puppy road trip

[hori]

just looking for advice for when I pick up my puppy. I will have a 5-6 hour drive and it will be first time the pup ever been in a vehicle. Should the pup be in the crate at all times or should my wife in the back take out and hold the pup for a bit? how often should we stop and also will the pup be scared when we stop off the highway for bathroom breaks? all replies and previous experience would be appreciated

[Maxxx]

Congrats on your new puppy!

When we picked up Max, we had about the same length of drive. Hubby drove and I held Max in a blanket for the start of the trip. He got too hot (it was sunny in the passenger seat) so he ended up in the foot well by my feet, sleeping soundly under the a/c vents.

Wear a t-shirt for a few days and use that when you pick him up. Let him use it as a blanket. That way he can get used to your smell. Bring some water, a bowl for the water, a toy, some plastic bags. The breeder should be giving you some food, enough for a few days.

We let him eliminate before we started to drive home, then stopped off three times on the drive back. Time it for once every 1 1/2-2 hrs. Make sure he goes before getting back into the car. Try to limit the amount of water he gets, give him a little bit often, as opposed to a whole lot at once.

Usually they just end up settling down after a bit and sleeping.

I personally wouldn't use a crate. Especially if it's both of your picking up the pup. One can drive while the other can play, watch over, admire the new pup. Most pups aren't used to the crate and 5-6hrs is a long time to keep him in there if you don't have to, especially since everything is new to him. Might be too stressful for the little guy.

[brunie's mom]

Our breeder was also over 5 hours away...and our pup did fine on his first roadtrip.
I brought a small plastic type crate (cat kind) and I put a towel in it (in case of accidents)...but ended up having our puppy on my lap and hubby driving most of the way home.

I know it's not safe,etc. But honestly, who can resist an 8 week old puppy??
We stopped every couple of hours...we took smaller highways where there was easier places to stop and pull over. Church parking lots are good areas....usually no dogs have been there, and it's quiet and safe.

Pack some water and a small bowl, and some small dog treats. We did not feed him his lunch meal on the way home...waited till we got home and fed him a bigger dinner.
Take a soft, fleece type of toy and rub it all over the puppies mother and the other litter mates if they are still there. It really helps to give the puppy comfort the first couple of nights to have something smelling like his clan when he is alone.

Take a light collar and light leash...and some papertowels, plastic bags,etc.
Baxter never had an accident on the way home...he also peed and had a poop on our rest stops.

Good-luck with your puppy.

Gina