Rules and good preparation for relaxed train travels with a dog
Düsseldorf. Regardless of whether it is a day trip, vacation trip or visit to friends and relatives: Many people like to put these routes back by train. If a dog should travel, suddenly arises: Can the dog ride everywhere? Does he need a ticket? Which rules must also be observed and how long can the journey take? When the dog and owner are prepared, the adventure train ride quickly becomes a relaxed journey.
“Deutsche Bahn promotes around 100,000 dogs a year,” confirms a spokeswoman for Deutsche Bahn on request. However, whether it needs a ticket for the animal depends on the size of the dog and, if necessary, on the respective transport network. Deutsche Bahn has put together under www .Dahn .de/a n g e b o t/z u s a t z t i c k e t/h and some regulations for train ride with dog:
Regulars at Deutsche Bahn
According to the train, a ticket is generally only necessary for larger dogs. Small dogs that are taken in a suitable and lockable transport container do not require a ticket. For larger dogs that are supposed to ride without a transport box, the costs of half the fare of an adult are due. When booking, the “Dog” category can be selected online or at the machine for the additional ticket. Also owners of a Germany ticket usually have to purchase an extra for your dog. Abom models, such as a special Germany ticket for dogs, does not exist – even a regular Germany ticket cannot be completed for the dog. Different requirements can apply in the respective transport associations: For example, the transport association Rhein-Ruhr is free to take all dogs. Before traveling in local transport, keepers should find out whether the respective provider requires a dog ticket or not.
For dogs, Deutsche Bahn also says: paws from the seat! You must not take a seat here, but always have to sit or lie in front of or next to the seat of the passenger. There is therefore no seat reservation for four -legged friends. For hygiene reasons, pets are also not allowed in the bortrest restaurant.
“Dogs who do not travel in a transport box must be a leash and wear a muzzle,” said the rail spokeswoman. Basically, leash and muzzle are always prescribed here and can be requested by the train staff.
Exception for leadership and assistance dogs
Special regulations apply to recognized leadership and assistance dogs. These do not have to wear a muzzle and always drive free of charge. For this purpose, a corresponding severely disabled card or alternatively an ID card, which is called human-assistance dog community, must be carried out and to show them on request. A prerequisite for the free take away of a blind leader or assistance dog is also its visible labeling with a corresponding badge, such as on a disc cover, dog harness or collar.
Prepare the dog for the train ride
In addition to information about tickets & Co., dog owners should also prepare themselves and their companion for the trip themselves. Anton Fichtlmeier, dog trainer and advisory author, recommends: “Before the journey, it always makes sense to work out the dog properly. Then on the one hand it can make it easier, but on the other hand it will also be able to sleep in peace. Three hours are usually unproblematic, especially if the dog can be calm. If you have to change any further breaks – ideally, if you have to change, if you have to change anyway. Minutes are usually enough to do a round in the station and then to be on the track in time.
It is also important that you get used to the dog in advance to lie on a small ceiling with a muzzle, collar and leash. “The best way to practice at home is: after an extensive walk -in round, sit on a chair, motivate your tired dog, which is still leash and wear his muzzle, only to take off on his blanket for a few minutes. He gets used to it quite quickly. And that also gives him the signal later: This is my place.
Seat choice and other passengers
You can also take a few things into account when choosing the seat. At the end of the car or at seats with tables there is usually more legroom and space for the dog. In contrast, dogs are allowed in rest areas, but also with a quiet dog, other passengers can feel disturbed faster there. In addition, it can happen that passengers, including children, would like to stroke the dog. “In such cases, keepers should always be attentive and assess both their dog and the situation,” said Fichtlmeier. “If my dog is calm and relaxed and I know that the train journey does not matter to him, it is also no problem to have him stroked under supervision. But not every dog likes to drive the train and then contact with strangers can quickly trigger stress. That should be clearly communicated and the four -legged friend would rather treat the four -legged friend.” The more often a dog drives on the train and gets to know this unusual situation, the calmer it becomes.
Industrial Association pet supplies (IVH) e. V.