Socialization Guide: Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

While raising guide dog puppies, we have the opportunity to introduce our puppies to many kinds of public transportation in preparation for their future role as guides. Riding public transportation and planes requires preparation, for you and the puppy, and knowledge to have a smooth and successful journey.

Why It’s Important
Many GDB clients (and puppy raisers!) regularly travel by public transportation, so it’s important to have a pup who can confidently ride the bus, trains, and more!

Before You Hit the Road (or Fly!)

1. Review GDB's Traveling with a GDB Puppy Policy.
2. Check Regulations: Familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations regarding service dogs in training on public transportation. Each form of transportation and location may have different rules that you need to follow.
3. Bring Identification: Be sure to bring your raiser ID card and ensure the pup is wearing their GDB-issued puppy jacket. This helps distinguish our pups from pet dogs and helps demonstrate that they’re in training for guidework.
4. Dog Readiness: Each puppy is ready for new adventures at different times. If you have a more sensitive pup or rowdy pup that may have a difficult time settling, reach out for tips on how to best prepare. Some pups may not be ready to fly or ride transit for many months. These pups should skip out on any optional vacation travel and hang out with a sitter instead.
5. Choose Appropriate Seating: Select a seat that allows the pup plenty of space to sit or lie down comfortably without blocking the aisle or encroaching on other passengers’ space.
6. Bring Essentials: Pack plenty of food, water, waste bags, and any medications the pup is currently taking. It’s always good to have a little extra just in case your departure or return is delayed.
7. Make Time for Exercise and Bathroom Breaks: Before embarking on your journey, give the puppy ample opportunity to play and potty. This will help your pup feel more comfortable throughout your travels. Plan for potty breaks during layovers/stops, if possible.
8. GDB Ambassador: GDB puppies often spark interest and curiosity about working dogs. This gives us a unique opportunity to educate the public about guide dogs, GDB programs, and all the fun adventures puppies and raisers have together. With all the attention, please remember to keep puppy jackets fresh and clean and puppies groomed.

Here’s a Tip!
Before heading out on a public transportation adventure, be sure to review the Rules of Three and Explore Together! Socialization to Build Confidence.

Buses

• Some buses will let raisers ride free of charge if they’re socializing guide dog puppies – check out your local transportation authority for free or discounted opportunities.
• Prep the puppy for the sights and sounds they might experience on the bus. This might include hearing the sound of air brakes at a distance or practice sitting in a confined space (even at home!)

Planes

• Policies can change with little notice. Be sure to check Air Travel for GDB Puppies as well as your airline’s website for most current guidelines.
  
• Give the airline plenty of heads up that a guide dog puppy will be flying with you and ask about their current requirements! Some airlines ask for special paperwork like proof of vaccination or a health certificate from your local veterinarian.
• Submit a Puppy Travel Request form (link below) to share your travel plans with your puppy raising field manager. Upon approval you’ll receive a letter to share with the airline identifying you as a GDB volunteer and the pup as a guide dog puppy. While not required by most airlines, many raisers like to have the letter for peace of mind when flying.
• Quiet toys can be helpful for puppies to settle on long flights – squeaky toys might not be the best choice!

Safety Tip!
Raisers should always be connected to the puppy. The hustle and bustle of TSA can be a little overwhelming and sometimes agents request that raisers remove the leash or equipment from GDB puppies. If a TSA agent requests this, you can politely decline and inform them that you need to have the puppy on leash at all times. Bring a slip-lead or figure-8 leash with you so that you can go through a metal detector if required.

Trains

• Prep the puppy for the sights and sounds they might experience on the train. This might include hearing the sound of a train horn or whistle at a distance or the opening/closing of automatic doors between train cars.
• Practice walking down narrow halls or staircases that mimic a narrow train aisle. It’s ok for the puppy to need luring or to walk in front of you!