Australian Working Stock Dog Magazine - June 2018

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any people are now hitting the road with their dogs.

And it can be a goodexperience but there are some

risks. I have driven across the Nullarbor a number

of times and it is probably the most diicult section to trav-

erse. Miles of lat boring driving,with livestock and wildlife on

the road to be aware of.

he danger of dog baits is the biggest issue. If possible have your

dogs wear muzzles whenever you let them out for a run. here

is still a small risk of the dog licking a bait through the muzzle

though, so it pays to be observant. I try to park at caravan parks if

I can and always ask them if they are aware of any recent baiting.

However there is still the risk of birds carrying baits around

so don’t leave them out for too long. I usually let my dogs out

in small lots. hey are allowed to empty out then I put them

straight back in the ute. No long runs or bush walks. It is only

a few days of travel and the dogs will be ine without much

exercise for this time.

If camping in the bush, look out for baiting signs, but even if

you don’t see them, still take as many precautions as possible.

Hot weather can make the trip fairly miserable for the

dogs and I try to avoid traveling during hot weather. When

you plan your trip try to be a bit lexible about when you

have to leave, so you can delay your trip if it looks like be-

ing over 40 degrees. However if this is not possible, there

are a few things that can help. I always carry a pump up

sprayer illed with water and will stop and spray the dogs

if need be. Also putting wet towels under them can help.

Good airlow through the vehicle will help and of course,

plenty of cool water. Some dog boxes sit lush on the tray and

this can really raise the temperature. My cages have a raised

loor, lined with marine ply, then rubber, and I add bedding if

the weather is cool.

When exercising them in hot weather don’t let them run

around too long so they are not too hot when getting back in

the vehicle. Adding some water to their kibbles can help keep

them hydrated, as kibbles will make them thirsty. I tend to

feed a lot less while on the road as the dogs are not doing the

TravellingTravelling

with Dogswith Dogs (^)
Story & photo’s by Nan Lloyd
44 AWSDM http://www.stockdogs.com.au