Typist: Bethany
Yesterday, the Cascadian Nomads completed a long drive East across the country from Seattle, Washington to Buffalo, New York. Some of the legs of this drive involved over eight hours in the car. So how do three very active dogs get enough exercise on such a journey?
The day before we left, the dogs had a long walk through a busy pedestrian neighborhood and a play date. I wanted to make sure they had plenty of mental and physical stimulation before our first 8 hour driving day. To beat Seattle traffic, we left the city very early, before breakfast and only took time to potty. So about 2 hours into the drive, we stopped for breakfast and some light exercise* (about a 20-30 minute walk through a busy pedestrian area.) We stopped again about four hours later for another 30 minute jaunt. This stop included some jogging and wrestling. When we arrived at our destination, we immediately went on a brisk 20 minute hike. The dogs were then tied at the campsite where they could see and sniff while camp was set-up. The day included one last 60 minute evening hike.
Yesterday, the Cascadian Nomads completed a long drive East across the country from Seattle, Washington to Buffalo, New York. Some of the legs of this drive involved over eight hours in the car. So how do three very active dogs get enough exercise on such a journey?
The day before we left, the dogs had a long walk through a busy pedestrian neighborhood and a play date. I wanted to make sure they had plenty of mental and physical stimulation before our first 8 hour driving day. To beat Seattle traffic, we left the city very early, before breakfast and only took time to potty. So about 2 hours into the drive, we stopped for breakfast and some light exercise* (about a 20-30 minute walk through a busy pedestrian area.) We stopped again about four hours later for another 30 minute jaunt. This stop included some jogging and wrestling. When we arrived at our destination, we immediately went on a brisk 20 minute hike. The dogs were then tied at the campsite where they could see and sniff while camp was set-up. The day included one last 60 minute evening hike.
 Brisk walks through towns provide physical and mental stimulation |  Even if sniffing stops are short, new places are always exciting |
This first day on the road was ideal. Our plan, while traveling, is to go on at least a 60 minute hike in the morning before hitting the road, stop at least once for about 30 minutes of mental and physical stimulation and do another minimum 60 minute hike in the evening. But when traveling, as most travelers know, things don't always go as planned. So when fit dog time has to be cut short, you can still make the most of what little time you've got. Pick places to stop with a lot of new and exciting things to sniff. Unfortunately, these are usually not rest stops. If a rest stop is your only fit dog time option, make the most of it by walking briskly or jogging. Have some wrestle time, a tug or do some training practice. Saying hello to people you meet on your journey is also great mental and, obviously, social stimulation for a fit dog.
A little speed goes a long way- get the most out of short traveling fit dog stops by walking briskly or jogging
The Cascadian Nomads canines wrestle, tug and play with each other to stay fit while traveling but dogs traveling without canine companions can play with their humans for exercise
 Campsite tug |  Making new friends If your dog likes to play fetch, always do so on a long line if the leash laws of where you are allow. All of the state parks we visited on our journey required 6-10' leashes. Unleashing a dog while traveling is very dangerous. Remember that traveling can be stressful to dogs. Use extreme caution when asking if your dog can visit another dog or when allowing another dog to visit your dog at rest stops and fit dog stops. |
Even on non-ideal travel days, we made time for at least one long (about 60 minutes) or intense cardio traveling fit dog exercise session and one short fit dog excursion (at least 20 minutes.) One thing we have definitely discovered out here on the road is you get the most out of your traveling fit dog time with a good location. Beaches, be they at rivers or lakes, have definitely been our favorite places to sniff and play. Doing a hill climb in on your hike or adding in some jogging gets everyone's heart rate up and helps to wear out fit dogs for the remainder of a long drive.
Buffalo River beach play
Lake Kegonsa beach play
Like all travel and exercise with your dog, you reap the benefits too! You will feel better and be more alert as you travel when you have exercised with your dog. And, what we think is the best part of all, you will see some new and amazing places you might not of had you left your dog at home. Safe travels, fit dogs!
 | Have you ever taken your fit dog on a long road trip? Please share any tips you have for traveling fit dog exercise. We still have a return trip West across the country back to Cascadia later this month and would very much appreciate more staying fit on the road ideas. |
*Heavy exercise after meals can contribute to bloat in some dogs. None of the Cascadian Nomads canines are prone to car sickness, but if your dog is, plan meals while traveling accordingly.
Always check with your veterinarian before traveling with your dog and before beginning or changing your dogs exercise routine.
Always check with your veterinarian before traveling with your dog and before beginning or changing your dogs exercise routine.
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