Car travel doesn’t have to be as daunting as you may think. If your dog is already taking short trips, that is a bonus, and conditioning them for a more extended trip only requires raising the criteria.
- You’re going to teach them to settle down in the car for more extended periods.
- If the dogs are not harness-trained, start by purchasing a good quality, well-fitting harness and train them to walk calmly on a lead and harness.
- Once they are happy wearing the harness, start taking them for short drives in the car with the harness on.
- Avoid going to the shops and high traffic areas.
- Take quiet, more country-type routes where there are fewer distractions for the dogs to react to.
- When they sit or lie calmly in the car, praise them verbally and give them a small treat.
- Gradually increase the duration and distance of each trip with the ultimate goal of reaching a round trip of approximately two hours.
- As you build up to this goal, consider introducing a short break, which is where harness training comes in.
- Attach a lead to the harness before opening any doors or exiting the car, so you have control over the dog when it gets out.
- Let the dog sniff around; you can even offer him some water, and then put him back in the car and continue the ride.
- You can also ask your veterinarian for his recommendation regarding calming and anti-nausea (car sickness) medication for the dogs.
- Remember, when you eventually embark on your trip, allow for a break every two to three hours for the dogs to relieve themselves or have a drink.
- Take a bowl and fill it with plenty of fresh water.