How To Get Your Dog To Pee When Traveling

by: Carol Bryant

Traveling with a dog can be fun, exciting and memorable, but it can also be a bit of a challenge if its idea of bathroom etiquette is finding the nearest patch of grass that smells like home. I have been traveling with my dogs for over 20 years and there is  one thing I truly know: Teach your dog a variety of surfaces early on.

What is a road warrior to do when it comes to bathroom options away from home? Using these time-tested traveler tips, your dog will be handling the pit stops of life’s highways and byways with ease. 

Plan properly

Accustom your dog to urinating on a variety of surfaces, including grass, gravel, rocks, wood chips and cement. From experience, there is no greater road trip joy than a rainy day, a slab of concrete and a code word to initiate the process (e.g., “Go, go, go!”). 
Check in

Ask the front desk of your destination where relief areas are located on the property grounds. Once on the allocated areas, let your dog sniff and mark, and say the “Go” command associated with its relieving duties. On future walks/pit stops, reinforce with the code word as your dog realizes these are its stomping (and marking) grounds for the time being.

Use portable potty systems

Eco-friendly, self-draining toilet systems for dogs have made their mark on the marketplace. Allowing dogs the freedom to relieve themselves without having to worry about carpet stains, this product serves a purpose for high-rise and upper-floor clientele, as well as canine travelers.

Be prepared

Accidents are bound to happen, so packing piddle/training pads in a roaming bag makes for a must-have travel item. Also handy to have: baby wipes, a favorite stain remover, an enzymatic odor-removing eco-friendly product, and plenty of paper towels to blot.

Remember that hotels and bed and breakfasts appreciate when we clean up after our dogs. Good manners mean people and their dogs get invited back and pet policies remain open.

Did I miss any tips? What works for you?