[nagdu] flying with Princess for the first time

[loriandleo]

Hi Hannah,

When Gipp and I came home from Leader Dogs last December17th, 2010 we also
flew home for the first time from Detroit Michigan to Akron/Canton airport.
This was Gipp's first time he has flown. The flight was only an hour. On the
day  Gipp and I were to fly home, I gave Gipp very little water that day and
he didn't get any food that morning. Before we left the school to go to the
airport which is a hour drive I  parked Gipp.

When we arrived  at the airport,  we checked my luggage in and then we
headed for the security check point line. When it was my turn to go through
security with my dog,  the trainer went through first. Then Gipp and I went
through. Of corse the security alarms went off because of my dogs leash,
collar and harness. I absolutely did not remove my dogs harness or collar or
leash when I went through security. So a female security officer wand both
my dog and I down and then we were  given the okay to go and collect our
belongings and continue on our way to our gate. Under no circumstance
absolutely Do Not remove the dogs harness or leash when going through
security. Anyhow, Gipp followed the trainer through the airport to are gate
where we waited until it was time to bord the plane.  Gipp absolutely guided
me perfectly through the airport toare gate by following the trainer that
was with us. When it was time for Gipp and I to bord the plane I said my
good byes to the trainer and Gipp and I followed the man who assisted us
when we borded the plane. Gipp and I walked on the plane and we made a right
turn and my seat was  right there  in the first row. I had a aisle seat.  I
sat down and got my dog sitauted down on the floorin front of my feet. I
also wasn't sure how Gipp would handle the flight home but he did absolutely
great he never once got up or moved and he was so well behaved. I also kept
Gipp's harness on him and he wan't uncomfortable either.

So here's what I suggest to you.  try to stay calmand relaxed so your dog
will remain calm and relaxed too. If you show that you're nervous the dog
will pick up on that and she will be nervous too. Releave your dog before
leaving the school to go to the airport. Plus if you give your dog water on
the morning you are flying give her very little water. This way more than
likely your dog won't have to releave herself. Also carry her nylabone with
you on the plane with you that way when taken off your dog can chew on her
bone to help with her ears  so they don't pop from the air pressure. I'm
sure Princess and you will be just fine. Take care.

Lori and theGipper