Dog Training Tips for Flying With a Dog

For a safe and stress-free flight with your dog, it’s important to teach your dog a few valuable skills before boarding an airplane. All dogs should know these behaviors before taking off in a jet plane regardless if they’re riding in the cabin or as checked baggage (in belly of the plane).

As a reminder, resist purchasing fake service dog certificates and vests. These “special” permits are not fooling anyone. Plus, airlines are cracking down on fake services dogs, so follow pet airline travel restrictions and teach your dog to enjoy riding in an airplane. 🙂

Crate Training

First, teach your dog that her airline pet carrier is a wonderful place to be, so she happily walks into it on the day of your flight. You’ll also want to train your dog to comfortably rest in her carrier for an extended amount of time. Check out this article for crate training tips.

Introduce Movement

Once your dog enjoys relaxing in her crate, it’s time to introduce movement.

With your dog inside her pet carrier, take a stroll through your neighborhood and reward her for remaining quiet. Vary your walking pace too, as sometimes we’re rushed at airports. Then, slip a few yummy treats inside when she happily remains still.

If you’re traveling with larger dogs, place your large dog’s crate inside your car. Now, load your dog into his crate, close the door and toss a few treats inside. Drive around your neighborhood, on the highway and around curving roads. Start slowly, then add additional distance, so your dog gets used to movement in his crate.

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Simulate Airplane Sounds

As if being in an airport isn’t stressful enough, it’s very loud and the sound of jet engines is absolutely ear-piercing. All of this could be very distracting to your dog, so it’s recommended to positively introduce your dog to these weird sounds weeks before a flight.

For small dogs, bring your dog into your laundry room when clothes are drying. While inside the laundry room, play a few games of “touch.” (Of course, your dog should know how to play “touch” prior to this exercise.) Once she’s comfortable with the dryer noise, place her inside her pet carrier in the laundry room. Continue to practice for a few days.

Finally, set your dryer on low without any clothes inside and place your dog inside her carrier on top of the dryer. The bouncing and noise of a running dryer will feel like a plane ride. Reward generously throughout the entire process.

For large dogs, you can simulate the flying experience using this method too, but you might have a little trouble getting your dog into her carrier on top of the dryer. 🙂

Friendly Behavior

The last tip before flying with a dog is to teach your dog to be friendly. This means your dog isn’t barking at people, walks politely on leash, and can be easily picked up and carried.

Security areas are packed with noise and people. If you have a small dog, you’ll be walking through scanners together. Many bystanders might ask to pet your dog, so it’s vital your dog responds appropriately.

While large dogs don’t walk through main security gates, they will walk into the check-in area of an airport. This place is buzzing with people, rolling suitcases and, at times, hot tempers. From there, your dog will get inside her crate and be wheeled off by an airline employee. You’ll want to ensure your large dog is friendly at all times.

Safe Travels!