u/Pinki314

So this is my 1.5YO mini named Horus. He's been reactive since like 12 weeks old (actually since literally his first walk - whichever came first I can't remember). Anyway through consistent training I have gotten him to the point where I can take him on walks without barking as long as I make distance.

I am now planning on flying with him (6 hr flight) in 1 month for a road trip. He does well in the carrier. However I took him into Lowes today to train him in the carrier in an indoor place to simulate an airport-like experience and he was like back to his puppy days of shrieking at strangers. The works: growling, grumbling, panting, barking. One of the workers came up and pet him and he was all over her for attention so he's not afraid of people. He's just big on alerting I think??

Our trainer told me to do this to prepare however it did not go well at all. I took him on a long walk right after where he saw tons of people and walked right next to/behind/in front of them without barking. This is like a busy walking trail in my city that everyone goes to at sunset and we go here at least once a week.

He actually was pretty bad on this walking trail the first few times I took him and he has significantly improved over time. So maybe it's just because he's never been inside a store before and he needs more exposure? He genuinely needs to experience a location a few times to be chill there. So I'm thinking maybe I should just take him to the airport and give him treats in the pre-tsa/check in area. And just try to go as much as I can in the next month. Because as of now, he's going to be barking at every person he sees and will result in us being the assholes that brought a loud barking dog. He does have trazadone as needed for situations but he will power through 50mg of that shit if he needs to lol.

Any advice? Anyone travel with their loud minis? 🫪🫡

We are planning on flying from Florida to Seattle for a West coast road trip. I'm panicking over two things:

1. Acclimating him to the stress of the airport and being in a carrier at my feet for such a long flight (I'm guessing 6 hours). We have trazadone as needed and will likely be using that but I'm still worried. He doesn't know how to use a pee pad because he only knows how to go outside!

My boy is 1.5 years old and has been very reactive since he was 12 weeks old. He is significantly improved and I can take him places as long as he keeps moving but he can't sit still and watch people walk by without growling/boofing/barking sometimes!

2. TICKS?! Idk if it's just social media but I keep hearing how bad tick season is this year. He's on simparica trio so no worries there but technically they do have to bite him to then die so there's a chance he can carry them into our van. Do those natural tick repellent sprays work like the cedarcide brand?

Also, I think a short cut will work but I'm afraid he'll look so weird without a beard lol. Does shaving them down short me up their ability to regulate temperature? Any tips on this? Ty!