feel bad about crating your dog. After all, you wouldn’t want to be crated. But don’t project your feelings onto your dog. They don’t mind the crate and some even feel safer in one.

• The most important thing you can do is make sure your dog has been well exercised before he goes in the crate. If he’s burned off his excess energy, he’ll be more inclined to rest.
• Make sure there’s nothing in the crate that can harm your dog. Leashes and loose collars are especially dangerous items that could present a strangling hazard.
• Keep your energy positive. Don’t present the crate like it’s a prison. Show the dog the crate and open the door. Don’t shove the dog in the crate. Let him go into the crate on his own. When he’s inside and comfortable, you can close the door. Walk away with good energy and body language. If you affect a sad voice and say things like “Don’t be sad. Mommy and Daddy will be back soon,” your dog is going to think something’s wrong and get anxious.
• Come back in 15 minutes. This will ease the dog’s separation anxiety next time you crate him. But don’t take him out of the crate. Remember that you’re not projecting that the crate is a bad thing. Just open the door and he can come out when he’s ready.

Driving with your dog

It’s usually a good idea to crate your dog when riding in the car. You’ll be less distracted while driving which is safer for both of you. It also prevents your dog from becoming a projectile if you have to stop fast, also reducing the chance of injury for both of you. Speaking of projectiles, don’t feed your dog a lot before the trip as they are prone to motion sickness. Don’t feed your dog while you’re moving either. Wait until there’s a break and you can give her a small snack, preferably high in protein. It’s also good to spend a little time playing or walking during the break to get rid of some pent-up energy. And of course, don’t leave your dog in a parked car, especially when it’s warm out. Even with the window cracked open, the car can quickly turn into an oven, and your dog will get dehydrated.

Taking your dog on an airplane

The first thing you need to do is check with the airline for their rules regarding pet travel. Many require a health certificate and may have other rules you haven’t thought of that you don’t want to be surprised with at the airport. Your dog will almost certainly be traveling in a crate and it will probably make everyone’s lives easier if you crate your dog before you enter the chaos of the airport.

As with car travel, it’s smart not to start the trip on a full stomach or blaadder (dogs should fast for at least 6 hours before the trip) and to make a pit stop as close to the departure time as possible. However, make sure your dog has access to water—enough to keep hydrated but not full.

If your dog isn’t flying with you in the main cabin, don’t have a big goodbye scene. You’ll only upset your dog. If you’re calm, he’ll be calm.

To medicate or not to medicate your dog

With almost as large a selection of pharmaceuticals as humans, it may be tempting to medicate your dog with a sedative or calmative for the trip. I don’t recommend medicating your dog. You don’t want to start a pattern that ends with a reliance on pills for you or your pet. You possess all the tools to keep your pet calm with your voice, attitude, and body language.

Keeping your dog calm during travel

Make sure you bring your dog’s blankie or his favorite stuffed animal, toy, bone—any item which is familiar to your dog and will comfort and relax him.  For a little extra calm, try rubbing a little lavender oil between your hands and give your pet a little aromatherapy or deep tissue massage at the beginning of your dog’s spine or base of her head.

Staying in a hotel with your dog

As with flying, a little preemptive research is in order. Does the hotel you’re considering even allow pets? Better to find out before you arrive. Pet-welcoming hotels like Best Western will be prepared for your visit, and can even recommend parks, hikes, and other dog-friendly activities. At other hotels, the only thing fit for a dog is the Continental breakfast. It can also be embarrassing if your dog barks or howls in the new room. Don’t inadvertently encourage the barking with affection. Stay calm and assertive and take him out for some exercise to calm him.

Go on a long walk once you reach the hotel

A recently exercised dog will be in a more relaxed state during any long trip. Your dog may growl at strangers and that’s ok. It’s natural for your dog to be a little nervous around new people. She’s out of her element and may growl. This isn’t because she’s being aggressive, but because she’s a little freaked out and needs reassurance that everything’s under control. If you pull her away from the new person, you’re indicating that there is something wrong and she’ll freak out more. Again, be calm and assertive and show your dog that you’ve got it covered.

How to enter the hotel room with your dog

Now you are ready to go to your hotel room. Enter first. Get the dog to stay where he is. Don’t let him wander around or he’ll assume control of the situation. While you are unpacking, showering, or making phone calls, he is waiting. The only one who should move in the environment is you—until you are ready, then you initiate activity. It’s important that your scent is everywhere before the dog settles in.

Exploring a new place

You’re away from home and that means a lot of new sights, smells, sounds, and potential food items for your dog. Make sure you’re vigilant wherever you go about what’s around, especially in the area of things your dogs could ingest. Also, especially around the holidays, there may be a lot of lights, decorations, and snout-level treats that can be distracting or dangerous for your pooch. Keep an eye on him and the new place.

Can’t bring your dog along?

Find a good substitute pack.  In a kennel, your dog should be immediately adopted as a member of the pack. The staff should be able to get your dog focused on what is there for him – and not leave him mourning over the fact that you left. It is a big deal for a dog to detach himself from a pack. The new pack should equal or better the pack he just left.  Traveling with a dog can be a fun experience for both of you. Just remember to be as prepared as possible wherever you go. The more homework you do on dog travel, the fewer surprises there will be. Don’t forget to make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise and above all, of course, be calm and assertive. A balanced dog makes the best travel companion.