Calm Car Trips

Image by Sam Williams from Pixabay

​Having a dog that can't settle and relax in the car makes for very challenging car rides.  The good news is that there are things you can do to teach your puppy to be a good traveler and to help your adult dog be more comfortable and relaxed in the car.

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Safety First

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​It's important that your dog not be able to physically interfere with the driver of the car.  It is also important to consider your dog's safety in the car.  In the event of a crash, an unrestrained dog could be ejected from the vehicle.  When you arrive at your destination, you'll want to have your dog wait in the car until you are ready for them to exit, rather than them jumping out and running off.  There are a variety of ways to address these concerns.

Image from Canva

• You can use a crate for your dog inside your vehicle.  This keeps your dog securely in one location, allows for a controlled exit from the vehicle and prevents your dog from dashing out when a door is opened.  They now make crash tested dog crates for added security.
• You can use a seatbelt harness for your dog.  This will keep them securely in one location, allow for a controlled exit from the vehicle and prevent your dog from dashing out when a door is opened.
• You can use a vehicle barrier.  This will keep your dog from interfering with the driver and from dashing out when people in the front seats of the vehicle open their doors.  It won't prevent your dog from dashing out when the door to their area of the vehicle is opened, so you'll want to pair this with some training on remaining in the vehicle until released instead of dashing out.
• You can use a hammock or car seat cover.  They can function as a bit of a barrier, but I know some dogs that can get over them into the front seat, so they don't have the same level of security as a vehicle barrier while having the same downsides.

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