You don’t have to miss out on going to the places you love to go just because you now own a Rottweiler! The earlier your Rottie begins traveling, the easier it is for him to become accustomed to it. The more accustomed he is to travel, the more pleasant his experience will be (and yours!).
In this Complete Rottweiler Travel Guide, I’ll fill you in on everything you need to know for an excellent trip with your Rottie! I’ll tell you what your Rottie will need for travel, as well as how to keep your Rottie safe whether you’re traveling by vehicle, boat or airplane. Read on to learn some helpful traveling hacks and know that I wish you and your Rottweiler a bon voyage!
Planning a Trip With Your Rottweiler
There is an old adage that says, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” This applies beautifully to traveling with your Rottweiler! Even the best travel circumstances and vacations can be stressful! As a responsible pet owner, you can minimize that stress with some careful planning!
The Most Important Thing when Traveling with a Rottweiler
If you’re the sort of human who is prone to travel, and you intend to include your Rottie on your trips, your MOST IMPORTANT TOOL for a smooth trip will be his proper training. This training should begin the day after your Rottweiler arrives at your home!
Traveling with a Rottie who has not been trained in the 5 Basic Commands will be a traveling disaster! These commands are (1) Come (2) Heel (3) Sit (4) Down and (5) Stay. Let him master these tasks before attempting to train him to “master traveling”.
Socializing Your Rottweiler
A Rottweiler is going to grow into a dog that weighs almost as much as an average adult! It is imperative he knows the chain of command in his “pack” and YOU are the top of that chain!
Socializing your Rottie from a young age is the best way to ensure he has a well-rounded personality and is not easy spooked or skittish of new situations, new people, and new animals. A socialized Rottweiler is safer for all who will come into contact with him during your travels!
What will Your Rottweiler Need on a Trip?
When it comes to packing for travel with your Rottie, take the same considerations you take when packing for yourself. Consider the length of the trip, climate, and dietary or medicinal requirements for the time you will be gone. If possible, water from home is best. This will prevent stomach upset. When traveling by boat or plane though, you may not be allowed to bring containers of water.
Rottweiler Packing Check-List
- Veterinary Report: This will verify that your Rottweiler’s shots and vaccines are up to date, and provide information about your Rottie’s health should you have to make an emergency trip to a veterinarian while you’re away from home.
- Safety Equipment: This includes a crate and straps or a “vehicle harness”.
- His Own Food and Water: Even if you’re not going too far from home, it is good to ensure your Rottie will have his familiar food and water. You won’t want to spend valuable vacation time hunting for “Brand X” dog food! Before booking passage on a boat or plane, you’ll need to inquire about whether or not you can bring his own food and water.
- Medication, if Needed: If your Rottweiler takes regular medication for any reason, be sure to take enough for your trip. Keep the medication in its original container, that is clearly labeled.
- Proper Restraints: Collar or harness and a leash.
- A Muzzle: A muzzle shows you are a responsible Rottweiler owner. If the idea of a muzzle unsettles you, here is a helpful and informative ARTICLE that will help!
- His Favorite Toy: This will help your Rottie’s comfort level and prevent boredom.
- Bedding: A blanket that smells like home or his bed, whichever you have space for.
- Bags for Waste (poop) ALWAYS clean up after your Rottie!
- A Brush, Shampoo, and Wet-Wipes: For quick clean-ups or grooming.
- First Aid Kit (contents described further along in this article)
TRAVEL MEDICATION HACK: Because things get lost, even on vacation, your vet may be willing to write you a prescription for your Rottweiler’s essential medication. In the event you lose the supply you packed, you can easily get a replacement at a veterinary clinic wherever you are.
Here is a convenient travel pack for your companion. Keep all your Rottie’s supplies in one handy place.
Motion Sickness Prevention:
Like humans, dogs can experience motion sickness or anxiety during travel. Since your Rottweiler’s safety and comfort are your top priorities when traveling with him, you can combat this motion sickness and anxiety with some prevention methods.
Before taking my Maximus on his first long travel, I did my research! Here are some products I found that are helpful for motion sickness AND travel anxieties:
- Dramamine: Prevents nausea, dizziness, vomiting & queasiness. Although designed for humans, it is safe to give your Rottweiler Dramamine to prevent motion sickness. Simply administer 25-50 milligrams at least an hour before travel.
- Calming Bites: There are a plethora of calming chews to choose from. Sometimes anxiety is the culprit behind car sickness, and not the motion itself. People like the “Zesty Paws” brand calming bites because they are all-natural. They are also the Bestseller on Amazon for large breed dogs with traveling anxieties.
- Nutri-Vet Pet-Ease: Contains chamomile and tryptophan, two of the best non-narcotic calming agents available. They come in chewable tablets or soft chews, and are fast-acting!
TRAVEL HACK: Most veterinarians do not recommend medicating your Rottie to force sleep. A medicated sleep is not the same as natural sleep and can leave your Rottie groggy and promote stomach upset.
Only force sleep through medication if your Rottie’s veterinarian prescribes it for certain travel scenarios. Some airlines will not fly a sedated pet.
Call Ahead!
Calling ahead is certainly something we think of when it comes to hotels and motels. There are restrictions, additional costs, and regulations to follow. However, it is equally important to call ahead when you are going to be visiting family and friends! Some people are allergic to dogs. Some have animals that do not receive other animals well.
And hey, some people are just terrified of big dogs! It is especially important to call ahead if your trip or vacation will have you away from your Rottweiler for long periods of time.
Things to Ask When Making Reservations for Yourself and Your Rottie:
- Are Rottweilers allowed there?
- Is there an extra cost involved?
- What are the pet policies?
- What will my Rottweiler need there?
FEEDING HACK: On the day before traveling, reduce your Rottweiler’s food portion by half. A full belly may empty in the less pleasant ways (from one end or the other) should your Rottie experience motion sickness or anxiety while traveling!
One if by Land…Traveling by Vehicle With Your Rottweiler
We’ve all seen the adorable photos of dogs hanging their heads out a car window in obvious bliss. It’s true, most dogs love a car ride!
Early exposure to traveling in a vehicle will most likely help your Rottweiler come to love car rides, too! But don’t take your Rottweiler ANYWHERE until you know he will be safe!
Vehicle Safety and your Rottweiler
The safest place for a young Rottie to be when inside a moving vehicle is in a crate that has been secured by straps. Puppies have so much energy! Leaving them loose in a vehicle puts them (and you!) at risk for harm.
As your Rottie grows, so do his vehicle safety options! Here are 3 Ways to Keep Your Rottie Secure in a Vehicle:
- Strapped in Crate: Hands down, this is the SAFEST and LEAST USED travel method for dogs!
- Vehicle Harness: A vehicle harness is designed to be used with a seatbelt.
- Vehicle Barriers: These are used to contain your Rottweiler to a specific area of the vehicle and to keep him away from the driver.
CAR SAFETY HACK: If you have a backseat in your vehicle, secure your Rottweiler THERE. I know you love your buddy and enjoy his company, but a front seat is the most DANGEROUS place for him to be! Travel safely now “hang out” together later.
Rest Stops for Your Rottweiler
When traveling by vehicle for longer distances with your Rottweiler, taking frequent “rest stops” are just as advantageous for him as they are for the driver! Just as you can become uncomfortable and even bored during a road trip, so can your Rottie! Stopping every two hours is the rule of thumb to follow.
On a rest stop, your Rottie will need the opposite of rest! When you pull over, secure your Rottweiler with a leash and secure all the people around him by utilizing his muzzle. Plan to spend about 15 minutes and let your Rottie do the following:
- Get a Drink
- Go Potty
- Exercise
Spend a few moments petting and praising your Rottie as you return him to the vehicle. This will help him “change gears” from spunky to calm. Better yet, run his brush or a wet-wipe across his fur! Your overall tone will set the tone for his traveling experience.
Set a relaxed and pleasurable tone! Never forget that every encounter with your Rottie is an opportunity to strengthen your bond!
ROAD TRIP HACK FOR YOUR ROTTIE: A road trip is a perfect time to offer your Rottweiler a large fresh “knuckly” bone from the butcher! He will spend hours gnawing away at the treat without filling his stomach and a full stomach is at risk for emptying onto your back seat!
Two if By Sea… Can You Take Your Rottweiler on a Cruise?
Ships Ahoy! What Rottie wouldn’t look regal as he stands wearing a Captain’s hat looking out over the expanse of blue waters? If you’re itching to go on a cruise for your next vacation or mini-vacation, you’ll be happy to learn there is a way to take your Rottie along!
I did some research on Cruises with Canines in the United States, and here is what I found:
- Most Major Cruise Lines DO NOT allow pets except for Certified Service Animals.
- Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2 DOES allow certain pets on certain cruises. They are kept in a special kennel area that has a full-time Kennel Master, and you visit your pet there.
- PETS WELCOME is an excellent resource for traveling with your pet. Utilize the site when planning your next vacation!
It’s a Bird…It’s a Plane…Is That a Flying Rottweiler?
Unfortunately, many airlines have restrictions pertaining to Large Dogs that have been classified as “Bully Breeds” whether the classification is true or not, with the exception of Certified Service Dogs. Oh, but I found some airlines that WILL fly your Rottweiler! Here are some of them:
- Adria Airways
- Aegean Airways
- American Airlines
- Austrian Air
- Delta Airlines
- Emirates
- Etihad AirwaysHawaiian Airlines
- Iberia
- LATAM Airlines
- Lufthansa
- Qatar Airways
- Sun Country Airlines
- Swiss International Airlines
- Turkish Airlines
- WestJet
I found no airline that allowed a Rottweiler in the cabin. Baggage or cargo was it. Each airline had different restrictions regarding the weight of the dog (carrier/crate is included in the weight) and the length limit of flights.
Prices also varied greatly! Do your research carefully, and get the “pet policy” of the airline in writing, if possible. Making sure all the details are covered will save time and BIG HASSLES at boarding time.
AIRPORT HACK: Double check all your information for verification, and be POSITIVE you (and your Rottie) meet all airline criteria before heading to the airport.
Keeping Your Rottie Safe in Cargo Hold on an Airplane
There is nothing more important than keeping your Rottweiler safe when flying! Here are 7 Things You Need to Know About Flying With a Rottweiler:
- Schedule a Veterinary Appointment Before Travel
- Choose a Flight With Zero or Very Few Change-Overs
- Use a Sturdy and Well-Ventilated Crate With METAL Fasteners
- Book Passage During Mild-Weather Seasons
- Live Animal and Directional Stickers are Mandatory
- Attach the following to your crate in a plastic sleeve: Your Rottweiler’s name and photo, your name and cell phone number, and any medical considerations, along with your Veterinarian’s telephone number
- Tranquilizing a pet prior to airline cargo travel can be very dangerous! Many airlines will not accept a pet who has been tranquilized. Tranquilizers affect breathing, and proper breathing is necessary for flight. Instead, use a calming remedy like the ones discussed in the “Motion Sickness prevention” section above.
Oh, the Places Your Rottweiler Will Go…Hotels, Motels, Campgrounds, Oh My!
We’ve already gone over the importance of calling ahead for inquiries, but it is so important, I will mention it again! The last thing you want is to get where you’re going only to find out you cannot stay because of an issue with your Rottie in regards to an establishment’s pet policy.
When making inquiries, disclose honest and accurate information about your Rottweiler. Gather as much printed material as possible regarding any establishment’s pet policy and have it with you when you arrive.
10 Popular Hotel/Motel Chains that Welcome Pets (Some have Canine weight limits or “Bully Breed” restrictions: CALL AHEAD to learn them)
- Red Roof Inn
- Motel 6
- Days Inn
- Marriot
- Travelodge
- La Quinta Inn
- Loews Hotel
- Comfort Inn
- Holiday Inn
- Quality Inn
HOTEL/MOTEL HACK: If your Rottweiler exceeds the weight limit of the “Chain” Hotels and Motels, try searching for some “Mom and Pop” places. Often, their guidelines are less stringent.
Staying at a Hotel/Motel With Your Rottweiler
When staying at a Hotel/Motel with your Rottweiler, always put his muzzle on him in any common area and be sure he is secured on a leash. The front desk attendant will direct you to the area for dog-walking, and ALWAYS clean up your Rottie’s waste.
If you leave your Rottie in the room when you go sight-seeing or out to dinner, make sure he is in a crate, and that the front desk is notified he is in the room alone. Should maintenance or housekeeping need to visit your room in your absence, they DO NOT want to come face to face with a 100 pound Rottie, I promise!
Camping With Your Rottweiler
Follow the same inquiry procedure when making reservations at a Camp Ground that you would for a Hotel/Motel. Give full disclosure about your Rottweiler, and get as much information in writing as possible.
When you register, find out if there are areas on the grounds where your Rottie is not permitted, and if there is a designated area for dog walking (for potty). Keep your Rottweiler restrained by a leash at all times, and use his muzzle in any common areas.
CAMPING HACK: If you are in an unfamiliar area, ask if there are any wildlife concerns you should be aware of for your Rottweiler (and yourself!). For example; Here where I live, we have black bears whereas, in Texas, your Rottie is in danger from Rattle Snakes!
Unplanned Travel and Your Rottweiler
I truly hope all the trips you’ll take with your Rottweiler are for pleasure! That being said, you may find yourself in a situation where you are making an unplanned trip.
There are two scenarios I can think of where you might be leaving on “the fly”. These are a family emergency and evacuation as preparation for a natural disaster, like a hurricane, wildfire, or flooding. Because the unplanned DOES happen, you should always be prepared by having a plan!
Your Rottweiler’s “Bug Out” Bag
Although the term “Bug Out Bag” sounds a little silly, it is anything but silly when an emergency situation is unfolding! As responsible pet owners, we should always have a plan and supplies to cover your Rottweiler for at least one week of being away from home unexpectedly. Your Rottie’s “Bug Out Bag” should include the following things:
- Your Rottie’s Medical Record (in case you need to show proof of vaccinations)
- Food and Water (to last one week)
- Any Regular Medications (including the prescription, in case you need to get more)
- Medication to Prevent Motion Sickness (helpful suggestions in “Motion Sickness Prevention” section above)
- Proper Restraints (including collar or harness, a leash, and a muzzle)
- An Interactive Toy (to prevent boredom)
- A First Aid Kit (because stuff happens)
- A Basic Grooming Kit (because Rotties like to feel fresh, too)
Having a “Bug Out Bag” prepared for your Rottie will save time, hassles, and headaches in the event an emergency trip becomes necessary.
A Word About Your Rottie’s Definition of “Vacation”
Sometimes in our zealous love for our Rottie, we can forget to see something from his perspective. Please remember that your Rottie needs the same things from you on vacation that he needs from you at home. This includes your time and attention, meals at scheduled mealtimes, regular potty opportunities, exercise, playtime, and bonding time.
If you are scheduling a vacation with a full itinerary for yourself that isn’t dog-friendly, this might not be the vacation to include your Rottie in your travels.
How Long Can You Leave Your Rottweiler Unattended on Vacation?
Most likely, your Rottie is used to a routine that takes you away from home for your workday. This is usually about an eight-hour event, and an adult Rottie can handle that pretty well. Please keep in mind though, when your Rottweiler is away from home and you leave him alone, he may experience stress and anxiety in the unfamiliar surroundings. I would suggest you not leave your Rottie alone on vacation for more than four hours.
3 Things to do When You Have to Leave Your Rottie Alone on Vacation
Tough Toys can help prevent boredom during travel for your Rottweiler!
- Tire Him Out: Before you must leave your Rottie alone, take him on a long walk and then play with him to allow the escape of his excess energy.
- Calm Him: There is nothing harmful in an all-natural single dose of a calming remedy. I mentioned a couple near the beginning of this article. A calming remedy does just that, it calms anxiety and has a soothing effect on the stomach.
- Utilize an Interactive Toy: The West Paw toy pictured above dispenses treats and is designed for aggressive chewers. You can find one HERE.
ROTTIE HACK: Always remember that your Rottie is highly intelligent! His mind needs stimulated and exercised every bit as much as his body needs exercise. Be creative in preventing boredom for him during travel and after you reach your destination!
Travel Emergencies and Your Rottweiler: What You Must Know
The best time to think of emergencies is BEFORE they happen. Emergencies do not come with warning and preparation time. This is why they are called “emergencies” and not “planned tragedies”.
A little planning, though, can make an emergency easier for you to respond to, and can even save your Rottweiler’s life! Here are some helpful questions to ask yourself (and their answers) BEFORE an emergency occurs far from home:
- Who would I call if my Rottie has an emergency? Whenever possible, have a Veterinary Clinic phone number already stored in your phone for where you’re going. For example, “Animal Clinic in Maui”. If you are between destinations when your Rottweiler has an emergency, quickly search the internet on your phone for “Animal Hospitals near me”.
- What if my Rottweiler bites someone? Prevention is always key! This is why your Rottweiler should be muzzled in any public place (especially on vacation!). Should proper planning fail and your Rottie does bite someone, call 911 and be ready to provide proof of proper vaccines, including the rabies vaccine, which is required every three years.
- What should I have in a First Aid Kit for my Rottweiler? A travel-sized First Aid Kit should contain these 7 Things:
- Gauze- To cover or wrap injuries. NOTE: If your Rottie is injured and his muzzle is not nearby, you may use gauze as a temporary muzzle. Injured dogs can bite without warning.
- Tape- To hold the gauze in place.
- Scissors- To cut gauze and tape.
- Pain Relief Medicine- Regular aspirin is safe to give your Rottie. It can help with discomfort due to sore muscles or injury.
- Calming Remedy- Good for traveling anxieties, and stress in unfamiliar surroundings.
- Anti-Septic Spray- In case your Rottie gets a scrape, cut or an insect sting.
- Pre-Moistened Towelettes- For quick clean-ups from a wound or dirty play.
TRAVEL HACK: Join some groups on your favorite social media sites that pertain to Rottweilers, or traveling, or both. Word-of-mouth can be extremely valuable in making plans or reservations!
Ready, Set…GO!
Truly I hope you have found this article informative and helpful! Traveling with your Rottweiler needn’t be complicated. My Maximus loves car trips, even if it’s just across town to our local Doggie Daycare.
Planning is key, and safety is the TOP priority! Now that you know what to do (and what NOT to do) grab your Rottie and go go GO! I’d love to see a pic from your first (or latest) travel adventure with your Rottweiler! Simply drop one in the comments section.
Related Information
At home or away, having fun is important for your Rottweiler! Find out how Rotties have fun in THIS ARTICLE.
*This article has been reviewed in accordance with our editorial policy.
