Dogs 'N Cars
Pups Need Early Car Training
Puppies with an early start in adapting to your car will soon take to loving their car rides. So, don't delay getting your pup comfortable in your car. Some folks think that means, stick your puppy right in the car, step on the gas and go. No,no, no. If you'd never been taken for a car ride and you suddenly were subjected to the shakes, rattles, jerks, and thrown off balance maneuvers, how would you react? Very scared, indeed. So scared, in fact, that you might never get over your fright in a car.
Obviously, then, the right way to accustom your pup to your car indicates a gradual introduction. To start his car familiarization training, just take your pup into the car with you and sit quietly, while talking in a regular tone of voice and petting him.Do this for about five or six minutes at a time over a week's time. Then, turn on the engine and continue talking and petting as before.
Once he's unconcerned about the engine noise, you can begin moving your car slowly for a few minutes. Three or four days of this should allow you to take a short,slow ride without incident. Again, if all goes well, your puppy and your car should prove to be good, compatible friends.
Another Car Training Problem
What If Puppy Gets Car Sick? Well, you might have to backtrack a bit. Start by withholding food and water for about four hours before puppy's ride. Then try having him sit in the car without the engine starting. Allow about 10 minutes before turning on the ignition. Then wait five minutes before beginning the ride.
If puppy gets sick again, just backoff the whole procedure for another week. There are some other things you can try to help him overcome the tendency toward carsickness. For instance, let him sit facing the front windshield so he can see where he's going, rather than where he's been. Talking softly while petting him (but keep your mind on your driving)may relieve stress and reassure him that all's well. Be sure to keep the initial rides short and make your destination point be something fun, like a nearby dog park where he and you can enjoy playing together.
In the worst case scenario, when nothing else seems to work, ask your veterinarian to prescribe a mild motion sickness medication. Eventually, most puppies and older dogs will come to look forward to car rides at every opportunity.
Car Dog Safety
Safety first for you and your dog is paramount. After your initial car training of your puppy or adult dog has been tested and proven successful, your next consideration must be his and your safety while riding. Normal driving distractions are cause enough for concern, but adding those that your dog can present on short or longer rides can increase stress to dangerous levels. For example: you're driving in heavy traffic when your dog suddenly begins barking furiously and bouncing about the car, possibly diving under your feet and impeding your ability to brake. See the possibilities for an accident? Avoiding such situations is easy. What is needed is some sort of restraint for your dog.
No puppy or adult dog should be allowed free run of your car. Numerous types of restraints are available, ranging from crates and seat belts to barriers that restrict your dog to the rear section of your car. Using one of these most appropriate to your type of car will help both your and your dog's safety on the road.
Even if your dog is safely restrained, unnecessary continual barking can be a major annoyance whether riding or parked. The chronic barker should be silenced. In most such cases, an anti-bark collar may be the only solution. These collars can be purchased in any of three variations: (a) a spray type that shoots out a mist of citronella, which many dogs find unpleasant; (b) a sound emitting variety also unpleasant to many dogs, and (c) a shock type that actuates a mild to moderate electrical sensation that surprises the dog into silence. None of these collars is harmful to your dog. Trial and error will sort out the best one for teaching him that needless barking will not be tolerated.
Dog Friendly Car Set Up
Just as many folks make their home dog friendly, setting up your car to make it more dog friendly is a practical option to consider. Some owners even go so far as to buy a car based primarily on its dog friendly configuration and features. Perhaps that might well be your first step, if you're about ready to trade in your old chariot for a new one. Better make sure the new one is gas friendly these days, too, as well as pooch compatible.
Depending on your dog's size and the type of vehicle you drive, there are lots of possibilities to consider in order to make it dog friendly. For instance, what kind of restraint might be most suitable for Rover.
No matter the kind of car involved, if your dog is not much bigger than toy-size, a doggy car seat would be a better and less costly choice than, say, a crate or barrier. Lots of options exist in that case. A lookout car seat sets up nicely in the front passenger side and lets your puppy or adult dog see where you're going, keeping him interested in the scenery instead of allowing boredom to set in. A seat harness that keeps him safely buckled up just like a seat belt is another possibility.
For larger breeds, wire, metal or plastic crates provide perhaps the safest and most practical restraints. They can be placed singly or side-by-side-if you're transporting two dogs, in the rear of a van or station wagon. Barriers that separate the rear cargo area behind the back seat of a wagon, SUV or van offer another option. Some multiple dog owners prefer barriers since they allow carrying two or more dogs at once with more freedom of movement than crates permit.
Additional accessories round out the list of items aimed at auto dog friendliness. These include van cargo liners for extra padded comfort and individual car seat and bench seat covers to protect upholstery. For the elderly or physically impaired canine, ramps and/or steps enable easy access and exit to and from vans, wagons and SUVs. Most of these accessories offer a wide choice of styles and cost.
Dogs Die In Parked Cars
Sure that's scary. It's meant to be. Too many dog owners don't stop to think when they park their cars with their dogs as passengers. A trip to the super market that's only a quickie, turns out to be delayed by a half-hour. Just popping in to the drug store for a prescription may back you up for a good 20 minutes. You may mean well, but meanwhile where you parked the car may turn into a deathtrap for your dog.
Why? Simply because you were in a hurry and you didn't pay attention to the normal precautions of properly parking your car when Rover is in it. These are the things to remember: 1. Always allow more time to return than you think you may need. 2. Always open your car windows at least three inches (two more if it's really hot weather) 3. Always seek a shady spot, and remember the sun moves. 4. Never leave your dog in the car for more than 15 minutes before returning to check on him
Always follow these rules to keep your dog safe in your parked car.
Auto Vacation Travel With Your Dog
The real secret to auto vacationing with your dog lies in the old adage: "Plan Ahead." More than a few holidays have suffered disappointment due to poor or incomplete preparedness. Unless your annual vacation becomes a last-minute proposition, you should figure to have ample lead time to make all necessary preparations for Fido to accompany the family.
First and foremost is making a comprehensive list of everything that needs to be done. Jot down every thing you can think of and then prioritize the items. Heading your list should be a trip for your dog to the veterinarian, where a thorough checkup will include vaccination updates and a copy of his health record. Your veterinarian should provide you with any medications needed before, during and after your trip, as well as prescriptions you can fill in any emergencies that may arise. All this must take place at least a month in advance of your trip.
Your list should also include things to bring: " A First Aid Kit (something always carried in your car, anyway). " Fido's Food Bowl and food (plus three days extra just in case) " Fresh Water in a closed container (for the initial day of your trip and return) " Chew Bones and favorite toy (his, not yours) " Fido's Bedding & Crate " Extra Collar & Leash with I.D. tags " Copy of Veterinarian's phone # (both landline and cell)
Don't forget to double check everything at least a week before your trip, just to make sure nothing has been forgotten.
Happy vacation. Ruff ruff!