🐾 Road Trip with a Dog in Norway. Day 3: At the Hotel

📍 Sjøholt Summer Hotel

🐶 Morning Walk and Mud Bath

We woke up at the hotel and went for a morning walk. Suddenly, Gizmo jumped straight into the mud and got completely filthy. My first thought was: "Oh no! Do I have to carry him like this into the hotel, or will they even let us back in?" Luckily, we found a little stream, and Gizmo happily jumped in to bathe. Now he was wet but clean, no more mud. We walked a little further and sat on a bench outside the hotel so he could dry off before going back inside.

💡 Tips & Tricks:

• Always pack a small towel or microfiber cloth when traveling with a dog, it's perfect for muddy or wet emergencies.

• Bring a collapsible water bottle or extra water to rinse your dog's paws before heading indoors.

• Let your dog dry outside as much as possible before going inside to avoid wet floors and bedding.

🎓 Training Time and Breakfast

While sitting outside, we practiced a few tricks: sit, spin, "up and spin," "on your back," "between," "stay," and "heel." Gizmo did great!

I set out food and water for him in the hotel room before heading to the breakfast room alone (dogs weren't allowed there). The breakfast was delicious, but I ate quickly because I felt guilty leaving Gizmo by himself. When I returned, he was stretched out on one of the beds, completely exhausted after so much travel and new experiences.

💡 Tips & Tricks:

• Get your dog used to being alone in the room gradually. Leave for short periods first and praise them when you return.

• Make sure your dog has food, water, or even a toy before you leave.

• Keep practicing tricks and obedience while traveling, it provides mental stimulation and helps your dog feel secure.

📺 Relaxing at the Hotel

The rest of the day was all about relaxing. We watched movies, snacked, and took it easy. Gizmo barked a little whenever someone passed by the room, especially when the cleaners rolled their noisy carts down the hallway. Apart from that, he was fantastic. We went for several small walks nearby, practiced more tricks, and enjoyed some quiet bonding time.

💡 Tips & Tricks:

• Take several short walks even on "quiet days" at the hotel, it keeps both you and your dog happy.

• Bring chew toys or treats to distract your dog from unusual noises that might trigger barking.

• Use quiet days at a hotel as an opportunity to strengthen your bond with your dog, play, cuddle, and practice commands.

🌟 Summary

A calm hotel day was exactly what we needed. Gizmo got to rest after many new impressions, and we both recharged. A bit of barking when people passed by is totally normal, it was, after all, his first hotel stay. Overall, it was a cozy and restful day in the middle of our road trip.