Preparing Your Puppy For Car Rides
Safe and Stress-Free Travel
Whether it’s a trip to the shops, a drive to a walk or visiting friends and family, your puppy needs to feel comfortable and safe in the car. One common theme I come across when I start working with brand new puppies is that they are finding car travel a little stressful. Preparing your puppy for car rides early on can make a huge difference in preventing travel anxiety and ensuring that every journey is easy.
The Highway Code in the UK
First things first, it is important to note that here in the UK, Rule 57 of the Highway Code states that:
‘When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.’
This is to ensure that your puppy or dog doesn’t distract the driver or cause injuries to themselves or others if the vehicle suddenly stops.
The Highway Code doesn’t specifically state that dogs should not travel in the front passenger seat, however this wouldn’t be my preferred choice for most dogs, especially because this can still be distracting for you and also because you might forget to turn the airbag off. There is nothing to stipulate that your dog must travel in a crate, however crash tested crates are probably the safest travel option for most dogs.
Rule 57 is not a legal requirement set out in legislation, however you could still be prosecuted for driving ‘without due care and attention’ and/or could be used as evidence against you if an accident were to occur. It is also likely that your car insurance would be invalidated if your dog were to cause an accident, not to mention the considerable impact upon your pet insurance (if that wasn’t invalidated too), the possibility of a large fine and points on your licence and, well, the very real risk that you could injure yourselves or someone else because your dog wasn’t restrained properly in the car.
So, phew. Now we know how to keep our puppies and others safe, what can we do to help our puppies find car travel easier?
Breeder
Firstly, let’s not forget that your puppy is learning from day one and that you have around 16 weeks (from birth) to get them used to everything in their environment (the socialisation period). The time that they live with their breeder is quite a chunk out of your socialisation ‘window’. In terms of car travel, it isn’t ideal for your puppy’s first car journey to be when you collect them and take them home, as this is a highly stressful experience for them as it is. In my experience, breeders that get their puppies used to being in a car and car travel before they come home to you, over and above trips to the vets for vaccinations, are worth their weight in gold and the difference it can make to whether your puppy has problems with car travel or not is huge. Not enough breeders are doing this, so make sure you ask yours to! Breeders have a huge responsibility in terms of socialisation and it’s time we started improving practices here. There are many breeders out there who follow a full socialisation plan for their puppies. If you have found one of these, don’t look back! If yours isn’t doing this, don’t be afraid to ask them to!
Make it safe. Make it comfortable. Make it secure
One thing a lot of people don’t realise is that car travel takes a considerable amount of muscle strength and ability to balance for a dog and puppies simply don’t have that when they are young. Car travel is hard for dogs; there are sudden turns, corners and stops and it can be really difficult for a young dog to cope with that if you don’t prepare a secure space with support in it for them. If you were being thrown around in a car, it’s likely you’d develop a fear/hatred of travelling too.
If you’re using a puppy crate in the car, make sure they are supported around the sides. Some rolled up blankets, pillows or a bed with sides is enough to provide support. If you’re planning on having your puppy travel on the car seat, pop a high-sided bed/dog car seat in there for them so that, again, they are supported around all of their sides. You can use pillows and blankets on a seat, but I find that they don’t provide enough support when your puppy is in larger spaces and I prefer a bed with higher supportive sides. Pop a favourite toy in there for your puppy, the familiar scent of a much-loved teddy can be comforting for them.
And no guys, don’t let your puppy hang out of the car window as you drive along. Not only is that dangerous for them and other road users, but a Vet once told me that it was the leading cause of conjunctivitis in dogs that they see!
Practice getting them in and out of the car
The process of getting in and out of the car can be challenging for some puppies, especially if they are hesitant or fearful. We also don’t want our puppies jumping too high or too low until they are much older, so picking them up and placing them in the car is recommended, although some puppies can find this stressful through lack of choice if they have anxiety about the car. If you’re unsure here, contact a professional dog trainer for help.
Practice popping your puppy in the car with it stationary once per day. Once inside and in their secure space, give them a really tasty chew or a filled Kong or even a handful of their meal that day. Then, let them out again as soon as they have finished. Some days have the engine on and some days not. Some days have the windscreen wipers going and some days not. Think of all of the scenarios that can panic a puppy (windscreen wipers are a common one) and get them used to it now whilst the car is stationary.
Start car exposure early and gradually
Introducing your puppy to car journeys should begin as soon as possible, especially if your puppy found their first journey back home from the breeder stressful. Puppies are more adaptable when they are young so early exposure to car travel can help them become comfortable more quickly. Start with short trips around the block or to a nearby park. Gradually increase the duration of the rides as your puppy becomes more accustomed to being in the car. The key is to make these initial experiences positive and stress-free. Don’t go putting your foot down when they are in the car!
Introduce motion gradually
Some puppies may experience motion sickness, especially during their first few car rides and this can lead them to disliking car travel. Symptoms include drooling, whining, or even being sick. To minimize this, ensure they are fully supported in the car, make sure that their view out of the sides and rear of the car are limited (using child blinds can help or covering the sides of their crate) and start with very short rides, gradually increasing the duration as your puppy becomes more comfortable.
It might be an idea to make sure your puppy has an empty stomach before car rides, as a full stomach can exacerbate motion sickness, although some professionals swear by a piece of ginger biscuit before car travel to help with sickness (as long as your puppy does not have any intolerances). If your puppy continues to struggle with motion sickness, consult your Vet. They may recommend anti-nausea medications or other solutions to help your puppy travel more comfortably.
Positive associations
Puppies learn well through positive associations. If every, or most, car trips end with something enjoyable, like a walk in the park or playtime with friends, your puppy will start to associate car rides with fun experiences, making them more eager and less anxious to get in the car.
Keep the environment calm
A calm environment can help your puppy relax during car rides. Avoid playing loud music or driving erratically, as this can make your puppy nervous or fearful. If possible, have someone sit with your puppy during the first few rides to offer them comfort and reassurance.
If your puppy starts to show signs of anxiety, such as panting or whining do not tell them off. Instead, try to soothe them with gentle words and touch. Offering treats to distract them could work for some. Over time, as your puppy becomes more familiar with car travel, their anxiety should decrease.
Take breaks on long trips
If you’re planning a long road trip, it’s important to plan for regular breaks. Puppies have small bladders and need to toilet frequently. Stopping every couple of hours allows your puppy to relieve themselves, stretch their legs, and release any pent-up energy.
During breaks, offer your puppy some water and give them a chance to explore their surroundings. This can help prevent restlessness and make the rest of the journey more comfortable for both you and your puppy.
Thing about the weather
If your puppy is too hot or too cold in the car, this could contribute to travel anxiety. Ensure that the inside car temperature is regulated accordingly. Never leave your dog or puppy in a hot car.
Take an animal first aid kit
Always ensure that you have a pet first aid kit available in your car.
Be patient and consistent
As with any training, patience and consistency are key. Your puppy might take some time to get used to car rides, and if they do, that’s okay. Don’t rush the process and always be mindful of your puppy’s comfort and stress levels. With regular practice your puppy will eventually become confident travelling in the car. However, if you feel unsure of what to do or need help in-person then please do get in touch.
Preparing your puppy for car rides is an essential part of their training and socialisation. By starting early, creating a safe and comfortable environment and not rushing them into situations they feel unable to cope with, you can help your puppy develop a positive association with car travel.
If you need help with training your puppy, head to the Book Now button to get started.
Happy training and enjoy your puppy, they don’t stay so little for long xx
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