I have signed a contract with a breeder to pick up a standard puppy next month. Puppy will be 8-9 weeks old, is located 10 hours away and I will most likely fly both ways and bring puppy in the cabin with me. The trip involves a 2 hour drive to the airport from the breeder (tempted to drive back with a one way rental but the air is cheap). I plan to go alone. If anyone has opinions one way or the other as to whether I should fly back or do a one way rental, I am open to hearing them. Note the cost is the same, the one way rental may be slightly more since I cannot fly in and out the same day but the price difference is negligible. It is more what you think is easier on me and the puppy. I might be able to get one of my older kids to meet me and drive back but since he is over 21 but under 25 I would be doing all the driving most likely. I have driven more than 10 hours in one day on several occasions over the last year. Although I do not love it, it does not scare me. I am leaning toward the plane but will decide as I get closer
What carrier should I get for the plane? Brands or types. I believe the maximum size is 17Lx 11Hx11W. I will most likely be flying American or possibly (but most likely not) Delta in the US if that matters. The plane will most likely be one flown by Republic Airlines (they fly for both airlines as their regional carrier), a regional jet an Emb 175. The flight is under 2 hours. I will keep the puppy in the carrier during the drive to the airport. Do rental companies care if you bring a dog in their car? How hard is it to deal with a puppy on a plane? Anything I need to be alert for? Any special needs I should consider or bring something for? Planning to bring pads in case of an accident and a change of clothes for me. This is my second standard so I am not new to the breed.
Once I get home, should I be restraining the puppy in the car? Since the puppy will obviously grow a lot I would have to buy more than one harnass? My late dog would get very car sick in the car so never took anyplace in the car for fun. Other than the trip home was never in the car for more than 20 minutes so if this dog has the same problem I do not think I want to invest in a harness but if this one likes the car and will be in it with the family that is another story. Another issue is when the whole family comes every seat except one is taken so I cannot use a restraint that requires the dog to stretch out on the seat. I would like the puppy to get used to a restraint so that it becomes second nature but I want the dog to be comfortable on long car trips. A full size standard would be too big to crate in the car, especially if I have the family along since it would take up 3 seats. I was watching a video on another thread and it seems like many harnesses do not work anyway
What carrier should I get for the plane? Brands or types. I believe the maximum size is 17Lx 11Hx11W. I will most likely be flying American or possibly (but most likely not) Delta in the US if that matters. The plane will most likely be one flown by Republic Airlines (they fly for both airlines as their regional carrier), a regional jet an Emb 175. The flight is under 2 hours. I will keep the puppy in the carrier during the drive to the airport. Do rental companies care if you bring a dog in their car? How hard is it to deal with a puppy on a plane? Anything I need to be alert for? Any special needs I should consider or bring something for? Planning to bring pads in case of an accident and a change of clothes for me. This is my second standard so I am not new to the breed.
Once I get home, should I be restraining the puppy in the car? Since the puppy will obviously grow a lot I would have to buy more than one harnass? My late dog would get very car sick in the car so never took anyplace in the car for fun. Other than the trip home was never in the car for more than 20 minutes so if this dog has the same problem I do not think I want to invest in a harness but if this one likes the car and will be in it with the family that is another story. Another issue is when the whole family comes every seat except one is taken so I cannot use a restraint that requires the dog to stretch out on the seat. I would like the puppy to get used to a restraint so that it becomes second nature but I want the dog to be comfortable on long car trips. A full size standard would be too big to crate in the car, especially if I have the family along since it would take up 3 seats. I was watching a video on another thread and it seems like many harnesses do not work anyway