UTV Riding With Your Dog

Many dogs have the right disposition for a successful UTV ride. Imagine hitting the open trail with your four-legged best friend! It's a great way to reach remote areas of the woods for hiking, hunting, and exploring together. Keep reading for tips on safely taking your dog on a UTV ride. If you have questions or want to shop UTVs for sale, visit Peak Honda World. Our dealership is based in Littleton, Colorado, and we proudly serve those in Denver and Aurora.

Tips For A Safe Ride

You wouldn't let a human passenger crawl around the UTV when it's in motion. It's the same for furry passengers. You don't want your dog falling off and getting injured. You also don't want him interfering with your ability to safely steer, such as crawling onto your lap or getting tangled in your legs. That's where a crate enters the picture.

If your dog is not used to crates, you will need to build up her comfort level. Make the first introduction to the crate short and fun. Place treats or toys inside, showing that the crate is associated with fun. Increase the amount of time she spends in the crate until she's used to it. Then, take her on short UTV rides around the neighborhood. Increase the length of those rides until she's used to a normal trip length.

Remember that you will need to secure the crate to the UTV. Otherwise, it could slide right off (even at a slow speed). Get tie downs to attach the crate to the vehicle's bed.

Make sure to adapt the crate to the weather conditions. If it's going to be hot, check that there is enough ventilation of fresh air. If it's going to be cold, add a kennel cover to keep in warmth.

Tips For Packing

Every UTV trip requires supplies. If you bring your dog, don't forget supplies for your passenger!

Consider packing:

• a water bowl so your dog can stay hydrated
• a pet first aid kit so you can handle minor medical emergencies
• an LED collar light so you can see your dog at night
• booties to protect his feet from harsh terrain
• a brush to get stickers out of his fur

Tips For An Overnight Trip

Some dogs can even handle (and enjoy) an overnight trip. It's possible to enjoy a vacation with your pet, but there are a few extra steps you will need to take.

You may want to schedule a visit to the vet. Traveling can be stressful for animals and stress can worsen health issues. It's important to make sure that your pet is healthy enough for a trip. You also want to avoid getting out into the middle of nowhere...and then uncovering a health issue when you are far away from a vet.

There are also extra supplies to bring along. Pack any medications. Bring more than enough dog food. Switching up brands can trigger digestive issues, so pack more than you need just in case. Take a dog bed that already has her scent on it, which will make her more comfortable.

As much as possible, try to maintain the usual routine. Keep meal times consistent and bedtimes regular. This will help reduce stress levels and help your dog enjoy the trip even more.

We hope you found this guide helpful! For more travel advice or to shop UTVs for sale, chat with the experts at Peak Honda World. Our friendly staff can assist with anything you need, from answer questions to suggesting the most compatible models for your lifestyle. We are a powersports dealership in Littleton, Colorado. We also proudly serve those in Denver and Aurora, Colorado.