The fall in Colorado offers a lot of delight in road trips into the mountains to view the changing leaves, feel the crisp fall air and try local produce and wine that are plentiful this time of year. For many people, our canine companions can be the equivalent to a family member and often travel with us. My recently retired racing greyhound, Rene, has been the center of my world since I adopted her a few months ago. When I adopted Rene, I became determined that she would become a traveler like me. From our experiences to yours, here are five suggestions to make traveling with your canine a satisfying experience for everyone.
Choosing a hotel.
Try to find a dog-friendly hotel and ask for a room on the first floor. This is simply to make your life a little easier, especially as your dog cues you that it is time to go outside. To avoid incurring a ridiculous room-cleaning fee in case of an accident, being on the first floor just gets you in and out faster in those dire times. Also, a hotel with a nice grassy area is easy to discover: take a look at hotel pictures and see what the outdoor landscaping looks like. See if there is grass around, or if it looks more like a desert. The more comfortable “Fido” is in using the bathroom, the easier it is on you.
Visit local parks your canine will enjoy. Wild mountain landscape is sometimes not that comfortable on our dogs’ paws. Before you head out on your trip, research local parks along the way. That way, Fido can take a break while on the road all the while having his or her paws cushioned by soft, dewy grass. It may lead him or her to also lie down and roll in the grass, a sign that your companion is having a happy vacation!
Bring your dog’s favorite items.
Because traveling is new to Rene, I try to make sure the things that surround her in the hotel room are familiar. I bring her blanket, her bed, treats she loves, her bowls and a toy or two. Even if she doesn’t play with them, I think it makes her feel like there is a connection to the home front. I even bring a jar of peanut butter, a knife and her Kong so I can make her favorite peanut butter filled Kong treat!
Have the hotel staff meet your canine.
When you check-in at the hotel, have your canine pal with you. If it is a dog-friendly hotel, they may have some special treats for your furry friend. If it is too hard to have your dog with you at check-in, stop by later and have the staff meet your dog. This way, the staff can put a face to who is staying at the hotel and they may develop a soft spot just in case your canine decides to chew on furniture or whine at 2a.m.!
Plan your meals with your dog in mind.
Having a dog with you while traveling, it can be difficult to eat meals at sit-down restaurants. What’s more, many hotels don’t allow guests to leave dogs in the hotel room alone. Find the restaurants you want to try and see if they have dog-friendly patio seating or if they provide a take-out option. Enjoy your meal picnicking at a local park or bring it back to the hotel room. That way, your dog can enjoy the family time that comes with a shared meal!
Melanie McClanahan is a Colorado native, living in the Lowry neighborhood with her adopted greyhound Rene.
