Dogs don’t always perceive a trip by car adequately. There are several reasons of such behavior. Either the dog is afraid of the car or it has a negative experience of riding, or your pet is so fond of trips by car that it expresses it as much as possible, not realizing that it distracts the owner very much at this moment.
If you have a dog of a miniature breed, the problem can be solved by purchasing special comfortable transportation box. In this case, it is very important first off all to allow your pet to get used to it, and only then make a trip. For large pets there are special car seat cover protector known as auto hammocks, which can allow your pet to be conveniently located in the car. Thus, the dog won’t have access to you and couldn’t be able to distract you while driving. However, if your decision was to accustom your dog to calm behavior in the car, it is necessary to follow several recommendations.
Before you start your trip, try to walk with your dog near the car, play with it and practice the commands. It can help your dog to develop comfortable feeling next to the car. Leave the doors of the car open. And be sure to put his favorite toys or a treat to the back seat to attract there your dog.
And finally few words about placing the dog into the car. The best way to do it when somebody is driving a car and you deal with adjustment the dog’s behavior. Order the pet to sit in a commanding tone, slapping your hand on the seat. If the pet sits and then immediately begins to rise, say in a formidable voice, “Ugh, sit!” and press on the back of its body, causing it to sit down. Don’t allow your pet to move around the car.
Obligatorily encourage your dog during the trip and at the end of it. Treat your pet and let it understand that he has done something very important and the owner is satisfied with it. If the dog is car sick, be sure to give it pills from motion sickness.
The first trip should be short. In addition, it is important to stop your car sometimes and go for a walk with your dog. If you notice such signs of anxiety as rapid breathing, dilated pupils and palpitations, stop the car and let your pet out. You can continue your journey only when it calms down. Remember that the dog can be taken far away only if it has already used to the car and it isn’t afraid of being inside.
No matter what reasons exactly make your pet’s behavior inadequate during the trip, it is important not to turn a blind eye to them and by no means push the animal into the car by force. It is necessary to teach the pet to behave calmly in the car. Don’t rush, pay him your attention and of course help it to overcome the fear or elation. Only sensitive attitude, exercise repetition and patience can help you to make your dog pleasant and cheerful companion during the trip.