Taking your dog on the train for the first time? Dogs can be a little scared whenever they try something new. Knowing their nature, dogs are not used to train rides. At least 1 in 6 dogs suffer from travel sickness. The good news is – you can travel by train with a dog! Here are 7 simple tips for fussy-free travel with your pet.
Table of contents
- Check important policies when bringing a dog on the train
- Take short car rides every day with your dog
- Try to take a short off-peak train journey in preparation
- Leash or Crate-Train Your Dog
- Practice non-verbal cues and basic commands
- Practice your dog to be comfortable with a mouthguard (muzzle)
- Frequently Asked Questions about Train Travel with Your Dog
Check important policies when bringing a dog on the train
If it’s your first time bringing your pet on a train, you must check the train company’s pet policy before booking your trip. Not all train companies allow pets, and those that do may have specific rules and restrictions. For example, Amtrak allows pets on certain routes, but there are size and weight limits and additional fees. There are also limitations as to how many dogs you can bring. In most cases, you’re allowed to bring a maximum of two dogs but you have to keep them on a leash or in a pet carrier.
Moreover, train carriers require that dogs must be 8 weeks old, and must be odorless and non-disruptive to passengers. Remember, policies vary from carrier to carrier and either way, it’s going to need some legwork and cash on the dog owner’s part.
Take short car rides every day with your dog
Once you’ve confirmed that bringing dogs on a train is allowed for a particular carrier, you should start training your dog. It’s generally recommended to start training at least a few weeks before your trip. Start by taking your dog on short car rides, gradually increasing the duration of the trips to help them get used to the motion of travel. Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, to encourage your dog to feel calm and relaxed during the ride.
Try to take a short off-peak train journey in preparation
Trying for a short off-peak train journey can be a great way to start training your dog. Focus on onboarding and exiting the train. Help them become familiar with the different sounds of the station and help them adapt to the crowd. If your dog is not used to many people, they may be hesitant to ride the train. It will take several weeks to adapt to the environment itself. Use a lot of positive reinforcement techniques to reward your dog for calm and relaxed behavior during the ride.
Leash or Crate-Train Your Dog
Most train pet policies will require dogs to be in a crate or leash. Train your dog to feel comfortable in their carrier or crate by gradually introducing it to them and rewarding them with treats and positive reinforcement when they show interest in it. It’s important to note that the amount of time needed to train your dog to ride a train can vary depending on their age, temperament, and prior experiences with travel. For some dogs, a few weeks of consistent training may be sufficient, while others may require several months of training to feel comfortable with train travel.
Practice non-verbal cues and basic commands
Curious dogs would, no doubt, love the freedom to say hi to other animals and passengers on the train. Unfortunately, other passengers you don’t know how other passengers will react to it. Practice some hand signs or basic commands that your dog can follow. If your dog can function on a lead, you must train him to sit and stay quiet during the train ride. Your dog must also learn to jump on the ramp, walk when necessary, and not bark at strangers.
Practice your dog to be comfortable with a mouthguard (muzzle)
Practicing your dog to be comfortable with a mouth guard can be important for their health and well-being. A mouthguard can keep your dog from accidentally biting strangers. This can be useful when traveling by train with a pet, especially if the latter is known to be a silly one. Introduce the mouthguard gradually to help your dog get comfortable with it. Begin by letting your dog sniff the mouthguard and become familiar with its scent and texture. Reward your dog with treats, praise, and affection when they show interest in or interact positively with the mouth guard. This will help them associate the mouthpiece with positive experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions about Train Travel with Your Dog
Train your dog several weeks before your train ride. Focus on helping your dog adapt to the noisy environment, and practice basic commands such as sitting down and quiet while on the train, and jumping on the ramp. Make sure you have medicines for travel sickness if your dog. Practice running if you’re planning on a longer train journey. Longer train journeys may require dogs to have more endurance. Always have your dog checked with the vet before you travel to ensure that it is fit to go.
In general, dogs must be on a lead or crate when traveling. Smaller dog breeds like Chihuahuas, Poodles, or Shih Tzus are easier to bring when inside a crate. Bigger dog breeds like German Shepherds or Labradors can be placed on a lead.
Yes. However, you must check your dog with a vet to ensure they’re fit to travel. Make sure you bring medicines for travel sicknesses and train them before the journey.
When it comes to choosing a carrier for train travel with your dog, you must check with the train company for their requirements. Most companies will require pet carriers to be leakproof and must be 19 x 14 x 10.5 inches in size. Pets inside must also not exceed 20 pounds.
Without proper preparation, a train journey with a dog can be stressful for both dogs and dog owners. It’s best to choose dog-friendly train travel routes where they can see scenic views. In most cases, you can only bring dogs for travel for less than 7 hours which is enough time to keep them calm. Longer journeys will require more specialized training and attention to keep them comfortable during the ride.
There are a few dog-friendly train travel in the U.S. such as Amtrak Cascades, Illinois Zephyr, or Crescent Train when you’re traveling around New York. There are other trains available for different routes on Amtrak, just check it out. Most carriers only allow five dogs per ride excluding service dogs so you need to make reservations in advance.
One of the most important train travel tips with a dog is to ensure your dog is prepared to ride. So, train your dog to be comfortable with train travel. Otherwise, they may get stressed and depressed. Bring along necessary supplies such as food (including their favorite treats), water, and waste bags. Also bring vet contact details or calling cards, blankets, and chew toys. Train them to be respectful of other passengers. Most importantly, prepare all pertinent papers and documents for your dog such as the Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI). You need to certify that your dog is up-to-date with all required vaccinations before travel. If your dog is suffering from a certain disease, bring a medical certificate from the vet, including essential medicines.
Yes, service dogs are typically allowed on trains. However, it’s important to check with the train company ahead of time to ensure that you have all the necessary documentation and that your dog meets any specific requirements.
You can potty your dog during a train journey by taking them to designated pet areas at train stops or by bringing along puppy pads or a portable potty system. Some train carriers offer private coaching or special classes that your dog can join to keep them distracted during the travel.
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