8 Tips to Keep You and Your Dog Safe on the Road
7131633104 • July 25, 2025
Here’s how to hit the road responsibly — and enjoy every mile together.
1. Crate Your Dog for Safety
The safest way for your dog to travel is inside a secured crate. We recommend the RuffLand crate — it’s built tough and crash-tested, offering serious protection in case of sudden stops or accidents. Always place the crate in the backseat or cargo area and secure it to prevent movement.
2. Pack a Pet Travel Kit
Keep all essentials on hand, including food and water, collapsible bowls, leash and waste bags, a favorite toy or blanket, and ID tags and vaccination records.
Bonus tip: bring a lint roller — dog hair happens.
3. Plan Regular Pit Stops
Dogs need stretch breaks just like we do. Plan for potty breaks and leg-stretches every 3-4 hours at safe, dog-friendly rest stops. Keep your pup leashed and be cautious in unfamiliar areas.
4. Never Leave Your Dog in a Hot Car
Even on mild days, temperatures inside a parked car can skyrocket in minutes. Heatstroke can be deadly. If you can’t bring your dog with you at a stop, skip it or have someone stay in the vehicle with the AC running.
5. No Heads Out the Window
As cute as it is, letting your dog ride with their head out the window can lead to eye injuries or worse. Flying debris, insects, and sudden stops are serious risks.
6. Use Sunshades and Ventilation
Keep your car cool and shaded. Use window sunshades, crack the windows when safely parked, and make sure your dog has plenty of airflow — especially if they’re in a crate.
7. Check ID and Microchip Info
Make sure your dog’s collar has a tag with updated contact info. If your dog is microchipped, double-check that your phone number and address are current in the registry.
8. Book Pet-Friendly Stops
Plan ahead to find dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, and parks. Apps like BringFido or AllTrails are great for finding fun, dog-welcoming spots along your route.
Traveling with your dog is one of life’s greatest joys — just make sure you prep like a pro. A little planning makes a big difference in safety and comfort. Happy tails and safe travels!
Dog training can feel overwhelming, especially with so much information out there. It’s easy to get caught up in old advice, quick fixes, or myths that sound true but can actually hold you and your dog back.
There’s nothing better than enjoying a sunny Ohio day with good food, cold drinks, and your four-legged best friend by your side. Franklin County is packed with dog-friendly restaurants and cafes that welcome pups on their patios — making summer the perfect season to get out and explore with your dog. At Taking the Lead, we love to gather our alumni and their dogs for brunches, trivia events, and patio hangouts — and many of our favorite spots are on this list! If you’re looking for new places to grab a bite or a drink without leaving your pup behind, check out these local favorites: 1. Ohio Brewing Company Ohio Brewing Company’s Columbus location offers a casual atmosphere, delicious pub food, and plenty of outdoor seating for you and your dog. We love hosting patio meet-ups here — it’s always a hit with our alumni pups! 2. Hofbräuhaus Columbus If you’re in the mood for German fare and a lively atmosphere, Hofbräuhaus Columbus is a must-visit. Their big outdoor patio is dog-friendly, and they often host events and live music. Bring your pup, grab a pretzel and a pint, and soak up the summer vibes. 3. Grove City Brewing Company Another Grove City gem, Grove City Brewing Company welcomes dogs on their patio and serves up craft beers and hearty pub food. It’s a great local spot to relax after a weekend walk with your dog or join one of our alumni brunches! 4. Land Grant Brewery Land Grant is a Columbus staple, especially in the summer. Their huge beer garden is dog-friendly and hosts food trucks, trivia nights, and live music. Bring your dog, grab a cold one, and enjoy the fun community vibe. 5. BrewDog BrewDog’s Franklinton location has a fantastic patio that’s perfect for dogs. Known for their craft beers and dog-friendly culture, BrewDog even has “Dog Pawties” — birthday parties for your pup! We often host casual brunches and patio trivia here, so keep an eye out for our next alumni gathering. Make the Most of Patio Season Summer is the best time to explore Columbus with your dog. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot for brunch or a lively night with fellow dog lovers, these dog-friendly patios make it easy to include your pup in the fun. We hope to see you and your dog at our next patio brunch or trivia event — tails wagging, drinks in hand, and plenty of sunshine to go around!
There are a few common signs that tell you that your dog could benefit from a professional dog trainer. Keep reading or contact us today to learn more.
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