<div class="pull-right"><div class="pull-right"><div class="pull-right"><div class="pull-right">
https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmYunt7mcWuKUVWUSnd7XiSsTnoYtjKMFFsdfKqu4nFvN9/into%20the%20wild.jpeg </div></div></div></div>
<br>
## Intro
<br> <div class="text-justify">
<div class="pull-right"> https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmfByVdQqQxdihpeYfLYPEwK3ws1QAFxQ1E9sbz8CYgMgq/14_LaPoblaDeLlilet_SAM_1905.JPG </div>
When we set off on our first backpacking trip - a several-month trek from Poland to Spain, a very important issue for us was proper preparation. In addition to the obvious elements, such as learning first aid, training us for physical exertion, and gaining survival knowledge, we also had to learn how to travel with a dog.
At that moment, for a year, we had owned a charming, energetic, and eternally joyful dog, which we ironically called "The Beast" (in Polish: "Bestia"). We knew we were determined to change our lifestyle and hit the road, and we knew that we could not leave the Beast who was a member of our family behind us. Is it possible to travel with a dog? Will it be difficult for him? How to prepare for it? These and many other questions that had come to our minds will be answered in today's post.
https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmVjcvoeggh63TDXenSYWz8HMP1yTYs9UbSDXDnaYsCsaY/06_StLlorencDeLaMuga_SAM_1789.JPG
---
## IS THE JOURNEY HARMFUL TO THE DOG?
<br>
It is certainly harmful to abandon the dog. The trip itself, if properly planned, should not hurt the pet.
<div class="pull-left"> https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmUG3N93vsiWPYkkqSYVkvAbsKEosZhXKFhT3N2ScEseeL/03_Sete_Z_20170716_163207.jpg <sub> Some extra rest in the shadow can be needed sometimes. Dogs tolerate heat worse than people </sub><br></div>
Dogs like routine. Their day should be fairly predictable, all emotions, both positive and negative, stay with them much longer than with a human being. Sometimes a dog can heal the nerves after some event for up to a week, although we will not be able to see any symptoms in its direct behavior. When we provide the pet with new stressors each day, they accumulate and can lead to nervousness, disease, and behavioral problems.
Luckily, routine is also achievable while traveling. We started our preparations to set off with the dog by gradually lengthening the walks until just before the start they took eight hours, which is exactly as much as we spent trekking during the trip. When traveling, we always tried to start and end the trek at approximately the same time. We took care of breaks and regular feeding at the same time.
<sub> Why I can't smell him, daddy?! </sub>
The walk itself is not bothersome for the dog. Remember that these animals accompanied man even when he led a nomadic lifestyle, not to mention even earlier times, when, as wolves, they traveled considerable distances every day. Moreover, all the smells and the freedom of running or swimming in the river will make your dog much happier than at home. However, it is worth bearing in mind that our animal has different needs - for example, when the temperatures are quite high, he overheats faster and may need more shade rest and adequate hydration.
---
## ADVANTAGES OF TRAVELING WITH A DOG
<br>
<div class="pull-right"> https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmaDPfrWcobxBNX24G89QrAdPE6RCYHwxS7mXDkuE4UmMy/SAM_2163.JPG </div>
The fact that our family member accompanies us is undoubtedly the greatest advantage. The dog gives a lot of happiness as it is a true and faithful friend. Apart from this obvious fact, I would like to list two additional advantages of traveling with a dog:
The dog is conducive to meeting new people. Many times, walking through a village or town, we aroused interest as travelers, and the dog was a great motivation to come to us and start a conversation. People came to praise the pet, and once they started talking, they continued asking about destinations, travel experiences, and other things that interested them. It happened that the dog, evoking positive emotions, ultimately contributed to the fact that we were hosted, offered a hot meal or at least a safe place to set up a tent. On the other hand, our dog, although not very large, was an effective demotivator for people with less friendly intentions. If someone were to accost us, they would think twice beforehand whether it is worth doing it.
https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmdqYaRAuKoe9TD64j1mJsb11M6k5op9TDsJvF8pjKQF2h/08_Saderness_SAM_1827.JPG
Thus, we come to the second advantage of traveling with a pet - safety. It was especially important at nights when we slept in the middle of the forest or less wild places, such as parks on the outskirts of small towns. The dog has a much more acute sense of hearing and can react to danger before we even realize it. With its momentous bark, coming out of the dark or inside the tent, it will surely scare away all unwanted visitors. Not only potential thieves, of whom there were certainly not too many on the way but also wild animals, lured to the camp by the smell of food or curiosity.
---
## DISADVANTAGES OF TRAVELING WITH A DOG
<br>
<div class="pull-left"> https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmS1fDddvBa3pjMAxAX9zYmBGYyuCmiFX8uso72yHDzGKE/20170712_102917.jpg <sub> some doors repain closed for the dogs </sub></div>
However, you have to bear in mind that traveling with your dog has some inconveniences. Make sure you are ready for them before you decide to hit the road.
The dog means extra luggage. Of course, you must have leashes and muzzles with you, even, as usual, your dog knows how to walk near you, because in some situations (in the city, on public transport) their use is obligatory. The biggest baggage, however, will be extra feed. Our dog was medium size so he ate a lot. With so much physical exertion, his daily rations doubled. This meant that a sack with an extra 10 kg of feed took up (at least at the beginning, before it ran out) a huge amount of space and weighed more than our food, which we refilled with more ease. If you think that your dog can eat what you eat on the way, unfortunately, I must disappoint you. With such effort, feeding your dog with bread will quickly lead to a loss of health. The only safe solution is to use premium-quality, balanced food.
The dog also prevented us from entering some museums and using some transport. When traveling as a couple, we visited museums and galleries alternately - first one of us went to the exhibition, the other person stayed with the dog, and then we changed the guard. However, if you travel alone with your pet, be prepared that your options will be significantly limited.
Most of the buses did not allow the animal to be transported, so we had to use much more expensive trains in critical situations. When we hitchhiked, our chances of finding a friendly driver decreased significantly, and the waiting time increased fourfold.
https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmTGJacf3rDXv3dHv6vtJNPUNBg8EeUar7gUsJ7rh4nEAt/12_Ripoll_SAM_1890.JPG
<sub> "Entry not allowed with the dogs" - from all European countries, least dog friendly was Spain </sub></div>
Traveling with a dog means also additional permits. The animal must have many vaccinations, chip implants, in Europe it must have a passport, and in Argentina, each time you cross the region with a dog, you should theoretically fill out a special form. All these procedures take considerable time and cost extra money. Sometimes, when we do not complete them on time, finding a vet at the last minute can be problematic and we are forced to stay in the country longer.
---
## SUMMARY
<br>
Even though traveling with a dog is not easy, requires appropriate preparation, and causes minor inconvenience, it is possible. It is worth trying and enjoying the company of our friend. We will gain a guard and a smile on our face when we watch our dog chase hares, and he will gain an interesting life full of new smells and sounds.
https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmbEEgsDW2LtQjqo54oGdUsDbuWydEKms836Vq78aus2ni/01_Valenciennes_SAM_1691.JPG
---
All the photos used in this publication are from my private archive.
Thank you for reading,
@papi.mati
</div>