Golden Retriever Behavior Article

Taking Your Golden Retriever with You When You Travel

If you are the proud owner of a golden retriever, then you likely already know how much he loves being involved in all of the family activities. Odds are, you also know that he loves riding in the car whenever he gets the chance, and wants to be with you all the time, when that is possible. Most golden retrievers crave love and attention, and really do want to feel that they have their own special place in the family. If your golden retriever is still a puppy, it may take some time to teach him to behave well when riding in the car, but it will be well worth the effort, for both of you.

The first time you allow your golden retriever to ride in the car, you should make certain that you don’t overfeed him during the day. Only offer smaller meals when he demands them, so that you don’t have to worry about him getting car sick, which often happens on the first car ride. You also don’t want to have to worry about him accidentally using the bathroom in your car, which is another good reason to limit the amount of food that you give him, especially just before you plan to leave.

It is important that you plan your trip well, especially if you are going on a long car trip and intend to take your golden retriever along. You will need to stop often so that he can get out of the car, do his business, and play for a while, which will help him stay calm during the ride, and prevent any accidents in the car as well. If you can’t allow for this extra time, then you should plan to leave your golden retriever with a friend, family member, or in the local kennel.

Although you may see no harm in it, you should not ever allow any dog, your golden retriever included, to ride in the car with the window down and his head hanging out. Your dog will really enjoy this, but it really is a bad idea. Road debris could get tossed into his eye, causing damage or even loss of vision, or fly into his nose or ear. You never know when a rock or something else could hit your dog, so this is something that you shouldn’t start.

If you have to stop for gas or to go eat, make certain that if you leave your golden retriever in the car, you leave the windows cracked, and never leave him for any long period of time. Ten or fifteen minutes might be okay, but it doesn’t take long for the heat to get to an animal in a car, even with the windows cracked. Always try to find shade to park in.

If you plan to allow your golden retriever to travel with you, make certain that you are able to care for him properly. While your dog will love to go with you, you have to be responsible about it.