The safest way for your dog to travel is by using a custom car cage or a car dog harness for restraint. It is dangerous and distracting to have a dog leaping around inside a moving vehicle. If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident, an unrestrained dog will be thrown violently and can cause serious injury to other passengers or be thrown out of the vehicle on impact.

Your dog should become used to travelling in the car as soon as possible. Put the dog in the place you want him/her to travel. It is unfair to allow him/her in the front on your lap, if ultimately you want the dog to travel on the back seat or behind a dog guard. A cut down cardboard box with a familiar blanket enables the dog to lie down and brace itself against the sides so that the movement of the car does not throw him/her around. Praise the dog when he/she is still and quiet. Do not speak if there is noise or jumping around, just calmly replace the dog in the box until settled then praise quietly.

Begin with short journeys and gradually build up the distance he/she learns to travel happily and comfortably. When your dog is used to travelling in the car it is also worth remembering that it’s helpful to include some routine and less exciting destinations. Dogs who only travel to exciting/fun places by car often become over enthusiastic and noisy travellers as they anticipate the fun that lies ahead!

Anxiety About Car Travel

If for some reason your dog has been sick or become frightened of the car, things need to progress more slowly.

• Tellington TTouch can be really helpful to calm an animal who has been frightened by travelling

• Putting on a dog t-shirt, body wrap or in some cases even a dog coat can be comfrting and help your dog to relaz a little

• The dog should first get used to lying quietly in the box/crate away from the car and recieve lots of praise and rewards for doing this

• If the dog is food oriented, giving some meals in the stationary car may help to change his/her perception so that a nicer association with the vehicle is formed

• Place the box/crate in the car and encourage your dog to lie down quietly in the box while the car is stationary. Praise and reward for quiet, calm behaviour

• When your dog is comfortable move on to the next stage of starting the engine but don't move the car

• As the dog gains confidence, begin with short journeys and build up gradually