This article is dedicated to Benny, Casper and Ella, who are now living in Germany.
Recently, I have been thinking about some clients of mine. They will soon be relocating from Australia to Germany and taking their three dogs with them.
Their dogs have never travelled on a plane, so we are developing a plan to provide as much preparation and conditioning as possible to help make the flight smoother for them.
The general advice given by dog trainers, vets and people who have flown with their pets before is often: “Don’t.”
Don’t fly your pets.
There are horror stories of pets eating through crates, becoming dehydrated, arriving ill or even dying while flying.
But what if you genuinely have to fly with your pet?
What can you do to prepare them for the journey?
CRATE TRAIN YOUR PET
If your pet is not already crate trained, this is the first place to begin.
Crate training needs to start several months in advance. Training may take longer with older dogs or dogs that have previously had a negative experience with a crate, so you need to take your time and complete the process properly.
I won’t cover the full crate-training process here, but it must be a positive experience for your pet.
Ideally, you should train your dog using the same crate in which they will travel. If that crate is unavailable, try to find one that is very similar.
By the end of the training process, your dog should feel extremely comfortable eating, resting and sleeping inside the crate.
AEROPLANE AND AIRPORT SOUNDS
As early as possible, find a variety of aeroplane and airport sounds. There are apps and recordings available that can help with this process.
Initially, play the sounds very quietly and separately from your crate-training sessions.
Try playing them while something positive is happening, such as during mealtimes, play or rest.
Over time, you can gradually increase the volume and play the sounds in different environments, including inside the house, in the backyard and in the car.
Eventually, you can introduce the sounds while your dog is calm and comfortable inside their crate.
CLOTHING WITH YOUR SCENT
When you begin crate training, you may be able to place an item of worn clothing inside the crate.
Your familiar scent can provide your dog with a sense of comfort and safety.
You may also be able to place a recently worn item of clothing inside your dog’s crate on the day of the flight. Check with the airline or pet-transport company first, as restrictions may apply to what can be placed inside a travel crate.
TRIPS TO THE AIRPORT
Once you know your dog will be flying, consider taking them near the airport so they can gradually experience the sights and sounds of aeroplanes landing and taking off.
Begin with only a few minutes at a distance where your dog remains comfortable. Gradually increase the duration and proximity according to your dog’s response.
On the day of the flight, your dog may encounter significant noise while being transported through the cargo area, waiting to board and being unloaded from the aircraft.
Gradual exposure to similar sounds beforehand may help make the experience less unfamiliar.
Always ensure you remain in publicly accessible areas where dogs are permitted and avoid exposing your dog to an intensity of noise that causes distress.
PREPARING FOR THE CRATE TO BE MOVED
Once your dog is completely comfortable inside their crate, gradually introduce the experience of the crate being lifted and moved.
This also needs to be a positive experience. Begin slowly and keep the movement gentle, brief and predictable.
On the day of the flight, airport staff may transport the crate in a vehicle and move it into the aircraft’s cargo area. Your dog may experience unfamiliar movement and some jostling.
Careful preparation can help make this experience less surprising and stressful.
ADAPTIL SPRAY
Adaptil is a product containing a synthetic version of the dog-appeasing pheromone naturally produced by mother dogs after their puppies are born.
It is designed to provide reassurance and may help some dogs feel more secure in new or stressful environments.
I advise people to consider using Adaptil in the crate during the initial training process and shortly before the flight.
Always follow the product instructions and discuss its suitability with your veterinarian.
SUMMARY
This is by no means an exhaustive list of everything you can do to prepare your dog for flying.
Every dog is an individual and may require a personalised program to help make the journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.
You should never simply place your dog on a plane without substantial preparation and conditioning beforehand.
Your dog will not understand what is happening and may become extremely frightened. It is your responsibility to prepare them as thoroughly as possible for the journey ahead.
You should also speak with your veterinarian, airline and pet-transport company well before departure to understand the health, crate and travel requirements that apply to your dog’s journey.
If you need help preparing your dog for a flight, we are here to help. Book a consultation through our Training and Behaviour page.
OFF TO GERMANY!
Benny, Casper and Ella are currently undergoing their conditioning and preparation. An update on their flight will be posted in May, when they leave Australia for Germany.
MAY 2016 UPDATE
After almost 30 hours, Ella, Casper and Benny arrived safely in Germany.
The three dogs coped extremely well with their long flight and are enjoying their new life in Germany.
All the best, Ella, Casper and Benny!
Dogaholics Dog Training and Behaviour Services
Dogaholics is a dog training and behaviour service located in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie area of NSW.
