Anyone who has a dog must think hard about traveling. We believe that no one wants to leave their dog alone at home. If they go on a trip, they probably won't have fun because they're worried about what will happen to their mischievous little one. Sometimes, taking your dog with you everywhere makes you feel more secure and happy because you have a close friend. But the problem is, some dogs aren't used to riding in a car. Especially if your dog is sick and you have to take them to the vet, it's a big problem because some dogs are so afraid of the car that they won't sit in it. It becomes a serious problem for dog owners who don't know how to solve it.
First, we need to understand that dogs that have never been in a car before may become fearful when the car moves or when the engine is loud. Dogs may become restless, unable to stay still, and may run around in circles inside the car, causing chaos. In more severe cases, dogs may bark incessantly, become carsick, vomit, or pee all over the car. This can be a real hassle for both the owner and the dog. Therefore, training dogs to ride in cars is essential. If you don't get them used to it, it can be very difficult to take them to the vet or travel elsewhere. So, let's train dogs to get used to traveling.
Precautions before taking your dog in the car
1. Check your dog's health before traveling to ensure that he can ride in the car without any danger.
2. Relax your dog before getting in the car. You might want to take him for a walk for 10-15 minutes before the trip.
3. Do not feed your dog 2-3 hours before departure because if he gets carsick, he may vomit.
4. Prepare toys or dolls that your dog is familiar with while traveling so that your dog will feel more at ease.
5. Dogs should sit in the back seat or have someone supervise and hold them throughout the ride for safety.
Now that you know the precautions, it's time to learn how to train your dog to ride happily in a car. Especially if your dog has to travel to different places by car, here's a way to help him overcome his fear. Let's look at some techniques to get your dog used to riding in a car.
1. Get your dog used to the car environment.
Try sitting your dog in the car without moving the car and start getting used to it by talking to him while in the car. You might also want to bring a blanket, toy, or his favorite stuffed animal to keep him relaxed, happy, and have a good experience when getting in the car. Do this often and he will become more familiar with the environment inside the car.
2. Let the dog sit in the car while the engine is running.
After getting your dog used to sitting in a car without moving, train him to sit in a car with the engine running. This will allow him to get used to the sound of the engine and not be frightened. However, if your dog still shows signs of fear or anxiety, give him time to get used to it and relax as much as possible.
3. Get your dog used to the moving car.
When your dog is used to starting the engine without fear or is getting more accustomed to it, have the owner try reversing the car back and driving forward slowly and see if the dog stays still. If he stays still, praise him and tell him "Good job!" or give him a pat on the head as a reward.
4. Increase driving distance
Once your dog has gotten used to the movement of the car, try increasing the distance traveled and see if he shows any signs of discomfort. If he appears normal, calm, and doesn't show any signs of discomfort in the car, you can be sure he's getting used to the ride and ready to go!
However, some dogs may still be afraid of car rides despite trying everything. Some dogs may become excited, anxious, stressed, vomit, and bark incessantly. If your dog is extremely afraid, they may bite nearby people. You should consult a veterinarian if this occurs.
When it's time to take your dog on a trip, it's important to take the time and prepare him to get used to riding in the car. With frequent car rides, he'll become more comfortable and calm, even enjoying the ride. So, if we can train him, he'll be able to travel with us everywhere. Our trips will be much happier with our mischievous little one along for the ride. And don't forget to keep an eye on his safety.
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References
Dr. Oraya Prapanpoj, veterinarian at the Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Surgery and Department of Cardiology, Talingchan Animal Hospital
Masii. 5 tips for taking your dog on long car trips. https://bit.ly/3d2xppy
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