I recently flew with JoJo and was struggling with how this would all work out. I tend to worry and was unsure about how JoJo would react since he has no problem making himself known when he wants to.
Instead of expecting the worst, I decided to keep myself strong and positive. I was getting there and back and somehow it would all work out. I did what I could that was in my control to help things go smoothly.
I put him in his travel bag and we practiced in the car. He was under the front seat and my feet were by him (hubby was driving) and I would simulate the position we would have in the plane. He got better at this from practice. We went for one long drive to get him somewhat used to distance.
I tired him out the day of the trip by playing a lot of toss and going for walks. I also did not give him food or water for several hours before the trip. He wore a belly band in the bag in case of an accident (it was dry when we arrived).
I had some new toys for him and put a few small ones in the bag. I also had treats in case I needed those. I brought a small stainless steel bowl to give him a little water before or after the flight if I needed to.
Don't expect to be able to take him out of the bag. I was clearly told he was not to be taken out. I think it would have been worse to have taken him out and then told to put him back in. That surely would have caused him to whine.
To my surprise, JoJo didn't make a peep at the airport on the way there or home. I think he was a little "frozen" from being out of his environment, in the bag, and hearing so many new sounds. The only time he cried a little was when he couldn't see me (through the bag), I went to use the restroom and my mother watched him before I boarded the plane.
Act confident! If you hear whining, answer with reassurance, not anxiety. You will be fine and keep telling yourself "I can do this." It will all work out.
I also brought something inspirational for me to read in case I got anxious!
Best of luck and before you know it you will be telling us how great it went!
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JoJo |