Unweekends
American - planning 1st time Camino
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Sept 2025
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pets are a very personal thing, so answering the question of 'should you bring your dog' is a hard one.I will be doing a short 1-week Camino, one of the 100 KM ones. Not decided the route yet, but fairly certain my 1st choice is from Tui, or second choice Ferrol. It will be September or October (2025) so I don't anticipate it being too hot or crowded.
I will fly into Madrid & take Train to starting point ( either Tui or Ferrol). This is a solo trip & first time to ever go outside of USA.
Strange question: Should I take my small 4/5 kg ( 10 pounds) dog on this pilgrimage? Let me explain: the main two reasons are that I work from home & live alone -- so she is not used to being without me & she has fits whenever I'm not in her sight. The other reason is I don't want to be 2 weeks without her either. She is the perfect size to carry around & I have a mesh backpack that I take her in ( fully enclosed) when I go out. She is well behaved, loves people and potty trained. She won't do much actual walking - she will be in my dog backpack.
The obstacles I foresee with this idea are: 1. I would probably have to do daily luggage transfer since she will be on my back but one alternative is I could get her a type of baby carrier that goes on my front/chest, then I could have my Camino backpack but that adds more weight to carry). 2. Not sure the train from Madrid to starting point will allow her. 3. Not sure I can find accommodations that would allow her. 4. Not sure if her presence would be irritating or offensive to people/ pilgrams.
I have taken about 4 out of town trips with her previously ( only 1 on a plane with 1 layover). She has always done really well traveling. She is quiet as long as she can see me. The minute I am out of her sight she will start howling, crying, and yelping and throw a fit. I don't want to be inconsiderate to other people, but at the same time I love to have her with me ( I would miss her terribly if gone for 2 weeks).
Thoughts & suggestions?
Thank you.
You need to check out what is involved in taking a dog out of the US and into Spain, then what is involved in taking a dog out of Spain and into the US. After that the camino will be the easy part.
I am sorry to say this, but your message seems a bit unfair to @Unweekends, at least as I interpret it.You have a year to train yourself not to give in to your doggie's demands.
Find a good dog trainer to help you with the basics of Who Is The Boss Here Anyway? (Please Remind Me, I Kinda Forgot)
Your dog seems a very smart operator who has managed to train you and reward you so she gets it her way every time. Of course you love her kisses, and you cannot bear to be separated from her, those cries! the horror! - you have a very smart dog who wraps you around her tiny darling paws. She's a boss.
Once you leave her with a dog sitter and start your Camino, you will probably miss her more on your way to the airport, while she has stopped crying the moment the taxi turned the corner.
Not sure about the Camino being the easy part but I was involved in caring for a friend's dog for a few months while she got settled in the EU. Shipping the dog to her was a real hassle. And that was just one way. An airline approved cage was required and you'll need it for the return trip too.You need to check out what is involved in taking a dog out of the US and into Spain, then what is involved in taking a dog out of Spain and into the US. After that the camino will be the easy part.
Even if you have a dog that walks with you, dogs are not made for long walks. Unlike humans whose key attribute is stamina, dogs are built to move a short distance then rest then move then rest.I really wouldn't recommend taking a dog which has to be carried, rather than one that walks with you, and even then I'd think twice or thrice about it.
Along with all the other good points raised, if your dog Is scared, and loud, when out of your sight, how are you going to eat? I don’t think you’ll be able to bring your dog into bars and restaurants, or the shower. I think it would be kinder to you both if your dear pet stayed home.I will be doing a short 1-week Camino, one of the 100 KM ones. Not decided the route yet, but fairly certain my 1st choice is from Tui, or second choice Ferrol. It will be September or October (2025) so I don't anticipate it being too hot or crowded.
I will fly into Madrid & take Train to starting point ( either Tui or Ferrol). This is a solo trip & first time to ever go outside of USA.
Strange question: Should I take my small 4/5 kg ( 10 pounds) dog on this pilgrimage? Let me explain: the main two reasons are that I work from home & live alone -- so she is not used to being without me & she has fits whenever I'm not in her sight. The other reason is I don't want to be 2 weeks without her either. She is the perfect size to carry around & I have a mesh backpack that I take her in ( fully enclosed) when I go out. She is well behaved, loves people and potty trained. She won't do much actual walking - she will be in my dog backpack.
The obstacles I foresee with this idea are: 1. I would probably have to do daily luggage transfer since she will be on my back but one alternative is I could get her a type of baby carrier that goes on my front/chest, then I could have my Camino backpack but that adds more weight to carry). 2. Not sure the train from Madrid to starting point will allow her. 3. Not sure I can find accommodations that would allow her. 4. Not sure if her presence would be irritating or offensive to people/ pilgrams.
I have taken about 4 out of town trips with her previously ( only 1 on a plane with 1 layover). She has always done really well traveling. She is quiet as long as she can see me. The minute I am out of her sight she will start howling, crying, and yelping and throw a fit. I don't want to be inconsiderate to other people, but at the same time I love to have her with me ( I would miss her terribly if gone for 2 weeks).
Thoughts & suggestions?
Thank you.
That would have been my argument at one time but a dog is just a wolf in sheep's clothing (so to speak) and there's a wolf fitted with a GPS transmitter in Slovakia that has travelled over 2000km.Even if you have a dog that walks with you, dogs are not made for long walks. Unlike humans whose key attribute is stamina, dogs are built to move a short distance then rest then move then rest.
I also have a dog that I would love to come with me, but you need to think about the dog. I know it’s hard, but a long walk t like 100km is just not what dogs are built for - but they can’t tell you that.
If in doubt please speak to a professional like a vet.
Buen Camino
Where did you took this nice picture??
However, it's a fact that dogs regularly run marathons and ultramarathons. I walked my labrador for days in a row at high altitude, no problems at all (water a part, once...) and he was super, superhappy. Probably he did 3 km for each km of mine...Jeff, dogs and wolves diverged genetically between 30,000 and 40,000 years ago. I get out of shape for long distance walking just a few months after my last Camino. We have lots of wolves here in Alaska. Occasionally a radio collar shows a typically young male wolf here making a huge trek similar to your Slovakian wolf. Probably kicked out of his pack and seeking another that won't kill him. Or seeking a friendly female wolf -- the call of the wild. Buen Camino
Housing dogs is difficult, she will miss you but welcome you and your new smells upon your return.I will be doing a short 1-week Camino, one of the 100 KM ones. Not decided the route yet, but fairly certain my 1st choice is from Tui, or second choice Ferrol. It will be September or October (2025) so I don't anticipate it being too hot or crowded.
I will fly into Madrid & take Train to starting point ( either Tui or Ferrol). This is a solo trip & first time to ever go outside of USA.
Strange question: Should I take my small 4/5 kg ( 10 pounds) dog on this pilgrimage? Let me explain: the main two reasons are that I work from home & live alone -- so she is not used to being without me & she has fits whenever I'm not in her sight. The other reason is I don't want to be 2 weeks without her either. She is the perfect size to carry around & I have a mesh backpack that I take her in ( fully enclosed) when I go out. She is well behaved, loves people and potty trained. She won't do much actual walking - she will be in my dog backpack.
The obstacles I foresee with this idea are: 1. I would probably have to do daily luggage transfer since she will be on my back but one alternative is I could get her a type of baby carrier that goes on my front/chest, then I could have my Camino backpack but that adds more weight to carry). 2. Not sure the train from Madrid to starting point will allow her. 3. Not sure I can find accommodations that would allow her. 4. Not sure if her presence would be irritating or offensive to people/ pilgrams.
I have taken about 4 out of town trips with her previously ( only 1 on a plane with 1 layover). She has always done really well traveling. She is quiet as long as she can see me. The minute I am out of her sight she will start howling, crying, and yelping and throw a fit. I don't want to be inconsiderate to other people, but at the same time I love to have her with me ( I would miss her terribly if gone for 2 weeks).
Thoughts & suggestions?
Thank you.
When I was travelling around the world I met a couple from Argentina on an old Africa Twin who were doing the trip with a small dog . They had been on the road for 9 years and visited all continents. Everything is possible. For most of us our pets are our best friends and part of our families. I prefer spending time with our dog Talia more than I would with some of the people out there ! lolI will be doing a short 1-week Camino, one of the 100 KM ones. Not decided the route yet, but fairly certain my 1st choice is from Tui, or second choice Ferrol. It will be September or October (2025) so I don't anticipate it being too hot or crowded.
I will fly into Madrid & take Train to starting point ( either Tui or Ferrol). This is a solo trip & first time to ever go outside of USA.
Strange question: Should I take my small 4/5 kg ( 10 pounds) dog on this pilgrimage? Let me explain: the main two reasons are that I work from home & live alone -- so she is not used to being without me & she has fits whenever I'm not in her sight. The other reason is I don't want to be 2 weeks without her either. She is the perfect size to carry around & I have a mesh backpack that I take her in ( fully enclosed) when I go out. She is well behaved, loves people and potty trained. She won't do much actual walking - she will be in my dog backpack.
The obstacles I foresee with this idea are: 1. I would probably have to do daily luggage transfer since she will be on my back but one alternative is I could get her a type of baby carrier that goes on my front/chest, then I could have my Camino backpack but that adds more weight to carry). 2. Not sure the train from Madrid to starting point will allow her. 3. Not sure I can find accommodations that would allow her. 4. Not sure if her presence would be irritating or offensive to people/ pilgrams.
I have taken about 4 out of town trips with her previously ( only 1 on a plane with 1 layover). She has always done really well traveling. She is quiet as long as she can see me. The minute I am out of her sight she will start howling, crying, and yelping and throw a fit. I don't want to be inconsiderate to other people, but at the same time I love to have her with me ( I would miss her terribly if gone for 2 weeks).
Thoughts & suggestions?
Thank you.
I wouldn't. I was very bonded to my dog too when I did the Camino, but it didn't cross my mind to try to bring her along. Food, lodging, transportation, cleaning up after the dog (don't even think about leaving piles anywhere, including your own!) would just totally detract from it, and would detract from others' experiences as well, should your dog be noisy in a hostel or should people be allergic to dogs.I will be doing a short 1-week Camino, one of the 100 KM ones. Not decided the route yet, but fairly certain my 1st choice is from Tui, or second choice Ferrol. It will be September or October (2025) so I don't anticipate it being too hot or crowded.
I will fly into Madrid & take Train to starting point ( either Tui or Ferrol). This is a solo trip & first time to ever go outside of USA.
Strange question: Should I take my small 4/5 kg ( 10 pounds) dog on this pilgrimage? Let me explain: the main two reasons are that I work from home & live alone -- so she is not used to being without me & she has fits whenever I'm not in her sight. The other reason is I don't want to be 2 weeks without her either. She is the perfect size to carry around & I have a mesh backpack that I take her in ( fully enclosed) when I go out. She is well behaved, loves people and potty trained. She won't do much actual walking - she will be in my dog backpack.
The obstacles I foresee with this idea are: 1. I would probably have to do daily luggage transfer since she will be on my back but one alternative is I could get her a type of baby carrier that goes on my front/chest, then I could have my Camino backpack but that adds more weight to carry). 2. Not sure the train from Madrid to starting point will allow her. 3. Not sure I can find accommodations that would allow her. 4. Not sure if her presence would be irritating or offensive to people/ pilgrams.
I have taken about 4 out of town trips with her previously ( only 1 on a plane with 1 layover). She has always done really well traveling. She is quiet as long as she can see me. The minute I am out of her sight she will start howling, crying, and yelping and throw a fit. I don't want to be inconsiderate to other people, but at the same time I love to have her with me ( I would miss her terribly if gone for 2 weeks).
Thoughts & suggestions?
Thank you.
I think we’re allowed to say ‘bollocks’ because I’ve said it before.I always think putting a pet who’s used to the freedom of our homes into a kennel would be like sending our children to
Prison for a couple of weeks .
No. Don’t bring your dog. It would be unkind to her and others on the way for multiple reasons.I will be doing a short 1-week Camino, one of the 100 KM ones. Not decided the route yet, but fairly certain my 1st choice is from Tui, or second choice Ferrol. It will be September or October (2025) so I don't anticipate it being too hot or crowded.
I will fly into Madrid & take Train to starting point ( either Tui or Ferrol). This is a solo trip & first time to ever go outside of USA.
Strange question: Should I take my small 4/5 kg ( 10 pounds) dog on this pilgrimage? Let me explain: the main two reasons are that I work from home & live alone -- so she is not used to being without me & she has fits whenever I'm not in her sight. The other reason is I don't want to be 2 weeks without her either. She is the perfect size to carry around & I have a mesh backpack that I take her in ( fully enclosed) when I go out. She is well behaved, loves people and potty trained. She won't do much actual walking - she will be in my dog backpack.
The obstacles I foresee with this idea are: 1. I would probably have to do daily luggage transfer since she will be on my back but one alternative is I could get her a type of baby carrier that goes on my front/chest, then I could have my Camino backpack but that adds more weight to carry). 2. Not sure the train from Madrid to starting point will allow her. 3. Not sure I can find accommodations that would allow her. 4. Not sure if her presence would be irritating or offensive to people/ pilgrams.
I have taken about 4 out of town trips with her previously ( only 1 on a plane with 1 layover). She has always done really well traveling. She is quiet as long as she can see me. The minute I am out of her sight she will start howling, crying, and yelping and throw a fit. I don't want to be inconsiderate to other people, but at the same time I love to have her with me ( I would miss her terribly if gone for 2 weeks).
Thoughts & suggestions?
Thank you.
Sounds like a great resort - do they take humans too?I think we’re allowed to say ‘bollocks’ because I’ve said it before.
Bollocks
Much as I love Henry the (actual) dog; he’s not human. Given the choice between a day with me and a day with the other dogs in a well-run kennels, he wouldn’t pick me. He can fight with half the residents and try to impregnate the other half; have communal exercise, swim, chase things, and so on. Ever since he was a puppy he’s gone to a kennels for day-care for a day or two every week. Socialising with other dogs is very important for a pack-animal.
He’s a gun-dog, so he’s robust, well-trained - but also very capable of thinking for himself.
Don’t get me started on dogs in prams.
NoI will be doing a short 1-week Camino, one of the 100 KM ones. Not decided the route yet, but fairly certain my 1st choice is from Tui, or second choice Ferrol. It will be September or October (2025) so I don't anticipate it being too hot or crowded.
I will fly into Madrid & take Train to starting point ( either Tui or Ferrol). This is a solo trip & first time to ever go outside of USA.
Strange question: Should I take my small 4/5 kg ( 10 pounds) dog on this pilgrimage? Let me explain: the main two reasons are that I work from home & live alone -- so she is not used to being without me & she has fits whenever I'm not in her sight. The other reason is I don't want to be 2 weeks without her either. She is the perfect size to carry around & I have a mesh backpack that I take her in ( fully enclosed) when I go out. She is well behaved, loves people and potty trained. She won't do much actual walking - she will be in my dog backpack.
The obstacles I foresee with this idea are: 1. I would probably have to do daily luggage transfer since she will be on my back but one alternative is I could get her a type of baby carrier that goes on my front/chest, then I could have my Camino backpack but that adds more weight to carry). 2. Not sure the train from Madrid to starting point will allow her. 3. Not sure I can find accommodations that would allow her. 4. Not sure if her presence would be irritating or offensive to people/ pilgrams.
I have taken about 4 out of town trips with her previously ( only 1 on a plane with 1 layover). She has always done really well traveling. She is quiet as long as she can see me. The minute I am out of her sight she will start howling, crying, and yelping and throw a fit. I don't want to be inconsiderate to other people, but at the same time I love to have her with me ( I would miss her terribly if gone for 2 weeks).
Thoughts & suggestions?
Thank you.
Regrettably not! On several caminos his board and lodging has cost more than mine. Worth every penny though.Sounds like a great resort - do they take humans too?
no, do NOT bring your dog. It is a very selfish thing to do. The Camino is long, very hot, difficult, hard terrain, it is not a place for a dog. Think of your dog not yourself. As well, some people are allergic to dogs and would not want a dog in all of the camino pilgram areas. The camino is for quite retrospection not a place for dogs. But the real reason is, it is too difficult for a dog. You are thinking only of your self when you bring a dog, not the animalI will be doing a short 1-week Camino, one of the 100 KM ones. Not decided the route yet, but fairly certain my 1st choice is from Tui, or second choice Ferrol. It will be September or October (2025) so I don't anticipate it being too hot or crowded.
I will fly into Madrid & take Train to starting point ( either Tui or Ferrol). This is a solo trip & first time to ever go outside of USA.
Strange question: Should I take my small 4/5 kg ( 10 pounds) dog on this pilgrimage? Let me explain: the main two reasons are that I work from home & live alone -- so she is not used to being without me & she has fits whenever I'm not in her sight. The other reason is I don't want to be 2 weeks without her either. She is the perfect size to carry around & I have a mesh backpack that I take her in ( fully enclosed) when I go out. She is well behaved, loves people and potty trained. She won't do much actual walking - she will be in my dog backpack.
The obstacles I foresee with this idea are: 1. I would probably have to do daily luggage transfer since she will be on my back but one alternative is I could get her a type of baby carrier that goes on my front/chest, then I could have my Camino backpack but that adds more weight to carry). 2. Not sure the train from Madrid to starting point will allow her. 3. Not sure I can find accommodations that would allow her. 4. Not sure if her presence would be irritating or offensive to people/ pilgrams.
I have taken about 4 out of town trips with her previously ( only 1 on a plane with 1 layover). She has always done really well traveling. She is quiet as long as she can see me. The minute I am out of her sight she will start howling, crying, and yelping and throw a fit. I don't want to be inconsiderate to other people, but at the same time I love to have her with me ( I would miss her terribly if gone for 2 weeks).
Thoughts & suggestions?
Thank you.
Read your note and your question. But i did not read your reason for doing the Camino in the first place. It should be a a time for reflection and connection. Leave the dog at home and enjoy yourself.I will be doing a short 1-week Camino, one of the 100 KM ones. Not decided the route yet, but fairly certain my 1st choice is from Tui, or second choice Ferrol. It will be September or October (2025) so I don't anticipate it being too hot or crowded.
I will fly into Madrid & take Train to starting point ( either Tui or Ferrol). This is a solo trip & first time to ever go outside of USA.
Strange question: Should I take my small 4/5 kg ( 10 pounds) dog on this pilgrimage? Let me explain: the main two reasons are that I work from home & live alone -- so she is not used to being without me & she has fits whenever I'm not in her sight. The other reason is I don't want to be 2 weeks without her either. She is the perfect size to carry around & I have a mesh backpack that I take her in ( fully enclosed) when I go out. She is well behaved, loves people and potty trained. She won't do much actual walking - she will be in my dog backpack.
The obstacles I foresee with this idea are: 1. I would probably have to do daily luggage transfer since she will be on my back but one alternative is I could get her a type of baby carrier that goes on my front/chest, then I could have my Camino backpack but that adds more weight to carry). 2. Not sure the train from Madrid to starting point will allow her. 3. Not sure I can find accommodations that would allow her. 4. Not sure if her presence would be irritating or offensive to people/ pilgrams.
I have taken about 4 out of town trips with her previously ( only 1 on a plane with 1 layover). She has always done really well traveling. She is quiet as long as she can see me. The minute I am out of her sight she will start howling, crying, and yelping and throw a fit. I don't want to be inconsiderate to other people, but at the same time I love to have her with me ( I would miss her terribly if gone for 2 weeks).
Thoughts & suggestions?
Thank you.
No, do not bring...Why don't you try doing the same sort of distance near to home and see how it works? I had one dog who loved going for week long walks. He was also quite happy to fly in his cage in the hold. Why wouldn't be be? Room to lie down, which is more than I ever have. But that was only ever a couple of hours, a transatlantic flight duration might be another thing entirely.
Same dog also loved going to the kennels for a few days. Not all dogs like doing the same thing, you know your dog best and I'm sure you will decide based on the dog's welfare.
All you have to do is not be in Spain for the National Day (October 12) and the Feast of Saint John the Baptist (24 June). Are Forum members aware of others?What country likes fireworks more, China or Spain? I have been almost blown out of bed by fireworks along the Camino. But, it's their country and I go to bed early. We had the sweetest mixed breed dog ever, chased grizzlies out of our yard. Absolutely terrified by fireworks. Buen Camino
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