Advice for taking dog on a train and unfirmiliar surroundings

black-saturn

Next week I'm taking my dog (Yorkshire Terrier x Patterdale Terrier so quite small) on a 2 and a half hour train journey with 2 changes of train. Has anyone got any tips of how to handle it and what can I expect. She is 8 months old.

We are also spending a week away with the dog when we get there and she has never been in unfirmiliar surroundings at all so has anyone got any tips about that?

All useful answers will be thanked :T

lewt

Just try and have some string or summit to keep it entertained. oh and a placcy bag just in case.

WeirdoMagnet

We take our Parsons Jack Russell (Tilly) on holiday with us. Earlier this week we took her on a ferry and a bus (day trip to Arran), both for the first time. I guess it depends on how your dog is in general - ours takes most things in her stride, so long as she's not left out of an adventure!

I use a trail-type harness so if she gets excited about something she a. can't escape and b. doesn't hurt her neck. I'd also take one of your dog's blankets with you on the train so she's got something of her 'own'. I took a couple of rawhide chews to keep her amused, just in case. Tilly will quite happily drink out of a water bottle with a sports-type top, so that's handy for keeping her hydrated. I'd take her for a good walk too prior to getting the train, just so she's not full of beans!

As for being on holiday - I'm sure she'll love it. Take all her normal things - bedding, toys, food etc. She'll probably have a good sniff round and explore once you get there, and then settle down. Are you self-catering? We've self-catered and been in a dog-friendly hotel, and had a great time.

You could also make a temporary tag for her collar (with one of those plastic keyring labels) along the lines of "I'm on holiday. If you find me, please call my folks on <insert mobile number>". Take a towel, just in case she gets wet/muddy. I take throws too, so I don't get (white) dog hair everywhere. Oh, and a small doggie first aid kit. Yes, poo bags too!

Have a great time. We love going on holiday with the dog!

WeirdoMagnet

Another thought, take an extending lead or lunge/long line, so she can be under control (in a strange place) but still have a run. You'd be best with a harness with an extending/lunge line as they can damage their necks if they get up to speed and then reach the end of the lead. Sorry if I'm stating the obvious!

melt71

Hi Black Saturn

My partner takes his dog on the train quite a lot (he doesn't drive) and she is a mad 1 year old boxer. Here's some tips;

Make sure you try to get an off peak train and get on the train as quickly as you can, otherwise you end up with a seat with no room and you will have to leave the dog in the way of other passengers. Try to get a table seat, then it can sit/lie under the table.

If you have an extendable lead, use it. The gap between the platform and the train is huge for a dog and on a non extendable lead it can be a bit hair raising as they can't jump easily.

Take treats, paper towels and as somebody as mentioned a plastic bag just in case.

If possible, walk to the station or take the dog on a walk beforehand so that they just want to sleep when they get on the train.

The trains are noisy and can be a bit scary for dogs, so you need to be in a position to stroke your dog to reassure him/her. The treats will help take their mind off it and once they've done this kind of journey once they are usually ok next time.

Can't think of anything else at the moment, I'll get back to you if I do.

Good luck and I'm sure it'll be fine.

wigginsmum

If she's very small, is it feasible to put her in one of those wire mesh cat/dog baskets for getting on and off the train, or would that be too much for you to carry?

black-saturn

Thanks for the advice everyone. Yes I am going self catering. I'll remember to take all those things with me so that hopefully the journey will go smoothly. When I get back I'll let you know how I got on.

cheekymole

BS - take her to the train station a couple of times before you go and just sit to let her here the trains going by. If one stops take her on and then get off again before it leaves the station (obviously!)
I puppy walk for guide dog and have spent many an hour on station platforms getting the dogs used to the noises etc

jaymac_2

We took our pup away last weekend and one of the best things we took was the metal spike we stuck in the ground and attached her long lead and a long rope to, so she could wander around without going too far.

black-saturn

Just got back from taking the dog away and it went quite well. When we first got on the trains she was going round in circles and wouldnt sit still but after a while she went to sleep. It wasnt as bad as I thought it was going to be. Could have done without the train breaking down for an hour though.