As a dog owner, you know how hard it can be to leave your pets home alone. The uncertainty of their condition often has you wondering whether bringing them along is a good idea. The trouble is that bringing them along is trouble of their own.
Mainly, when you’re on a trip, taking your dog in a car is the best choice. The trouble is that it can be a recipe for disaster. A car is an enclosed space that can make your dog nervous and in a bad mood. If you don’t prepare for it, your dog will be problem on your trip. This is why you need to do your best to ensure that they are calmed down.
Understanding Why
Before you take any steps to help calm down your dog, you are going to need to know why they feel so bad about taking a trip in your car. Knowing why can help you plan how you can approach the problem and resolve it.
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A New Place.
Some dogs like exploring new places. However, some dogs just don’t like new places. If your dog isn’t the curios type, they may end up being nervous while on the trip.
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Negative Experiences.
Another problem may be that they have had previous bad experiences with cars. This can be a challenge since those dogs who experience this are those who have been in accidents or something similar. Ask about their history if they are rescue dogs to know more.
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Car Sickness.
It is not just people who get carsick. Dogs can be unsettled by the motion of your car and they may end up making a mess if you’re not careful. If they feel bad every time they ride a car, it will affect their behavior.
If you know what’s wrong, then you’ll be able to plan your response properly. If you do it right, your dog will be quiet and relaxed the entire trip, without causing distractions for you
How To Make Your Dog Comfortable
The first thing that you should think about is what steps to take to ensure that your dog is comfortable. A comfortable dog is a calm dog. You will be less worried about what your dog if you know he’s safe and sound on your trip.
Getting your dog comfortable starts with the entry into the car. If your car seems to find the car terrifying or bad, then this is a big problem. You may just have to leave the dog behind because if your dog doesn’t like to go into the car, forcing him will just cause problems in the future.
The next step is to set-up the insides of your car so that they will have a great trip. A comfortable seat can go a long way to making your dog more comfortable. There are special harnesses available that will ensure that your dog is safe and won’t jump around all over the place inside your car.
Your other choice for traveling with your dog is a special dog carrier. Smaller dogs are a good choice for this option. It will give them a nice comfortable space for them to stay during your trip. It will also keep them out of trouble.
Giving them treats can also be a great help so having a stash ready in your car is a good move. Be careful though if your dog is prone to car sickness. They can make a mess if they throw up in your care. Just a bag should be enough for most trips and rewarding them for good behavior reinforces that car trips are a good thing for them.
Calm Down Your Dog
Actively doing something to calm down your dog can help a lot. However, doing so can be a distraction when you are driving. This is why the first step that you should take is to properly train them into being calm as a passenger.
This is done be taking them on short car trips. This is especially useful when you get the dog young. Young puppies learn lessons a lot faster and learn them better than older dogs.
Just take your pup on a frequent car trips and they’ll soon find your car as a place like home. This can be a lot harder for your older dogs but it is possible to do. You just need to be patient and persistent in your training.
If your dog is really hesitant, start off with the engine off and just have your dog just sniff around and smell the car’s insides. This ensures that your dog will start to become more familiar with your car. If they enter the car and are not nervous, reinforce this good behavior by giving them some rewards.
If your dog is still nervous, then it’s better to keep them in the backseats. It would help if they have a companion like one of your family sitting with them. Placing them in the backseat is a good safety measure since if they’re nervous, they won’t distract you in the backseat. More relaxed dogs can be promoted to being co-pilots in the passenger seat.
Another good idea is to bring along something that will help relax your dog. This can be a favorite blanket or toy. Having this included in their trip can help reduce the nervousness and tension they have. Dogs like having something that smells of home and the presence of their favorite can be a big help.
Finally, if you are really desperate, you can opt for some medication. Knocking out your dog can ensure that they stay still for more of the trip. However, you’ll need the help of a professional if you choose this option.
Have A Great Trip
Dogs are lovable and fun companions. This is especially so during vacations in the great outdoors. Being able to bring them along would make a vacation even better. With just a bit of effort, then you can have your dog be the ideal companion on any road trip in the future.
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