Baston animal behaviour expert Karen Wild gives advice on how to travel safely in a car with your dog
The weather is improving (on and off, given our spring showers) and we are emerging from our hibernation, all set to travel for days out and enjoy dog walks further afield, writes animal behaviour expert Karen Wild.
A trip to the dog-friendly beach, perhaps, or a new park!
We often wonder why dogs simply don’t seem to like travelling in the car, which is ironic when they really like the walks at the end. Cars are one of the only ways to really get about nowadays, and the guilt at leaving our dogs at home or putting them into dog kennels whilst we go away makes a car journey to be an essential. We need to make sure that they enjoy it!
Your dog might appear to be a bit restless, but it might be that they are really stressed during a car journey. Panting and pacing around is a sign that all is not well for your canine chum.
You may not think your dog feels poorly, but they can certainly feel nauseous on journeys. This may be from the motion of the car, from facing the wrong way, cannot see where they are travelling, or could be swaying about a little too much.
It may not simply be motion sickness (which is miserable, even for us poor humans). Fearing the car can develop from feeling sick, but is also linked to the noise, sudden movement and smell of the car, too. It can be a scary experience, and your dog can’t reach you either. By law you have to ensure that your dog is secured in the car so they are not allowed to roam or distract you in any way.
You can begin by feeding your dog their favourite meals in the car whilst it is parked on the drive, play with them in there – everything to make your dog think the car is a great place to be.
Gradually begin moving the car, on short journeys at first. Even moving it just a few feet! Build up your dog’s confidence, until you can take longer journeys.
Avoid roundabouts and speed-bumps as much as you can for these first trips. This is not supposed to be the doggy equivalent of an obstacle course. Keep it smooth and your dog will feel safe, and settled, in future.
And safety first - NEVER leave your dog in a car even on an overcast day. Cars heat up within seconds and far too many dogs die unnecessarily each year. Check the car temperature, even whilst you are driving. A sunny day means a hot animal who can’t just shrug off their furry coat when they get too warm.
Plan ahead for your car trips and whilst you might have to put in some more work at the start, you will have a lifetime of safe and settled car travel to enjoy.
