Chula Posted May 30, 2013 Report Share Posted May 30, 2013 In about a month we will be driving from Virginia to Minnesota - about 20 hours. The plan is to split up each drive over two days, with the longest day being 12-13 hours. Any tips for a long car ride with the pup? Her longest ride so far has been around 2 hours and she's nervous but not crazy. Also, what about doggie on a pontoon? Does she need a life jacket? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robke Posted May 30, 2013 Report Share Posted May 30, 2013 What we know is the signs when both need to come out of the car for a toilet break or just to stretch their legs....which is ± every 2 hrs for our...and the for about 15 mins every time..and make sure they have a drink then as well.... on a pontoon that I do not know mine swim so with me I would say no.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Posted May 30, 2013 Report Share Posted May 30, 2013 Yep agree, we drive for about 2 hours then let the pooches out for about 15 mins for a pee/poo break give them some water and treats. another quick walk around for another pee then back in the boot (hatchback/trunk). repeat for the duration of the journey. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chula Posted May 30, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 30, 2013 She's never had a chance to swim so I don't really know what she will do. We spend a lot of time on the boat so I hope she doesn't hate it. She's not scared of loud noises so that gives me hope. We only have rivers around here, no lakes close and I don't want to toss her in the river for her first swimming experience in case she can't and gets swept up! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storm Angel n Auroras Mum Posted May 30, 2013 Report Share Posted May 30, 2013 whas a pontoon? is it a boat? id say yes she needs a lifejacket in case she cant swim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chula Posted May 30, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 30, 2013 This is the pontoon. It's really, really hard to sink or capsize a pontoon, but I still think I'd be more comfortable with her in a life jacket just in case she tries to chase a seagull and jumps off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Storm Angel n Auroras Mum Posted May 30, 2013 Report Share Posted May 30, 2013 a boat then yes lifejacket. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stormy Posted May 30, 2013 Report Share Posted May 30, 2013 I think most people with dogs on boats put a life jacket on them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chula Posted May 30, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 30, 2013 I don't think I've seen many people at the lake with jackets on their dogs, but I don't mind being the odd man out if it makes mine safer. I don't wear one, but my nieces and all other children always do. The boat doesn't exactly move along at warp speed though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay Posted May 30, 2013 Report Share Posted May 30, 2013 I agree with the rest stops every 2 hours or so to stretch their legs. The longest I have traveled has been 2 hours as well, and Nikko did fine. I would probably use a lifejacket. first time Nikko met water was in a swimming pool and he took to it like a pro, but if for some reason the boat sank in the middle of the lake I don't know how long they would be able to swim for. Have fun on vacation! Sounds like fun! Looks like you will be passing by my way too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chula Posted May 30, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 30, 2013 Yep! Will be driving right through West VA to Louisville, Kentucky, then to Gary, Indiana and then through Chicago area, then up to MN. I hate driving around Chicago though! Actually probably the first night we will stay in northern Indiana somewhere so that we hit Chicago on a Sunday morning with no traffic We made the drive there a few years ago and at one point were driving through farmland and there were literally millions of fireflies in the brush along the interstate. It was one of the coolest things I have ever seen...though the truck was pretty nasty afterwards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay Posted May 30, 2013 Report Share Posted May 30, 2013 How cool! I actually live 10 miles directly south of Gary right off Interstate 65. There are tons of hotels in Merrillville, which is the town I work in. Its right between where I live and Gary. I actually love driving in Chicago, it's a thrill LOL. Yeah Sunday morning would be much better for traffic. Look on here for pet-friendly hotels: http://hotels.petswelcome.com/indiana/merrillville/ Yep! Will be driving right through West VA to Louisville, Kentucky, then to Gary, Indiana and then through Chicago area, then up to MN. I hate driving around Chicago though! Actually probably the first night we will stay in northern Indiana somewhere so that we hit Chicago on a Sunday morning with no traffic We made the drive there a few years ago and at one point were driving through farmland and there were literally millions of fireflies in the brush along the interstate. It was one of the coolest things I have ever seen...though the truck was pretty nasty afterwards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Posted May 31, 2013 Report Share Posted May 31, 2013 I drive with our dogs from England to Poland across Europe which takes about 20 hours on a good run. I agree with two hours as a guide. I would also suggest you get a couple of baby screens that stick onto the car windows to pretect your dog from the sun. They are very cheap, but essential if it's sunny. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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