Tips on Traveling with Your New Pup
We are proud to have our pups in nine states throughout the United States, and we look forward to expanding nationally as word of our fabulous dogs continues to spread from east to west and back again. No matter where in the United States you live, our priority is to ensure the pups and their new families have a great experience while traveling home.
The first step is to complete the puppy application and begin the matching process.
After you've applied to be the new pet-parents of an adorable mini Aussiedoodle and been approved, how do you get the pup home? The whole family is super excited, but the family's new best friend is on the other side of the nation. Now what?
Fine and Dandy Aussiedoodles currently offers three travel options for you and your puppy.
One is to travel to the puppy's birthplace, my home, and pick the pup up in person. The second option is to meet at one of three airports: Denver, Salt Lake, or Las Vegas. The third option is to fly the dog, along with a private pet nanny, to an airport near your house.
Traveling to the pup's birthplace could mean you fly out there then rent a car to my home, or you can drive straight to my house. We take great pride in our pups and how they are raised for the first eight weeks of their lives. When you bring one of our Aussiedoodles into your home, we count you as friends, and we're happy to have you visit.
Traveling with a new puppy can be an adventure for you and the pup, so here are some tips to help make the experience a good one.
Try to tire the puppy out before you begin the trip back home. Play with the little guy and bond a bit before leaving, and feel free to ask any questions while we hang out at my house.
If possible, bring a friend or family member with you to ride in the back seat with the pup. Having a riding buddy will help your new family member feel more comfortable.
Items to have on hand are a crate with a bed or blanket in it (or a harness that secures to the seat belt), a leash, a collar or harness, food, treats, water, bowls, extra blankets or towels, paper towels, cleaning supplies for possible messes, and puppy wipes.
When a puppy leaves its mom and siblings, it can be stressful for them. The pup may cry—a lot. Calmly reassure them but try not to be overly excited or overly affectionate. Doing so may reinforce the fear. If the pup is crying while traveling, try covering the crate with a blanket so it's more like a den where they can relax and not be exposed to as many stimulants. Something safe to chew like a hard plastic bone may help as well.
If driving a long way, stop every couple of hours for potty and stretch breaks. However, try to avoid busy rest areas or other locations where lots of dogs go. The puppy's immune system is still building, and they've not had all their vaccinations yet, so be careful where they walk and play. Use the pet wipes to wipe their feet and bellies off before putting them back in the car.
If you stay in a hotel on the way home, choose a pet-friendly hotel and ask for a room on the first floor. The quicker you both get outside for potty breaks, the better. Also, a flashlight may be helpful for nighttime dashes outside.
A far a flying goes, follow the airlines' recommendations for flying with a pet, but we want the dog to fly with you at your seat in an appropriate crate rather than in the cargo hold. When on potty breaks at the airport, avoid the high-traffic pet areas. We will supply you with potty pads so you can find a quiet corner and patiently encourage your new companion to go potty there instead.
If we meet you at either the Denver, Salt Lake, or Las Vegas airports, there may be a small additional cost. If you'd like the pup to fly with a private pet nanny to an airport near you, it will be at your expense.
Similar to driving with the puppy, endeavor to keep the pup as comfortable and calm as possible. Have extra blankets and wipes on hand in case it soils the crate.
At Home Safe and Sound
Bringing your puppy home can be a great time to bond with your new bundle of joy. Ideally, you've already gotten the supplies you'll need like a bed, food, bowls, and toys. Once home, you'll all probably need some rest! Spend time with each other and have fun watching your new best friend explore the house.
Please let me know if you have any questions about bringing your new Aussiedoodle home. I'm happy to help!