What do you like to do in your free time? Going out with friends, watching TV, surfing the internet, reading a book, cooking, playing sports... we can choose from many options available to distract us.

Just like us, our pets also need to try new things to keep them stimulated and entertained. As explained by Carolina Jardim, dog trainer and founder of Turma do Focinho, "In nature, our pets would spend most of the day looking for food and exercising various natural behaviours during this search" [1]. But unlike us, they have no control over their lives and routines.

Then, it's up to us to ensure our pets' physical and mental well-being. One way to do this is through environmental enrichment. Environmental enrichment is nothing more than providing activities and experiences that enrich the environment in which your pet lives, allowing them to exercise their natural behaviours (such as sniffing, hunting, digging, chasing, chewing, etc.) and try new things.

In this blog post, we will explain the five types of environmental enrichment for dogs and give examples of each of them, so that you can improve your pet's quality of life, promoting their well-being and making them feel more confident.

1. Sensory Enrichment

Sensory enrichment focuses on engaging a dog's different senses, allowing them to explore the world more fully and comprehensively.

Unlike humans, who are more visual beings, dogs' main sense is smell. That's why activities that allow your dog to sniff are an excellent form of environmental enrichment.

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Examples of sensory enrichment activities:

2. Social Enrichment

Dogs are social animals that thrive on companionship and interaction. Social enrichment focuses on providing positive experiences between the dog and other dogs and also with animals of other species (including humans).

Remember that your dog does not need to be friends with everyone. Sometimes good socialisation involves just making your dog feel comfortable around other animals and people without necessarily having to interact with them.

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Examples of social enrichment activities:

• Doggie Playdates: arrange playdates with other dogs in a safe and controlled environment, allowing your furry friend to socialize, run, and play with their peers.
• Pet-friendly outings: take your dog on regular outings to dog parks, pet-friendly stores, restaurants and cafes where they can enjoy new sights, sounds, and smells while enjoying human interaction (please see our tips for frequenting pet-friendly places with your dog).
• Dog Walks: regular walks are also an excellent form of social enrichment, as there's a good chance you'll meet other people and animals along the way.

3. Cognitive Enrichment

Cognitive enrichment aims at challenging your dog's mind, keeping them mentally sharp and engaged. Dogs possess remarkable problem-solving abilities, and the more they are stimulated, the better their skills will be.

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Examples of cognitive enrichment activities:

• Puzzle Toys: there are many options of interactive toys or puzzle feeders that require your dog to work for their food. These toys stimulate their problem-solving skills and keep them engaged for longer periods.
• Training and Tricks: teaching new behaviours and tricks provides mental challenges to your dog and reinforces the bond between you and your furry companion. Varying the types, methods and difficulty levels of training is a good way of keeping your dog mentally stimulated.

4. Physical Enrichment

Physical enrichment provides opportunities for your dog to engage in physical activities that cater to its breed, age and energy levels. Regular exercise is essential for a dog's overall health and mental well-being.

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Examples of physical enrichment activities:

• Daily Walks: take your dog on regular walks, allowing them to explore new environments, encounter different scents, and experience the world beyond your home.
• Dog Sports: there are many different sports to practise with your dog, such as Agility, CaniCross, Flyball etc.
• Homemade obstacles: create some physical obstacles in your house now and then. There are endless options, such as setting up an "agility course" (you can use cones, broomsticks, chairs and other items) or using boxes for your dog to jump, climb or go inside - get creative! These activities stimulate the mind and body, increasing your dog's confidence and coordination.
• Interactive Playing Sessions: engage your dog in interactive games such as fetch, tug-of-war, or frisbee, encouraging them to chase and retrieve objects. It's a great way to keep your dog physically active and mentally stimulated.

5. Food Enrichment

Food enrichment focuses on providing stimulating feeding experiences for your dog. As explained above, in nature dogs would spend most of their time foraging and hunting for food. Food enrichment makes the dog work to eat, encouraging their natural foraging behaviour.

Remember to monitor your dog's food intake and choose appropriate food enrichment activities based on their individual dietary needs.

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Examples of food enrichment activities:

• Food Puzzle Toys: invest in interactive puzzle toys designed to dispense treats or kibble. These toys require your dog to work for their food, engaging their problem-solving skills and providing mental stimulation.
• DIY Food-Dispensing Toys: get creative and make your own food enrichment toys using household items. For example, you can stuff treats inside a Kong toy and freeze it, create a homemade treat dispenser with holes in recyclable items (boxes and plastic bottles), and hide treats inside old towels or clothes, among others.
• Scavenger Hunts: hide small portions of your dog's food in various locations around your home or outdoor space, and encourage them to use their nose to find their meals. This activity utilises their natural foraging instincts.
• Training with Food Rewards: use small, tasty treats or the dog's own food to reinforce positive behaviours and teach new tricks. This not only provides mental stimulation but also strengthens the bond between you and your dog.

Using Carolina Jardim's analogy, environmental enrichment is like a train [1], each carriage representing one type of environmental enrichment, we "are the train drivers and our dogs are on our side, as passengers, who will experience this whole journey".

Ideally, you should try to integrate a little of each type of environmental enrichment into your dog's daily life, always varying the stimuli and activities. If in doubt, invest in good walks, a super complete activity which, in itself, already involves physical, sensory and social enrichment (and if you take treats and use part of the walk for training, you'll add food and mental enrichment too, completing the whole train!). Another simple change is giving at least one of your dog's meals in interactive toys or training sessions. Those activities will bring great benefits to your dog's general well-being.

Remember that every dog is unique, so we need to adapt the quantity, difficulty and intensity of enrichment activities to each dog's individual needs, prioritising their safety and enjoyment.

[1] Carolina Jardim. Vamos falar sobre BEM-ESTAR? Available at: <https://www.turmadofocinho.com/vamos-falar-sobre-bem-estar/>

[2] Dog Trust. The Importance of Sniffing for Dogs. Available at: <https://www.dogstrust.ie/whats-happening/blog/sniffing-blog#:~:text=A meandering%2C sniff session on,opportunity and time to sniff.>

[3] Dog TV. Understand the Science behind DOGTV. Available at: <https://www.dogtv.com/science>

It's no secret that we're big advocates of positive dog training and that this methodology helped us build the relationship we have with Gaia today. Positive training also showed us all the benefits that a well-structured and balanced routine can bring to your dog - and, consequently, to you.

We asked Allana Paião, a positive dog trainer from Turma do Focinho, to explain below the importance of routine for dogs and give some tips on how to structure a balanced routine that meets your dog's needs.

We can't talk about dogs' well-being without understanding what a structured routine is.

Dogs need physical and mental activities well distributed throughout the day, every day! As well as moments of rest, naps and relaxation.

When we take on the responsibility of bringing a new member into the family, it's not enough just to provide water, food and a bed to sleep in, even if you have a small dog and live in a big house. The dog's routine needs to be structured according to the family's routine, respecting and meeting the basic needs of the canine species and the individual needs of your dog specifically.

They need a predictable routine so that they feel safe. But this predictability does not mean doing the same thing every day, but rather bringing different challenges for the dog to interact with you and the environment.

First, here is a list of everything we need to provide for our dogs:

1. Walks

This is when your dog will be able to sniff, exchange information with the environment, expend physical and mental energy and socialise (even if he has no direct interaction with other dogs and people).

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2. Playtime

Pleasant moments of interaction with the family and/or another dog are essential. Those moments strengthen the dog-human bond, help to expend physical energy and, depending on the game, also help to expend mental energy.

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3. Food Enrichment

There are so many fun ways to feed your dog, that the common bowls got boring. Dogs, in general, like to work for their food. Nowadays there are several options of interactive toys created to provide food enrichment for dogs, which are available in pet shops and online stores. However, we can also provide food enrichment with recyclable items that we have at home. Some ideas are putting the food/snack inside a cardboard box or empty plastic bottle or simply hiding snacks around the house, so the dog needs to sniff around to find them.

NOTE: always supervise your dogs in these activities.

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4. Chewing

Chewing is a natural behaviour of the canine species, and to provide this we also find several options available on the market, such as ox horn, cow hoof, nylon bones (with and without flavour), and naturally dehydrated dog chews (cow and pig ears, tracheas, collagen rolls etc.).

NOTE: always supervise your dogs in these activities.

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5. Training

Teaching tricks to your dog helps improve their behavioural repertoire, improves bonding and communication between dog and humans, provides mental (and physical, depending on the training) energy expenditure, and is a lot of fun for both dogs and humans.

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6. Rest

Providing your dogs with moments of rest and relaxation is just as important as offering activities and burning their energy. Some dogs can switch off very easily, others need help to do so. Too much activity can end up overstimulating your dog, and that can make them stressed. If your dog is looking for attention and activity all the time, and has a hard time relaxing, it is a good idea to seek professional help.

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Okay, so now you know everything that needs to happen in the dog's routine. But how to distribute these activities throughout the day? The answer is: it depends!

Not every dog likes playing with balls, not every dog likes to chew on nylon bones, and not every dog can go for a walk every day (or more than once a day). Therefore, we need to understand the needs of each individual, and then adapt the activities according to their preferences and limitations, regardless of breed, size or age. Two dogs of the same breed living in the same house may have different preferences and needs.

Know your dog, respect his needs and limitations and provide a consistent and appropriate routine accordingly. Their well-being depends solely on you!

When we decided to get a Border Collie, we knew that our routine would change and that it would be a big challenge, so even before Gaia arrived we searched for information about dog training - we took several online courses, bought all the necessary items and were confident that we could handle everything. But when she finally arrived, Gaia turned our routine upside down. She was a very cute puppy, but with LOTS of energy, she herded and bit us, peed around the house and didn't like to be alone, which made me freak out a little.

That was when we decided to seek professional help. We had no experience with dog training, so we came across several options of professionals, with different approaches. We realised that this choice would directly define what kind of relationship we would build with Gaia.

Of course, some of our goals were for her to be educated, to respect the house rules, to pee and poo in the right place, to learn a few tricks and to "behave well" when we needed her to. But that wasn't enough. We also wanted her to be a balanced, confident dog who felt safe with and respected by us. We didn't want a relationship of obedience and submission, we wanted a relationship of respect and cooperation.

And the only way to align all this was through positive training.

What is positive training?

But after all, what exactly is positive training (also known as force-free training)? Gaia's trainer, Carolina Jardim, a Brazilian psychologist, postgraduate in Animal Behaviour, dog trainer and founder of Turma do Focinho, explains it as follows:

"Positive training means, in reality, educating without causing fear or pain, i.e. teaching without the use of positive punishments (to decrease behaviours we don't want, such as jumping on people, pulling on walks, digging holes, biting etc.) and without the use of negative reinforcements (to increase behaviours we do want, such as sitting, staying, lying down, walking together etc.). Instead, only positive reinforcement (such as treats, food, toys, affection, praise, walking etc.) is used to increase the frequency of desired behaviours and, as a last resort, negative punishment is used to decrease the frequency of undesired behaviours (by withdrawing attention and frustrating the dog in the unwanted behaviour)." [1](free translation from Portuguese)

She goes on to say that "positive training goes way beyond positive reinforcement, it calls for a new way of looking at our own reality and also the dog’s reality, similar to looking through a magnifying glass and analyzing our choices, impulses and motivations. Science-based education for our dogs requires us to question our own ethics and ponder our actions and their consequences. Positive training is basically teaching the dog what we want so that it can learn to make good choices in pivotal situations." [2]

But does it really work?

Punitive or mixed trainers still use myths, such as dominance and pack leader, to justify the use of aversives in dog training. According to these myths, dogs, like wolves, organise themselves in hierarchical pack structures and, therefore, humans have to put themselves in the position of alpha leaders to "show who is the boss", putting the dog in a place of submission.

It turns out that the experiments that supported these theories have been proven incorrect and outdated. And this is not just my opinion or that of positive trainers, but a fact proven by several recent scientific studies on the subject [3].

Also, punitive and mixed trainers usually criticise positive training, saying it doesn't work with large or aggressive dogs. They also say that dogs trained with positive reinforcement have no boundaries and "do whatever they want". But, again, the latest scientific studies show the opposite: dogs trained only with the force-free methods are more well-behaved than dogs trained with punishments and dogs whose owners use punishments are more likely to develop behavioural issues, such as fear and aggression. [4]

So yes, it has been scientifically proven that positive training is not only effective but also the most efficient way to teach your dog, particularly when dealing with intricate and sensitive behavioural issues like reactivity and aggression.

Carolina Jardim reinforces that "regardless of the size, temperament or breed of your dog, all can be trained with methods that do not involve pain or fear, to learn desired behaviours and learn family rules and limits. Positive education is not about not giving limits or being permissive. What the dog that learns without pain or fear does need is consistency, coherence and persistence." [1](free translation from Portuguese)

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Benefits of positive training

In addition to being a scientifically proven method for training dogs, positive training also brings many benefits to your dog's well-being and for strengthening your relationship with him. Some of them are:

How to find a positive trainer?

The profession of dog trainers is not yet regulated, which makes it very tricky to find qualified and ethical professionals.

It is not easy to identify dog trainers that use punitive methods, as they do not usually open up about the methods used in the first approach. However, if a trainer tells you that you will not participate in the training process at the beginning, uses words like "behaviour correction", "dog control", "submission", "alpha leader", or recommends scolding, using a slip leads, spraying water on the dog or using a tin can with coins in it, etc., run away!

It is important to know that true positive trainers will never use aversive tools, will always prioritise the dog's well-being, will involve you in the whole training process and will respect your dog's boundaries.

Before hiring a professional, ask questions, talk to other clients and seek information about the trainer's work. It's okay to be demanding and enquiring, after all, your dog's welfare is at stake.

Conclusion

When it comes to your dog's education, positive training is the ethical and effective choice. If there is a method that works, is science-based and prioritises the well-being of the dog, strengthening the human-dog bond, there should be no more room for the use of aversives in dog training.

[1] Carolina Jardim. A Educação de um cão. Available at: <https://www.turmadofocinho.com/educacao-de-um-cao/>

[2] Carolina Jardim. Being alone: the challenge of the century. Available at: <https://www.turmadofocinho.com/being-alone-the-challenge-of-the-century/>

[3] Amber LaRock. Why ‘Alpha Leader’ Training Has Been Debunked In Dogs. Available at: <https://iheartdogs.com/why-alpha-leader-training-has-been-debunked-in-dogs/>

[4] Zazie Todd. Positive Reinforcement and Dog Training VII: Summary and Conclusions. Available at: <https://www.companionanimalpsychology.com/2012/08/positive-reinforcement-and-dog-training.html#:~:text=Two separate questionnaire studies by,such as fear and aggression>

In the first two posts of our series on travelling by plane with your pet, we talked about the main questions that arise before the trip (click here) and gave some tips that can help you and your pet during the trip (click here).

In this third and last post of the series, me and Carolina Neves, a pet travel consultant and behaviourist of dogs and cats in Brazil*, address what you can do after the trip to make it easier for your pet to adapt to its new home.

Finally, it is time to focus on the adaptation of the pet to the new destination! Compared to the previous phases (preparation for the trip and the trip itself), the adaptation phase was the smoothest for us, because it doesn't depend so much on external factors (bureaucracy, airlines etc.). So I was sure that, Rapha and Gaia and I would overcome all the challenges together, with love and patience.

Nevertheless, the amount of information to think about at the same time is huge. If, like us, you are moving to another country or even another city, remember that the adaptation phase is also essential for humans. For a moment, you lose the reference of all the things you were used to: you don't recognise the brands of products in the market, you don't understand the menu in restaurants, you get lost on public transport... The same happens with pet-related issues. You have to research and decide everything all over again: food, vet, grooming products, route of walks etc.

Besides, your dog will probably need special attention in the beginning. Gaia, for example, who has always been used to long walks in different places in Brazil, showed signs of fear on her first walks in London. She was even scared by the sound of the leaves flying around and wanted to go home after a few minutes outside.

That's why we have gathered some tips to help you and your pet in this adaptation phase.

Laws and rules of the new destination

As we mentioned in the last post, it's important to study the destination's rules for pet owners. Here in the UK, for example, it is mandatory by law to microchip your pet and wear an identification tag when in public places, under penalty of a fine of up to £500.

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In addition, to make an appointment at the vet here in England it is necessary to previously register the pet at a clinic, which will serve as your pet's reference vet and will have all of your pet's veterinary history - unlike in Brazil, where you just need to make an appointment at any clinic of your choice.

"After a well-deserved rest, it's time to review rules for pet owners in your new city", explains Carolina.

"First of all, keeping an Airtag on the pet's collar is a good option for identification in case of any emergency. It is also recommended to obtain a tag with your address and telephone number engraved and put it on the pet's collar as well. In some countries, it will be necessary to add a tag with the animal's registration number (mandatory whenever you are on the street).

Also, your pet probably already has a microchip and it is essential to always keep your information updated in its database (usually they store the owner's name, contact, and address, as well as general information about the pet).

In some countries, it is allowed for your pet to accompany you on public transport (bus, train and underground). Always confirm in advance if there are special rules to take your pet with you and if there are any restrictions on size, breed or times of the day.

Always consider how your dog feels in situations with strangers. Sometimes, your pet may not feel safe accompanying you in different places. If that is the case, it is important to prioritize your pet's well-being.

Waiting to explore parks and other public places at alternative times, when there are fewer people and animals, may be the best choice for more sensitive pets. For city walks, it's also nice to consider your best friend's preferences. After all, it's his ride!"

Here in the UK public transport is pet-friendly. But we waited weeks before Gaia was more confident to use public transport with her for the first time. And even today, we avoid riding at peak times or on very hot days for her safety and comfort.

Health and behavioural issues

Again, it is important to remember that everything is new for your pet: weather, smells, sounds, home, people, animals... and all of this can have consequences for your pet's health and behaviour.

Gaia showed signs of fear and insecurity on walks during the first weeks (which she didn't show in Brazil), so we adapted our walking routine. Instead of having two long walks a day, we divided the outings into several short walks (just around the block) so she could adapt and gain confidence, increasing the time and distance in her own time - always using positive reinforcement on the way.

It is important to be patient with them during this adaptation phase and, if necessary, seek professional help from a vet and/or dog trainer.

"For hairier pets or pets that are more sensitive to cold, you need to plan ahead for extreme temperatures. For example, plan to keep the pet's coat longer and fuller in the winter (for dogs that are used to clipping their hair). If necessary, train your dog to use clothes. The gradual training for a pet that never had contact with a cloth can avoid great discomfort for them.

If the family's destination is a country that requires rabies serology, it is important to check the protocol for the vaccination booster (both against rabies and other diseases) and check the validity of the pet's document.

For countries in the European Union, for example, if you keep the vaccine updated, the serology will be valid for the animal's entire life, without the need to redo this exam. In the USA, serology is only required for dogs and is only valid for one year.

Finally, finding a veterinarian before an emergency situation occurs is fundamental. On the first visit to the vet, it is interesting to ask about the diseases that are common in the city/country. Sometimes, it will be necessary to include new vaccines to his usual protocol or to take other preventive measures".

New home

Usually, dog training professionals recommend gradually adapting a pet to a new home before a big move, promoting previous small visits to the new house for the pet to get used to it. However, when the move involves travel, this gradual adaptation is not possible. For example, when Gaia arrived, we were still in temporary accommodation, so she spent her first 15 days in England in two different houses.

But some tips can help your pet to adapt more quickly, even without knowing the new home in advance. Carolina explains that it is a good idea to take the pet's blankets, beds and toys to the new house without washing them first. This way, the animals will have access to familiar objects and scents that will bring them a sense of familiarity, safety and comfort.

Another tip is to keep the crate/carrier available for your pet to use. After all, you've probably spent the last few months training your dog to associate that crate with a safe space, so why not use that to your advantage in the new house?

The use of pheromone diffusers or sprays (like Adaptil for dogs and Feliway for cats) can also be an excellent ally to keep your pet calmer and reduce stress levels during the adaptation.

Routine

Pets thrive with routines and habits. Try to resume your pet's normal routine as soon as possible (but respecting his own adaptation pace) - walks, feeding, watering and playtime will bring normality back into your pet's life after the trip.

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Gaia took 2 to 3 weeks to return to her normal behaviour (confident and adventurous) but it is important to remember that each case is unique. Some pets may adapt more easily and others may take a little longer. Also, external factors (such as extreme climates and major differences between the place of departure and destination) can play a major role in the adaptation process.

With patience and respect, everyone will soon be adapted to their new destination and routine.

*Carolina Neves is a dog and cat behaviourist in Brazil, founder of Consultoria Pet and has been working for 18 years directly helping families to understand and communicate better with their pets.

In the first post of our series on air travel with your pet, we addressed the main questions that arise before your pet's trip (click here to access the first post).

Now it is time to talk about the precautions to be taken during the trip. Once again, we count on the collaboration of Carolina Neves, pet travel consultant and behaviourist of dogs and cats in Brazil*.

Sanitary requirements met, air tickets bought, documentation ready... it's time for the trip. And several concerns begin to arise. Can I give medicine for the pet to sleep? Has my pet already been boarded? Will the animal be well during the trip? Are they handling the crate delicately? Will the pet adapt quickly to its new home?

I won't lie, this was the most challenging part for us, as things are no longer under our control, especially since Gaia travelled unaccompanied. The company responsible for her journey picked her up at my parents' house in São Paulo in the morning and she was delivered to our house in London the following day, around lunchtime. We received some photos and updates about her trip during this period, but we were very apprehensive.

Still, some precautions can be taken before, during and after the trip to alleviate (at least a little) this anguish and help you and your pet go through it all more peacefully.

Days immediately before the trip

In the days immediately before the trip, it is important to think about some preventive measures, especially related to the pet's health, food and well-being. We asked Carolina to explain some of them:

"Even with great crate training, we have to think about the day before the trip and plan some processes one or two days before.

Intensifying energy-consuming activities that your pet is used to will help keep him calm during the trip - walks in quiet places, encouraging the dog to sniff in order to relax (if it can be in nature, even better).

The last walk or activity before the trip should be planned after the pet's last meal of the day, as the animal must be fasting during the trip. Food management will bring more comfort for travelling pets since they will have less desire to relieve themselves during the journey and also reduce the possibility of them having motion sickness without food in their stomachs.

It is important that the fasting plan is supervised by a veterinarian, according to the needs of each pet.

To avoid any unexpected gastric situations, it is a good idea to avoid offering foods and snacks different from the pet's usual diet a few days before the trip. Wet foods are an interesting option because they will help the pet to maintain hydration and greater digestibility throughout the journey."

The day of the trip

The day of the trip is the most difficult one since, except for pets travelling in the cabin, nobody will have access to your pet during the flight and you, unfortunately, have no way of knowing if it is sleeping or restless, calm or afraid. That's why training for the journey is so important, as we explained in the previous post.

As Gaia travelled via cargo, we received photos and updates from the company during the whole trip. They kept us posted every step of the way: she arrived at the airport, finished the pre-boarding procedures, was handed over to the airline, the flight took off, the flight landed, she arrived safely and is now at the Animal Reception Centre at Heathrow Airport (where she ate and relieved herself) and - finally - she is in the car on her way home.

Below, Carolina clarifies some doubts that many people have about the trip itself and gives other interesting tips that can help you and your pet that day.

"In general, a pet that travels in the hold of the aircraft will not be fed during the trip. There are some travel arrangements with longer stopovers in places that have a structure so that the pet can leave the carrier to relieve itself, rest and feed safely. But what is usually required is that the owner sends a portion of dry food on the crate, in addition to leaving feeding and drinking bowls attached to the door of the carrier, in case of emergency.

In the crate itself, it is allowed to place an absorbent pad, but toys, collars and harnesses are forbidden to avoid accidents. You can try to send a soft mattress or a piece of cloth with the scent of home in the crate, but there are no guarantees that the airline will allow it (or that they will not lose those items). In addition, it is essential to keep the pet's nails cut so that they do not get stuck in anything and end up hurting your pet.

It is also possible to put an Airtag (Apple's tracking device) on the carrier, as an extra safety item. It can be fixed on the outside of the crate, under transparent tape for easy identification. Despite not being 100% accurate with the location, as they relay their location information to nearby devices connected to Apple's Find My network, the Airtag can be one more tool to contribute to our peace of mind.

After the animal is delivered for boarding, it is common to question: 'Is my pet already on the plane?

We always suggest that the responsible person delivers a small letter with a photo of the pet to someone on the crew, asking them to confirm with the pilot if he/she is aware that your pet is on board and make sure to control the temperature and pressurization of the live cargo hold.

This is only possible when the pet travels accompanied (as excess baggage) and usually causes a very nice commotion on the flight crew.

Another important issue: many people believe that it is necessary to medicate the pet that will travel long distances, but this is extremely dangerous! Drugs for sedation in general, when used without criteria, can cause your pet to die.

Besides, some of these drugs cause only apparent sedative effects, but the animals continue to feel and suffer from stressful situations. In this case, however, the drug may deregulate the pets' vital signs, which causes them to forget the healthy parameters to deal with the situation itself.

The best remedy for such occasions is TRAINING!!! It is the only way to turn a challenging situation into a peaceful moment."

Upon arriving at the destination

My pet finally arrived home safely, so I can stop worrying now, right? Not quite... In fact, the worst part of the journey is over, but it is still important to monitor pets in the first days after their arrival and help them to adapt to the new place, home and routine. Always respecting each pet's pace.

In the first 24 hours, it is normal for the pet to present some signs of stress such as lack of appetite, anxiety, tiredness, joint stiffness, and jet lag, among others. That is why it is important to let pets rest and monitor them in general. Avoid over-feeding, over-hydrating or over-exercising pets upon their arrival.

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Carolina gives some tips on what to do in these first days.

"The precautions do not end after the pet arrives at home. Remember that pets are not aware that they are in another city or country and that they will arrive at a new house, with different smells and sights, that their walks will be on different paths and that it may be colder or hotter than they are used to. Patience in this process is a key factor!

Try to reestablish the feeding, playing and walking routine of your pet. Slowly, without haste, respecting the time of each animal. There may be changes in their behaviour, and some opportunistic health issues, all due to all that changes and the stress of the whole process - for pets and humans alike.

During the first week, it is also important to find out about the specific rules of your destination for pets - some countries charge fees or require specific identification for owning animals. Ideally, try and gather as much information as possible before the trip.

Depending on the destination, there may be restrictions on some breeds, requirements that animals are sterilised, and even the prohibition of entry of any pet, depending on the country of origin.

The extra attention to your pet in the first weeks will be worth it when your routine is already structured and everyone starts enjoying this new adventure together."

We hope that these tips and information can help other humans and pets that are in the same travel process to go through this challenging experience more smoothly.

In the next post, we will talk about the main precautions to be taken after the trip, to facilitate the adaptation of your pet in the new home (click here).

*Carolina Neves is a dog and cat behaviourist in Brazil, founder of Consultoria Pet and has been working for 18 years directly helping families to understand and communicate better with their pets.

After we decided to move to the UK, at the beginning of 2022, our biggest concern became Gaia's transportation. If moving and travelling are already so stressful for us humans, imagine what it's like for the animals, who have no idea what is going on.

In addition to the concern for our pets' physical and mental well-being, we are overwhelmed by several sanitary and air rules, which vary according to the place of departure and destination. That is why we decided to make a series of posts about the main points one should consider when travelling by plane with a pet.

To do this, we asked the help of Carolina Neves, a pet travel consultant, who helped us prepare for Gaia's trip. Carolina is a dog and cat behaviourist in Brazil, founder of Consultoria Pet and has been working for 18 years directly helping families to understand and communicate better with their pets.

In this first post, we address the main questions that arise before your pet's trip.

Training for the Journey

Every time someone contacts us saying they will be travelling with their pet by plane, the first tip we give them is to start training with the crate as soon as possible! We started training Gaia immediately after we were certain that we would be moving to the UK, in April 2022 - even though we knew we would only travel in September.

Carolina explains the importance of this training for the animal's well-being during the journey:

"When we decide to make a trip with our pet, whether short or long to another country, it is very important that training plans start immediately! Not only for the adaptation itself but to put the pet's well-being as a priority in this journey.

We know that, for animals, learning is strengthened with the constancy of training, and the more they are used to the carrier, the greater their chances of knowing how to better deal with all adverse situations they may encounter in the journey.

Making the crate part of the pet's environment and routine will bring a sense of familiarity that, in its turn, will generate comfort and well-being when the pet needs to stay inside of it for a longer period of time.

A warm and cosy place reminds the pet of good feelings. That is why encouraging rest and even recreational activities in the carrier is highly recommended.

During training, besides encouraging the pet to stay inside the crate as long as possible, it is important to simulate possible situations of the trip, such as external sounds, movement and the handling of the crate with the pet inside. If all this habituation is done correctly, the pet will feel more secure in front of all the different stages of the transport".

Sanitary rules

Another issue we recommend you analyse as soon as you know your destination is the sanitary rules, as it may take months to meet all the requirements of the destination country, not to mention the unforeseen events that may arise.

In our case, for instance, although Gaia was microchipped when she was a puppy, we found out that it was no longer possible to read her microchip. We had to replace the microchip, revaccinate Gaia against rabies, do the serology test and wait for the quarantine period before she could travel. All this took a little more than 4 months.

"The sanitary part is as important as training the pet with the transport carrier", explains Carolina.

"Depending on the destination, it may be necessary to implant a microchip, complement the pet's vaccines, and do a serology test and parasite treatment, among other requirements. So it is important to check all the rules of the destination country in advance.

Besides, it is essential that the animal is in good health and has an up-to-date check-up, as only healthy animals will be able to cope well with all the challenges of the trip and arrive safely at their new home".

Type of transport

Another question we are always asked is: where did Gaia travel? In sum, there are three main types of pet transport:

• Accompanied by the responsible person, in the aircraft cabin;
• Accompanied by the responsible person, in the cargo hold of the aircraft (as "excess baggage"); and
• Unaccompanied, in the aircraft cargo hold ("live cargo").

When we started planning Gaia's trip, our wish was that she would travel accompanied by us. However, this was not possible, as we could not conciliate the entry deadlines of our visas and the time to comply with the UK's sanitary rules for the entry of dogs. We ended up travelling 20 days before Gaia and, therefore, she travelled via live cargo, unaccompanied.

Carolina gathered the main considerations on the different types of transports below.

"Once the destination is settled, the next step is to decide the type of transport. After selecting the best itinerary and airline company, we can check where the pet will be travelling - in the cabin with the responsible person or in the hold of the plane.

There are some rules to take into consideration for this decision, such as the weight and size of the animal, as well as the specific rules of the countries and airlines.

For pets to travel in the cabin, most airlines impose a weight limit of up to 10 kg (animal + crate). However, it is important to also take into consideration the animal's size.

For travelling in the cabin, the transport bag must be malleable and have a specific dimension. This may create a false impression of security since the pet is next to its tutor. Still, on several occasions, the animal travels very tight and without the possibility of changing position.

That is why evaluating the measures of the dog or cat is primordial to deciding where it is safer and more comfortable for the pet to travel.

For people who count on a pet to assist them with health issues, such as guide dogs or emotional support animals, besides checking the permission to travel in the cabin directly with the airlines, it is essential that the pet receives proper training.

Exposing animals to adverse situations without the proper preparation may put them at risk and this is not a good way of prioritizing the pet's well-being. The aircraft cabin was designed to guarantee the safety of humans, properly seated and belted. The minimum safety is offered when the pet is in the carrier under the seat, in cases of turbulence, for example.

Therefore, any animal that travels in the cabin without a carrier needs to be emotionally prepared and very well trained to understand commands in stressful situations, ensuring that it does not cause any incident with himself, its tutor or other passengers.

In addition, some breeds, such as brachycephalic dogs, may have specific rules for transportation and that is why professional help in these situations is so important.

The International Air Transport Association - IATA is responsible for regulating these safety measures in all flights. Those guidelines are made to ensure that people and animals have a safe trip and are available for everyone to consult.

In the cargo hold, the pet can travel:

• Accompanied - when the responsible person travels on the same plane and the pet is bounded to the person's air ticket; or
• Unaccompanied - in this mode the animal travels in the cargo compartment, with no link to any passenger.

In both types of transport, the animal travels in the same place - the aircraft hold for live cargo, which is duly acclimatised and pressurised. What does change is the required documentation for each modality. Via cargo, the document can only be issued by a specialised transport company."

There are so many details, deadlines and information to assimilate - and all of this having to think of all the other preparations for the trip at the same time. That's why the help of a professional can help you go through all of this more smoothly.

In the next post, we'll talk about the things to consider during the trip (click here) and after the trip (click here).

Since March 2020, Gaia is part of an international research project organised by ethologists at Eötvös Loránd University, in Budapest, about word-leaning dogs (dogs that can learn the names of objects).

There is a common belief that dogs are able to understand words or even sentences. However, researches show that this belief is not entirely accurate and that only very few dogs are able to learn objects' names.

In order to study this subject further, the scientists at Eötvös Loránd University started to search for dogs with outstanding word comprehension and word learning skills around the world. Our dog trainer, Carolina Jardim, told us about this and encouraged us to contact them. That was when we found out that Gaia was a "gifted dog".

At this time, we were still living in Brazil, Gaia was about to turn 2 years old and she had approximately 30 toys at home. One of the researchers, Dr Claudia Fugazza, was going to Brazil on March 2020 to present a seminar and visited us to test Gaia in person.

Since then, we officially joined the project - which Gaia loved because she started to get more and more toys - and started contributing to science in a very fun way. Gaia was one of the six dogs that participated in the Genius Dog Challenge, the first scientific experiment presented as a live broadcast.

Today, three years later, Gaia knows the names of more than 180 toys (and counting).  

How do we teach her the names of the toys?

One of the questions we get most is how do we teach Gaia the names of toys. And the answer is simple: by playing.

We taught her the first names of toys totally unintentionally. For example, when we were playing with the stuffed rabbit, we kept saying "Get the rabbit", "Drop the rabbit" and "Where's the rabbit?". And so, naturally, she learned.

Here is a video of us showing how we teach Gaia the name of a new toy.

What is different about word-learning dogs?

This is exactly the question the research is trying to answer: they want to find out in what way these special dogs differ from typical dogs living with people. In addition, they believe that studying those "gifted dogs" can also help them understand the mechanisms of human language.

While they do not find the final answer to this question, the scientists continue making various other interesting discoveries, such as "Why do dogs tilt their heads?" and "Can Dogs Learn fast AND remember?". Meanwhile, Gaia and the other word-learning dogs are just playing and having fun.  

And, in case you are wondering, not all word-learning dogs are Border Collies. Currently, there are also Labradors, Doodles, Shitzus, Pinschers, mixed-breed dogs and others participating in the research.

How can I join the research?

If you believe your dog is also a word-learning dog and knows the names of more than 10 objects, you can apply by filling up the application form at Genius Dog Challenge's website (don't forget to attach a video).

Last April we were thrilled to explore the beautiful city of Edinburgh and the breathtaking Scottish Highlands. It was our first long trip inside the UK since we moved to London, so we were very excited and want to share our trip with fellow dog owners who are planning a similar adventure.

Scotland is known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and dog-friendly culture, making it the perfect destination for a vacation with your furry friend. In this post, we'll share our itinerary, including where to stay, eat, visit and play. So please sit back, relax, and dive into our unforgettable trip to Edinburgh and the Highlands!

DAY 1 - LONDON | EDINBURGH

Morning

The train journey from London to Edinburgh takes around 4.5 hours, so it took up much of our morning. We started the day very early, as our train left King's Cross Station at 7 am, arriving at Edinburgh's Waverly Station at 11:20 am. All train routes inside the UK are pet-friendly and allow passengers to take up to two dogs without the need for prior authorization.

We then went straight to our pet-friendly Airbnb near Edinburgh Castle to check-in. The location of the Airbnb was perfect, at walking distance of most of Edinburgh's main attractions.  

Afternoon

We left the Airbnb and went to meet our friends who live in Edinburgh to make a dog protocol between Gaia and Bento, their German Spitz. They would be joining us on the trip to the Highlands, so we wanted to make sure that their first interaction would go smoothly. We chose to do the protocol in the green area of Mortonhall Crematorium, a location further away from the centre, quiet, and without too many people and dogs. We were starving by the time we finished, so stopped at Toby Carvery to have lunch. The weather was great, so we had our lunch outdoors, but they are pet-friendly and dogs are allowed indoors as well.

After that, we headed to the first tourist attraction of the day: Holyrood Park and Arthur's Seat (we did not climb Arthur's Seat this time because time was short, but we will definitely try it next time). The park has a great green area, where we sat on the grass and enjoyed the beautiful views while Gaia played loose for a while.

We then passed in front of Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament Building (unfortunately these attractions are not pet-friendly, so we only stopped to take some photos) and continue walking towards Calton Hill, where we enjoyed great views of Edinburgh and explored some of the iconic Scottish monuments and buildings.

At the end of the afternoon, we walk back to the Airbnb, passing through Princes Street and the Scott Monument.

Evening

We were exhausted after a long day full of activities. Although we had made several stops during the day, Gaia was pretty tired, so we left her at the Airbnb and took the opportunity to visit Dine (a fancy restaurant that unfortunately doesn't accept pets).

DAY 2 - EDINBURGH

Morning

We started the day by buying our breakfast at Preacher’s, a small local patisserie on Lady Lawson Street (we highly recommend trying their scones) and we headed to Princes Street Gardens, a beautiful park where Gaia was able to play with her ball off-leash (the East Princes Street Gardens is more appropriate for that). Then, we visited the Johnnie Walker store on Princes Street - we asked and they let Gaia go inside the store with us.

After that, we walked towards Royal Mile through Cockburn St., where we found a very cute - and pet-friendly - gift shop called Eden. Gaia probably thought she was in paradise with all those toys and an attendant who pet her and gave her treats.

Next, we strolled the Royal Mile, passing by St Giles' Cathedral, Cadenhead's Whisky Shop (known as Scotland's oldest independent bottler of Whisky) and Bakehouse Close (a must-visit for all fans of Outlander).

Afternoon

Gaia went to spend the afternoon at our friend's house so we could do some attractions that are not pet-friendly. If we didn't have this option, we probably would have taken Gaia to the Airbnb to rest in the afternoon, since we had already walked a lot in the morning.

We had lunch at Makars Mash Bar (we asked and sadly they are not pet-friendly) and then headed to The Scotch Whisky Experience. It is a very interesting experience for everyone. Besides tasting 2 different whiskies, you get to learn about the process of making pure malt whisky, as well as the characteristics of whisky according to each region of Scotland. For those who really enjoy this type of drink, it is worth upgrading to The Gold Tour, so you can taste 4 more types of whiskies at the end.

Then it was time to enter the Edinburgh Castle. The castle itself is worth a visit for its beauty and history (reaching back into pre-history). Plus, you can enjoy wonderful views of Edinburgh, museums and restaurants within the castle grounds.

After that, we explored all the special places for all Harry Potter fans: Victoria Street, Greyfriars Kirkyard and The Elephant House (which sadly was closed that day).

Finally, we head back to the Airbnb, where Gaia was safely returned to us.

Evening

We had dinner with our friends at Cold Town House, a rooftop bar located on Grassmarket. They have three different areas: Brewhouse Bar (the only pet-friendly area), Roof Terrace and Pizza & Prosecco Floor. If the weather is good, we suggest you make a reservation in the Roof Terrace to see the sunset.

DAY 3 - EDINBURGH | HIGHLANDS

Morning

On our last morning in Edinburgh, we bought a quick breakfast at Starbucks and went straight to Dean Village, a picturesque village on the Water of River Leith with stone houses from the seventeenth century. We wish we had more time to enjoy the village (and Gaia really wished she could swim in the river), but we needed to continue our trip.

So we headed back to the Airbnb to check out and went to pick up our rental car (see our post about renting a car with a dog).  

Afternoon

After renting the car and picking up our friends and Bento, we started our road trip to the Highlands. It took us approximately 2 hours to reach Cairngorms National Park, our first destination. The park is huge (it is UK's largest National Park), with many different trails and places to visit, so we suggest researching in advance to know where to stop. We didn't want to go too far off our route, so we visited the southern part of the park, with a beautiful forest by the river.

Then, we continued our trip towards Culloden Moor on Inverness to visit the battlefield where the 1745 Jacobite Rising occurred. It looks us another 2 hours to get there. Dogs are not allowed inside the visitor centre, but they can walk throughout the battlefield and outdoor areas, where there are lots to see.

Then we headed to Milton, a village in Glenurquhart, on the northwest shore of Loch Ness, where our Airbnb was. We rented a lovely pet-friendly cottage, very cosy and with highland-themed decor. Our initial idea was to stay based in Inverness, but we found the location of this Airbnb perfect, as it is in the heart of the Highlands and makes it easy to travel to all its corners.

Evening

We checked in and enjoyed the rest of the evening relaxing in our cottage, as the next day's schedule was very busy.

DAY 4 - HIGHLANDS

Morning

We woke up and soon went to see Loch Ness. Gaia tried to go into the water to look for Nessie, but it was cold and she couldn't be all wet for the rest of the day. Then it was time to start our car trip towards the Isle of Skye (the trip would take a little over two hours, but we made a few stops to know other places too). The route is wonderful, surrounded by mountains and lakes all along the way. First, we stopped at the road in the margins of Loch Loyne to take some pictures.

Just before arriving at Eilean Donan Castle, we stopped at Chocolates of Glenshiel to go to the toilet and we had a pleasant surprise. It is a cute shop with coffees, chocolates and the best pecan brownie we've ever had. And it is pet-friendly (in front of the shop there was a sign saying "Dogs with well-behaved owners are welcome").

The next stop was Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most visited attractions in the Scottish Highlands. Dogs are not permitted entry to the castle, but it is certainly worth the stop to take photos of the lake and the castle, enjoying the stunning views.

Afternoon

At lunchtime, we finally crossed the Skye Bridge and arrived at the Isle of Skye. The first stop was Portree, the main village on Skye, known for its colourful little houses and thriving cultural centre. We had lunch at Cafe Arriba, a dog-friendly cafe in the heart of Portree.

After lunch, we headed north to visit Lealt Falls, a beautiful waterfall on the River Lealt. At the same place, you will have spectacular views of the beach in the middle of the mountains. We tried to see Kilt Rock & Mealt Falls but sadly the viewpoint was closed for work.

Then, we started our journey back, stopping at Sligachan, a village with an old bridge and one of the most incredible views of the Black Cuillin. While at Skye, we also stopped on the road for Gaia to see a sheep up close and at the Scottish Cows Farm to see the Highland Cows (also known as Coos).

After a wonderful and busy day, it was time to go back to the Airbnb (which took around 2h by car).

Evening

The dogs and the humans were pretty tired, so one couple stayed with the dogs and the other went to the centre of Inverness (30min by car from the Airbnb) to buy some food and have a quick look around (it was already late, so most restaurants and attractions were closed). After dinner, we all had our well-deserved rest.

DAY 5 - HIGHLANDS | EDINBURGH | LONDON

Morning

We started the last day of our trip at Glenfinnan Viaduct, known by many as the Hogwarts Express viaduct. For those who wish to see the train passing by, the Jacobite passes over the Glenfinnan Viaduct at 10.45 am and 3.15 pm every day (but we recommend checking the schedule here before your visit just to be sure).

Afternoon

Our final stop in the Highlands was at Luss, a picturesque conservation village on the western shore of Loch Lomond (inside The Trossachs National Park). It was a chilly and windy day, but on warm days the lake shore and the pier get pretty busy.

We bought lunch in the village and took the road back to Edinburgh, where we said goodbye to our friends and vacuumed the car to remove all the pet hair before returning it to the rental company.

Evening

We left the car rental company and walked straight to the Edinburgh Waverly, where at 6 pm we caught the train back to London, arriving at 10:40 pm.

The trip exceeded our expectations. Scotland is beautiful, full of historical attractions, and exquisite nature, being a great destination for you and your dog. We certainly want to go back soon.

Here is a map with all the places we visited in Edinburgh.

And here is another map with the itinerary of our road trip around the Highlands.

Travelling with your dog can be an exciting and fun adventure, but it can also present some challenges, especially when it comes to renting a car.

It can be really confusing to find a suitable rental car that allows your dog to come along since each rental company has its own rules for renting a car with animals (and sometimes, within the same rental company, the policy may vary according to the pick-up and return location). For instance, here in the UK, AVIS and Sixty have no restrictions for dogs, Enterprise demands that dogs are kept crated and Europcar does not allow any animals other than Assistance Dogs to be transported in its vehicles.

As policies are very variable and can also change from time to time, we recommend always checking with the rental company before renting the car if it is possible and if there are specific rules for transporting your dog. Even after the confirmation from the rental company, make sure to read the fine print of the car rental terms and conditions to make sure there are no unpleasant surprises.

Once you have found a pet-friendly rental company, there are a few steps you can take to avoid problems during and after your trip.

Choosing the right car

There are several categories to choose from when renting a car. It is important to choose the right category, according to the size of your dog. For instance, it may not be the best idea to hire a mini car if you intend to travel with a Golden Retriever.

Dog safety

Even if it's not a requirement of the rental company, it is essential to ensure that your dog travels with safety equipment, such as a dog safety belt, crate or pet carrier. Accidents can happen and our dogs must be protected.

Make regular stops for your dog to relieve himself and stretch its paws.

Also, never leave your dog in the car alone, especially on hot days. This can be fatal for your dog and you may be punished by law.

Bring your dog's travel essentials

Just like humans, dogs need some essentials when travelling. Make sure to pack a water bowl (and water), food, treats, leash, poop bag and any medication your dog may need.

Car condition on return

If there is one thing that all pet-friendly car rental companies have in common is the concern with the car condition. If the car is returned with excessive pet hair, dirt or damage, they will charge you extra fees.

To avoid that, you can take a towel or blanket to protect the car seat. If your dog sheds a lot of hair, bringing a pet hair remover can help you get rid of excess hair on car seats and carpets. After all, you don't want to risk losing your deposit or being charged a cleaning fee.

In conclusion, renting a car with a dog requires some extra planning and preparation, but it's worth it to have your furry friend by your side during your travels. By following the tips above, you can have a hassle-free experience and enjoy your travels with your furry friend.

Luckily, the number of pet-friendly places to go with our dogs is growing by the day. But not all dogs are accustomed to frequenting these environments and, sometimes, what was to be a pleasant outing ends up becoming a nightmare. That is why we gathered five tips for you to frequent pet-friendly places with your dog:

1) Know your dog

Before taking your dog anywhere, ensure that he is comfortable being around people and other pets. After all, the experience has to be nice for them too.

2) Train your dog

Teaching your dog to "sit", "lie down" and "stay", as well as place training, can help ensure that your pet is well-behaved in public places. Simulating the situation at home before going to a pet-friendly venue (by putting the dog on the lead during a meal and keeping him near the table, for example) can also contribute to a good experience. If your pet is well-trained, they will be more welcome in pet-friendly establishments.

3) Walk the dog before you go

If you plan to visit a restaurant or cafe with your pet, make sure to take them for a walk beforehand. This will help them expend some energy and reduce the likelihood of them being restless when you arrive at the venue.

4) Plan ahead

When in doubt, always confirm with the establishment if they are pet friendly before you go to avoid any unpleasant surprises. This is especially important when travelling and staying in hotels or rental properties. Also, don't forget to bring all the necessary items (such as a leash, poop bags, water etc.). Bringing a favourite toy or blanket can also help them feel more at ease.

5) Be mindful

I know it's hard to believe, but not everyone is a dog lover. While visiting pet-friendly places, it's important to be respectful of other customers and their space. Keep your dog under control at all times, and clean up after them. Also, be aware of any rules or restrictions that the establishment may have for pets.

By following these tips, you can have a wonderful time with your dog and, besides, good examples will certainly encourage other establishments to open their doors to our furry friends.