Travelling dog....quick replies if poss as I need to decide!

[Eliza22]

We have an 18 month old golden retriever. This weekend we have to go down south unexpectedly. It'll be a 3 hr journey on Saturday and we'll return Sunday afternoon. I want the dog to go to our dog sitter (she's been once for a week when we were away and once overnight. They're lovely folk, work with Dogs Trust and she's very comfy in their home with their rescue dog.

DH wants to take her with us. So, a 6 hr journey (depending on traffic/conditions in a 24 hr period.

What will be best for the dog? I'd be more relaxed with her away overnight rather than such a mammoth trek. I'm the "do-er" with her so, if she rolls in mud and isn't allowed into the house where we're going, I'll spend the whole time worrying about her.

What would YOU do?

All depends where you staying other end and what doing there eg hospital visits or visiting non dog family or non dog friendly places if it's similiar to either I would leave with dog sitter long as they have the space

Does the dog travel well in the car?

If so, it sounds like the dog would be fine either way so I'd just do what works best for you, tbh. And if you are dog's primary carer then I do mean you .

I wouldn't, sounds like the argument me and dh always have he says I worry to much but I just want him safe and warm! Mine is an old boy tho! If you will be responsible for care you decide! I alway do in the end... With the kids too!

Ours did 10 hours to france with us. But he loves the car and we had regular breaks.
It depends on the dog and if you need to take him I think

Dog sitter. What's the point in having the poor dog stuck in the car for three hours, if he could be having fun with a sitter that knows. You're the one that's going to have to look after him and walk him, while you're away and if this is an important visit, then the people you're meeting/staying with may not appreciate your time being taken up with your dog.

Dog sitter.

Agree, dog sitter

If the travelling is split on different days and you can stop half way for a leg stretch and a wee, I would take the dog, but it all depends on what you are going south to do really.

Depends on what you'll be doing when you get there.

Mine comes with me when I go to London, he's used to travelling, a 3 hr plus car trip is usual for us (once/twice a month).

Dog sitter where you know he'll be safe and have attention. Plus sometimes it's nice to have some time to yourselves 😃

Dog sitter

We are going down to meet DH's daughter's "soon to be" in laws. DH has met briefly, once. I've never met. They have a dog but sd describes their home as "immaculate" and having lovely gardens. Now, my golden is a digger so, I can't just let her into a garden....I'll need to watch her. She is also a massive mud magnet and at the moment the hose is out everyday! I don't mind but I'll be very nervous about her in anyone's "immaculate" home . We will stay at a little b&b that allows dogs so, that's ok. I think if it were a long weekend I'd feel better about it but, I just think she'll spend a lot of time in the car in the journey and maybe when we get there (obviously, we'll walk her after the initial meet & greet) if she's like a coiled sprint from the journey. She is, after all, a pup!

Also, she's a massive drooler. My SD doesn't like this and I have to move her away from her. It's just how dog is! Again, it doesn't bother me. She's gets her face washed a few times daily but I only have to rustle a wrapper and she has a face full of drool. She's my baby!

Here is the mud magnet and, the cleaned up version!

She's such a beaut!!!! I think if SD doesn't like the dog and she might be feeling stressed already about the meeting, I would go for the dog sitter.....

I travel miles with my dogs and take them all sorts of places - but in those circumstances, it would definitely be the dog sitter option so you can relax and enjoy.

Thanks all! Sitter then.