TOP 5 TIPS For A Successful Boat Journey

My dogs are well adjusted to traveling on the boat.

With a holiday house in Ireland the dogs go on the boat roughly six times a year. We always go on the Stena Line, purely based on its location. As the dogs are to stay below deck (either in the kennels or in the car) we opt for the car. Here’s a list to help improve your dog’s journey and make you feel more comfortable with leaving them.

Leaving the Boat

1. MUSIC: Below deck can be quite noisy but to calm them down we always leave a phone (on flight mode because of the roaming at sea charges) playing music on a shuffle. Whatever you tend to listen to, so that your dogs know it and take comfort from it.

2. BLANKETS: Leave blankets in the car that smell like home (they can just be dog blankets). Not only does it prevent slabbers from getting everywhere but it will reassure your dog and calm them down. There are also dog seat covers that you can get which help with slabbers.

3. WINDOWS: You need to leave your windows open slightly in order to get air into the car. You get car grates for the windows which are extremely beneficial on the boat. It prevents people from breaking in but still allows air.

4. TOILET TIME: Make sure to leave an ample amount of time before boarding the boat so that you can take your dog out for toilet time beforehand. Often you can wander around where your car is parked (obviously be careful of other vehicles), though sometimes there is a designated dog walking area that you can go to.

5. RELAX: Often I find that the dogs can sense when you are stressed, and as a result they get stressed. Leaving your dog is the hardest part and they will be on your mind during the journey but try to relax. There have never been any issues with me, usually the first time takes some getting used to (both for you and the dog) but then it just becomes normal.