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Staying Fit on the Road

6/7/2013

15 Comments

 
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.
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Brisk walks through towns provide physical and mental stimulation
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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.
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A little speed goes a long way- get the most out of short traveling fit dog stops by walking briskly or jogging
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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
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Campsite tug
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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.
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Buffalo River beach play
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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!
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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.
15 Comments
SUGAR link
6/7/2013 03:39:47 am

Not sure if a long leash will work for me ... I rather be off leash. You guys are good in obeying state rules. Glad you guys made it safe. Have a good restful weekend. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

Reply
SlimDoggy link
6/7/2013 04:06:15 am

Great tips for traveling. Your dogs probably traveled very well given all the great exercise you still gave them. Your point about keeping them leashed is so important - it is stressful to them and if they do bolt, contrary to Hollywood versions of Incredible Journeys, you might not ever find them. Glad you made it safe - thanks for joining the Hop!

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Taryn link
6/7/2013 04:11:07 am

I think your dogs might get more exercise on a road trip than a lot of dogs do on a usual day!

We do an 8 hour drive to Myrtle Beach, SC several times a year. We usually make just one stop at one of the rest stops along 95 (the major N/S highway on the east coast), and walk for 15 minutes. We would never let them off leash while on the road, just too risky!
When we get there, they get to run wild for a bit on the beach.....They seem to be fine with a "down" day in the car, but like you, I give them a big day the day before we leave.

Reply
Peggy Frezon link
6/7/2013 04:14:09 am

Playing is a great way to get exercise! I'm so impressed how you are making time for that while on your long road trip. The longest trip we've gone with the dogs is 4 hours, and it just required stopping a few extra times for sniffing and walking. But I would love to try a longer trip sometime! Thanks for joining FitDog Friday!

Reply
Finn link
6/7/2013 06:49:53 am

Looks like you did a great job! We took Finn on a five hour road trip once and she did pretty good. We took a long walk each morning we drove, and we tried to play with her in the hotel room too. We also walked back and forth through the hallways of the hotel, so she could sniff around alot.

Reply
Chris and Charlie link
6/7/2013 10:31:42 am

Great to see that you didn't get lost in the need to get the road trip over with, as I have a few times!

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Rebecca link
6/7/2013 11:44:17 am

We are taking a decent road trip in a month so I will be sure and remember these tips for helping Teach relax on the way down and back. Thanks for the tips. And I've really enjoyed taking the journey across the country with you all!! Look forward to the rest of your adventure.

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wyatt airedale link
6/7/2013 11:51:57 am

Sounds like a pawesome road trip! Have fun and take lots of pictures!

Wyatt and Stanzie

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Ann Paws Staub link
6/7/2013 03:57:39 pm

Nice point - I guess those pups might get kind of bored with riding in the car sometimes. I'm sure it's nice to get out and stretch those legs!

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Molly The Wally link
6/7/2013 07:07:56 pm

Pit stops are a great idea and good for the driver too. Have a super Saturday.
Best wishes Molly

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Bully Gurls link
6/7/2013 11:58:52 pm

Hope you have a delightful trip! When we go on long car rides we also make it a point to run before and after, hard!

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Christine and Riley Shih Tzu link
6/8/2013 05:26:55 am

Wow!! What fun to do a trip across country. Stay fit and safe on your journey!!

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Jan K link
6/8/2013 05:58:18 am

We don't travel much, especially not that far. You had some great tips, and it sounds like you really made your journey as enjoyable as possible! Hope your trip home goes just as well when the time comes, I think you've got it down! And enjoy the rest of your time too!

Reply
Jessica @YouDidWhatWithYourWeiner link
6/11/2013 02:04:29 am

I love that you planned hiking and fitness into your travel time :) I have not traveled for long distances in the car with Chester or Gretel. If I did though. I will be sure to plan for fit time....more for me than them :)

Reply
Tootsie link
6/17/2013 05:36:49 pm

Exercise is the way to go. Whenever we go on a road trip, we try to fit in at least one walkie in an interesting place along the way on top of the regular peepoo stops.

The way you do it is really good: walkies before, during, and after! Love it!

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