Let’s face it the world is weird right now y’all. Many of us had summer plans to vacation, travel and/or road trip with our canine counterparts…
Some of us were able to keep those plans and others have had to postpone due to the global pandemic that is taking place as we speak. I OFTEN get asked the question from family and friends, “Out of all of these products what do you actually use on a daily basis?” I wanted to write a travel focus feature to outline what we actually used (and found useful) on our latest road trip to a family based ranch!
We traveled almost 1,600 miles round trip with Holley, our youngest Australian Shepherd. Typically Holley travels very well so we chose to take her with us over the other canine team members as we knew that she would be the most relaxed and comfortable on our 14 hour drive! This was her first long road trip out of state and of course I wanted to make sure I brought the right equipment to keep her safe and happy during our journey.
I really wanted to utilize the Ruff Land Performance intermediate kennel, as the multi swing doors, front and side door locations, and the construction/ventilation of the kennel is ideal for travel. Unfortunately we were traveling in our midsize sedan. With my long leg husband driving, the kennel did not comfortably (or safely) fit behind his seat. We then opted to utilize what actually worked VERY well as a plan B, the 4Knines Rear Seat Protector with hammock paired with our Ruffwear Load Up Vehicle Restraint harness!
This allowed Holley to stretch out, move from one lateral side to another, and sit up, lean forward to ensure she was comfortable. Holley suffers from a hereditary case of hip dysplasia, so her comfort is VERY important. The 4Knines split rear seat protector with hammock was VERY easy to clean, provided a snug fit, a QUICK (30 second install, yes I timed it.), the cover protected every aspect of the rear seat, and allowed the little equestrian to zip open a center section to use her cup holder when needed! Holley was able to push down the hammock portion of the cover to lay her head on the center consult and gain access to the rear vent. Even when she pushed the cover down we were not worried about her gaining access to he front seats, since we utilized the Ruffwear Load Up Harness!
For bathroom breaks and fuel stops, the Ruffwear Load Up Harness stayed on, but we did use our Loopy Leads slip leash to ensure she was secure and comfortable. (This “style” of leash is what she is trained with.) It was easy to slip in the side pocket of the car, grab when we stopped and get on and off of her in unfamiliar territory/the dark parking lots. Luckily we packed her Hurtta Torrent coat that was slipped over her and the harness on a few stops as well. Quick and easy application in the back seat and it kept her almost completely dry so we weren’t smelling wet dog for 300 miles!
For water in between stops the Ruffwear Bivy collapsible bowl and a basic bottle of water was a PERFECT solution. I could fit a leash, a bottle of water, and the bowl in the side pocket of my door! The Ruffwear bowl dried easily, and didn’t send water all over the interior of the car!
Holley enjoyed her Bullymake tough toys to keep her entertained. We have had these OVER a year and they are the toys she will dig through the toy bin to pin point! They are truly the toughest and most versatile toys we have been able to find for her strong bite and chew!
We had the perfect combination of equipment to provide Holley the ultimate “road trip” experience! Where have you traveled with your canine companions? We would love to hear any tips or tricks that you have collected along the way!
