Dog Travel with the Dogs: The Ultimate Adventure
- Brad Pattison
- Nov 1, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 30
There's something magical about hitting the open road with your best friend by your side, especially when that friend has four paws, boundless energy, and a heart full of love. Recently, I took a road trip with the dogs, Rocket, Bodhi and Wolfe. It turned into an unforgettable journey filled with adventure, mishaps, and plenty of tail-wagging fun.
Why Travel with Your Dog?
Traveling with your dog can deepen your bond and create memories that will last a lifetime. Dogs experience everything with a sense of wonder and joy, making each stop along the way feel like a new adventure. Plus, there's no better co-pilot or co-pilot’s than one who’ll stick by you through every twist, turn, and scenic overlook.
Planning the Trip with Your Dog
Before we hit the road, I did a bit of prep work. Here’s what we packed for the journey:
Food and Water: Plenty of snacks for both of us, along with a collapsible bowl for easy water breaks.
Leash and Collar: For hikes and bathroom breaks.
Comfortable Blanket: To make dog’s space in the van comfortable and cozy. Be prepared this idea was a huge fail lol. Bodhi was less than impressed not having eyes on the road, Wolfe was just plain annoyed and Rocket was less then pleased with the disruptions from Bodhi not settling in for the trip.
Finding Dog-Friendly Stops
One of the best parts of our trip was finding dog-friendly places where Rocket, Bodhi and Wolfe could explore together. We visited pet-friendly parks, hiking trails, and even a few beaches along the way. And of course, we went to non-pet friendly places just for fun. A bonus to taking your dog to new places is, they become the deciding factor where we go. Example, when deciding which brewery to visit. Easy to decide, who is the pet friendliest.
Calgary must go to dog parks is the Southland dog park, river access, open fields, hundreds of dogs to meet with ample of space to frolic. Quench your thirst at, Eighty-Eight Brewing Co. is pet friendly, incredible staff serving the best beer in Calgary an absolute must for those of you who appreciate exquisitely made craft beer.
Drumheller, Ab. is a fun place to explore from coffee shops, brewery, photos with dinosaurs to the incredible landscape.
Unexpected Moments
Pulling onto a Saskatchewan country gravel road is something to behold, especially when the sun is rising and the Karma camper van is equipped with a kitchen to brew a perfect cup of joe. Watch antelope in the distance, feeling the morning sun warm your cheeks while sipping a specialty coffee all the while as the dogs explore the prairie landscape.
Every road trip has its surprises! One day, Bodhi spotted a flock of birds, and before I knew it, he was off, leading a brief chase through an open field. Returned quickly—just, a bit more dusty than before. These unplanned moments were some of the best parts of our trip, adding a bit of laughter and spontaneity. A downside of travelling into fresh territory comes the risk of finding unwanted guests. Blood sucking nasty creatures we call ticks. These nasty, gross blood suckers latched onto Bodhi and Rocket. Sucking up blood, expanding as the gorged themselves on either dog. Five nasty ticks were found on both Bodhi and Rocket. Even after extensive combing, brushing and physical checks these 10 nasty creatures evaded us. The dogs are tick free and healing their wounds from these Dracula carnivores.
Tips for Road-Tripping with Your Dog
Plan Frequent Breaks: Dogs need to stretch their legs and stay hydrated, so we took regular breaks for the dogs to explore and recharge.
Stay Flexible: Be ready to adjust your schedule if your dog needs a break or if you find a particularly beautiful spot to enjoy together.
Reflections on the Road
There’s a simple joy in exploring new places with a dog who’s always up for adventure. Ontario, Canada, what a place. Travelling around Lake Superior is a marvel to behold. I have heard time and time again the drive through Ontario is painful. I could not believe the beauty, the vast forest and breath-taking views. This is a must do drive for all Canadians. Reflecting back, I would say Ontario with the abundance of forests and lakes is mother nature’s way of bragging how beautiful she is. Take your time, embrace the scenery and you too may end up disagreeing with the many who scold Ontario’s beauty. Rocket, Bodhi, Wolfe brought out my inner explorer, reminding me to enjoy the journey as much as the destination. We made incredible memories, from quiet moments watching the sunset to joyful runs through open fields, to relaxing by evening camp fires.
Brad Pattison is a world-renowned dog behaviourist, trainer, and educator with over two decades of experience transforming relationships between dogs and their humans. He is the author of four acclaimed dog training books, including the national bestseller Brad Pattison UNLEASHED.
Brad has hosted three popular television series, including At the End of My Leash and Puppy SOS, helping millions of viewers across North America better understand their dogs.
As the lead instructor at Hustle Up Dog Trainers Academy, Brad continues to train the next generation of hands-on, leadership-based dog professionals across Canada.
📱 Follow Brad and the Hustle Up team on Instagram: @hustleupdogs📘 Join us on Facebook: Hustle Up Dog Training📩 Questions? Reach out anytime at info@hustleupdogtraining.ca
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