The fear of the car and the annoyance of traveling are common to many four-legged friends. Getting a puppy used to the car is much simpler than doing it with an adult, but with these tips it is (almost) certain that you will succeed. However, follow them all and above all have a good dose of patience.
by Editorial Staff
When you bring a new four-legged friend into your family, sooner or later you will have to deal with the need to take a car trip with him. To take it in the car both for short distances, but also for long journeys, such as those often undertaken when going on holiday.
Learning about cars and traveling is an experience that the dog should have from a puppy: the sooner he does it, the sooner he will get used to it. It is clear that it will be much easier to manage a puppy who is still curious and discovering everything rather than an adult dog who has never been in a car and has now consolidated his habits and character.
Not to discourage you, but you should also know that some dogs will never like cars, regardless of their age. And they might also suffer from car sickness, and therefore feel nauseous during the journey. But don’t lose heart: here is a series of practical tips for you that will certainly help you greatly in reducing the problem, and in all likelihood in solving it. They are especially dedicated to those who have taken an adult dog into their family, which as mentioned is more difficult to “convince” than a puppy.
The car it can scare the dog for several reasons: it makes noise, it moves faster than he is used to, it looks (inside and out) like a large cage which limits his freedom of movement.
The first piece of advice is to get used to it gradually: do not force him to go up in any way, you would only increase his terror or anxiety.
Try the first approaches with the car obviously stopped and turned off, which you will leave with all the doors open, including the tailgate. Bring the dog closer, attract him with snacks and treats and invite him to get in and out freely. You can also sit in the back seat and encourage him to join you.
Very important during these tests is that the dog is always kept on a leash: he could be very scared and even just a noise, or something stressful for him that we don’t even perceive, could cause him to suddenly run away. Keep him on a long, comfortable leash and play with him.
You can also throw a ball into the car and invite him to go get it: every action he takes when approaching the car deserves your cuddles and a treat.
To attract him inside the passenger compartment put something of his on the seats that he particularly likes, like his blanket or his favorite toy.
The second steponce he gets into the car without fear, is that of cclose the doors with the two of you inside for a few seconds and then reopen them and let it go down. He must understand that the car is not a prison and indeed it is his territory where he is comfortable and safe.
During these attempts, the windows must be closed because the dog could look for an escape route and would hurt himself with the leash around his neck.
Depending on the size of your dog, you can make it travel in the trunkduly equipped, in the back seats or in the carrier. If it stays behind, a net must separate the trunk from the passenger compartment because if the dog jumped inside during the journey it could cause serious distraction or even accidents. If it’s a large dog, it will stay in the back seat tied with the appropriate strap security belt for dogs, which can be found in every dedicated shop. Don’t be afraid that the harness will make him uncomfortable: once he agrees to have it put on, he will like it because he will immediately feel more stable and protected.
There is for smaller dogs the carrier, which must always be comfortable and spacious for its size. It is generally not a very popular object for dogs who, in addition to the movement and speed of the car, also have to accept the discomfort of being closed inside. When you buy him, leave him at home for the first few days and place him in a place that is comfortable for him, for example near his kennel.
Leave it open, you can even remove the door, so that he can come and go as he pleases and comfortably. Inside you can always place a toy and its cover. Make sure he becomes familiar with the carrier so that when he finds it in the car it won’t cause him stress.
The first trips what will you do with him they will be very short, even just for a few minutes around the house. During the journey you will compliment him, keep the volume of the radio very low and the windows always open a little, so that the air circulates. The journey will gradually become longer, until you understand that he is ready for his first trip. Remember, every time he gets out of the car at the end of the journey, to give him a treat and always put his leash on before opening the door or tailgate.
If your four-legged friend, despite all this gradual “training” and these precautions, is still afraid of the car and stressed, there are pheromone-based spray tranquilizers for him that you can spray inside the passenger compartment or inside the carrier. Always do this when the dog is not around, and at least 15 minutes before he gets into the car.
And at this point, have a good trip with your dog!
Photo: IPA
Copyright © 2024 – All rights reserved
){kind=link}