Summer hot on our heels turns our thoughts to travel. Whether we find ourselves at a cottage, a hotel or staying with a friend out of town, it is well worth taking the steps to make sure the family dog will be a welcome guest.

Even if you don’t mind your dog’s muddy feet on your couch, your host will feel differently. “Stay” can be a lifesaver in many situations and will keep you out of hot water with your host. Take a look at your dog’s reliability factor. Does he stay for only two seconds or as long as you’re standing in front of him? If so, start to introduce distractions and extend the length of time you can leave him. Reward him for staying and if he moves, just take him back to the spot you left him in. Practise in different areas of the house, then outside in the yard.

Designate a mat for your dog and practise Down-Stay on this mat. Include the mat in your luggage and once you’re at your destination, you can wow your friends with a well-behaved pet.

If you normally let your dog curl up beside you to watch TV, it’s time to start practising getting him off the couch. Periodically tell him to get off the couch and reward him for obeying. He should also wait to be invited before going up in the first place. If he jumps up without an invitation, simply guide him back down. Do it a few times until he just sits and stares at you, wondering what alien ship took his caregiver and dropped you off. Once he’s sitting and looking at you, pat the couch and invite him to join you.

Your dog jumping up on everyone is another annoying situation for your hosts, especially if they love you but are not necessarily ‘dog people.’ Teach your dog a solid sit in front of everyone, and reward with a cookie every time there’s compliance. By teaching your dog that sitting equals something fabulous, you will get the desired behaviour. Start practising today.

Remember that it is your responsibility to attend to your dog. Don’t call out to friends and family to push him down, or worse, knee him in the chest. Instead, have biscuits on hand and ask that they give him a treat only if he’s sitting. You will find people more compliant if it’s fun.

Of course, you will take a supply of your dog’s food and his dishes. Make sure he wears a dog tag with your cell phone number or the number of your host. Have information about the closest veterinarian to where you’ll be staying, and pack any medication.

Take a dog towel or two. Your sister might have an old towel you could use, but it’s better to be prepared. Take a damp face cloth packed in a zip-lock bag so you’ll be all set for a quick wipe of four feet.

Another item to pack is an extra bed sheet to protect the bed at your destination. Strip off the bedspread, fold it neatly, and toss your sheet on the bed. Even if your dog doesn’t normally sleep with you, there’s something about a strange room that brings out the puppy in dogs. Like kids, they jump up onto places you wouldn’t allow at home, so be prepared.

As well, pack a large supply of pickup bags. Being a gracious guest means you pick up immediately and not just at the end of the day. Ask your host or the hotel staff where to dispose of the used bag.

Prepare your dog to be a model guest by giving him a bath prior to your trip, or taking him for professional grooming. You wouldn’t arrive looking like you hadn’t showered in a month, so neither should your dog. Even if you’re going to a cottage and know you’ll be spending many hours hiking in the woods, it’s best to make a good first impression. Be sure to pack his brush, to remove burrs and twigs.

From personal experience, I highly recommend packing de-skunking shampoo, especially if you’ll be going to cottage country. I was unprepared when my spaniel ‘Yardly’ was sprayed when I was out of town with the SuperDogs. Luckily, a few of my fellow team members came to the rescue. I was amazed to see that they had packed de-skunking shampoo. They told me that if you’re from the country you always have a bottle on hand. Point well taken!

Your dog’s habit of sitting by the table waiting for his morning toast crust might not be appreciated at someone else’s home. Put your dog in a different room or outside while you eat. It is only temporary and things will get back to your old routine once you’re back in your own home.

Collapsible crates are perfect for visiting and your dog will have his own space to retreat to when needed. Most hotels/motels require your dog to be crated if left unattended in the room.

Children are another consideration. You know your dog best. If he cannot tolerate children’s activity, or can take it for only short periods of time, monitor him closely or put him away for some down time. Take some toss toys, such as balls on a rope, that children will be happy to throw for him. An interactive game they can all enjoy will provide some structured interaction.

All in all, show consideration for the home or hotel you’re in and be prepared to follow house rules. Your dog is an invited guest and should act accordingly. With a bit of prep time, you will soon be relaxing at the cottage with a dog that is not a nuisance and the welcome mat will be laid out again next year.