Surviving on a train with a dog

A question about : Surviving on a train with a dog

In a few months I'll be travelling to Wales for a holiday using trains. However, as a single parent and dog owner, I will be travelling with my little Yorkie/Jack cross, 3 year old son and suitcase, possibly pushchair too. There is one change and the journey will be just over 2 hours 30 in total.

For those who've attempted anything like this, any advice? Anticipating a lot of stress, so any help welcome! We are travelling midday so its not going to be in rush hour.

Best answers:

• I'm not a dog owner but the first thing that comes to mind is whether your dog has been on a train before? If not I'd suggest perhaps a few short / local trips to get him used to the different sights / sounds / movement on a train.
  Is he a lively hound or one who is likely to just curl up and sleep? If he's likely to get stressed then perhaps talk to your vet about giving him something to calm him down before the journey - I've heard people use rescue remedy for kids (no alcohol) but check with your vet first.
  Perhaps a blanket for him to lie on and a chew toy to occupy him, and make sure you have water to give him too - trains can get hot.
  Could you take a holdall or rucksack rather than a suitcase? The rucksack would be ideal although you could throw the holdall over your shoulder - freeing up your hands a bit more.
  Would also try to ensure your child is calm and occupied, if he starts playing up its going to make everything else a bit more difficult, and your dog will also pick up on it.
  Enjoy your holiday x
• Hi Wiggy,
  I've done the trip from London to Cornwall (5 1/2 - 6 hrs) with my dog. I am really lucky cos she is a sweetheart, and altho she's not keen she usually settles down I book an 'airline' seat rather than with a table, cos she tucks herself under the seat in front next to my feet. Also if I'm lucky noone sits next to me :-)
  I agree a ruck sack rather than a suitcase leaves you hands free, maybe your son can carry his own back pack? A little blanket for the dog (let them use it a bit before you travel) is a goodway to get them to settle. Mine gets small amounts of water on the way down and goes for a wee just before boarding the train, but that is actually a shortish journey and I'm sure your dog goes that long at home without a wee break.
  I'm lucky as my other half gets my bag on the train as I get me and the dog to our seat.
  The worst bit is having to get the tube across London in rush hour!
  Heather
• And have a good walk before the journey, where the dog gets to sniff & run a lot & most definitely pee & poo.
  Then the dog will be more likely to sleep.
  Take supplies with you for that little accident cleanup.
  P.s. the dog gets the window seat!