5 tips to teach your dog to enjoy car rides!
While many dogs love “going for drives”, others may find it stressful. Here’s how to teach your dog to enjoy car rides, whatever his age. Hitting the road with your dog can be a wonderful adventure. Whether you’re heading to the local park or embarking on a cross-country trip, sharing the journey with a dog that enjoys the ride and is a good traveler makes all the difference. Ideally, it’s best to start getting your dog used to the car while he’s still a puppy, but with time and patience, you can also teach an adult dog that car rides can be relaxing, fun and stress-free! For pups or young dogs — starting from scratch 1. Prepare the vehicle for your pup • Safety is the first consideration. The first step is to research various car harnesses, crates, and seat belt attachments designed for dogs. Ideally, look for a brand that has passed third-party crash testing. Once you have chosen a safe travel harness or crate, make sure you properly secure it in your vehicle per the manufacturer’s instructions. • Next, consider limiting your dog’s view. Looking out the window while the car is moving can be quite confusing for a dog and can trigger motion sickness, anxiety, and over-arousal. Hint: Baby window shades that stick to the side windows of the vehicle are a good solution. • Set a calming mood. We might like loud, upbeat music in the car, but a stressed dog needs something quieter and more relaxing. Read the full article
