How Do I Get a Service Dog Used to a Plane?

Service dogs are allowed on airplanes and passengers often fly with their service dogs close to them. Even if you have a service dog that has been trained by specialists, he might take some time to get used to certain things about flying. Tommy Thick, a service dog employee in Minneapolis, Minnesota, shares some hints for helping your service dog adjust.

  1. Traveling

    • Travel often with your service dog to get him used to being in a plane. A plane is an enclosed space that moves, so go with your service dog on buses, subway and in taxis to get him used to traveling in enclosed spaces.

    Sitting

    • Get your service dog used to being in rows of seats by going into similar situations. Take your dog to movies, plays and other places that require you to sit for long periods. Your dog already will know to sit next to you and wait for you to need anything or to get up, so you can have your dog practice taking a long flight by being in these situations with you.

    Pressure

    • Help your dog get used to the pressure of traveling in an airplane by taking him into situations where the pressure changes slightly. You can't mimic a plane exactly, says Tommy, but if you take your dog with you on elevators, he will learn that the different pressures in his ears are normal and will remember that experience when he gets on the plane.

    Attitude

    • Keep a good attitude, says Tommy. This is the most important thing when it comes to making sure that your service dog is ready to work with you on a plane. Your dog is trained to help you and he'll pick up your attitudes and feelings very quickly. As long as you have a positive attitude and let him know that everything is going just as it should go, you shouldn't have any issues with your service dog on airplanes.