Many of us who are dog owners regularly travel with our pet in the car. Most of us, in fact. Actually, pretty much all of us according to a survey by car sales website Carzone.ie. A full 98 per cent of us who have four-legged friends in the house will regularly have the same hairy companion in the car. Sadly, however, many of us will also be doing it wrong...
Restraints are a legal requirement
The survey also showed that 39 per cent of us don't restrain our dog when in the car, and 38 per cent didn't realise that doing so is a legal requirement. Carzone is recommending that you use an appropriate restraint or boot-mounted dog crate, even on short journeys.
If you have a new dog and want to get it used to being in the car, start with small journeys for 'fun' outings, such as going somewhere new for a walk, which will make them associate the car with positive experiences. Bring a chew-toy or a tasty treat, and make sure your dog is comfortable before you set off. If they're in the front seat, make sure that the passenger airbag is switched off.
Try to train them to respond to specific words or commands so that they'll sit down or lie down, rather than stand up and become agitated. It may help to have a second person in the car with them at first to provide a bit of company and comfort.
Classical music
Classical music helps too - research shows that classical music has more of a calming effect on dogs than upbeat tunes. Exercise before heading off is crucial too - a tired dog is a happy dog, and they'll be more likely to just settle down and go to sleep.
Make sure you have a 'doggy travel kit', which would include food, a water bowl, poo bags and dog wipes for any dirty paws and messes. A familiar blanket for the dog to sit or lie on is also a good idea.
You should never leave a dog in a parked car, even if the windows are down, as you're running the risk of fatal heat-stroke in the summer, and the effects of getting too cold in the winter. If your dog barks at things when in the car, try to block their vision, maybe with a sun-shade, as that will help them to be less agitated. Particularly on long journeys, don't forget to plan for breaks, as your dog will need to get out for a wee or a poop, and stretch their legs.
Win a hotel break
To celebrate International Dog Day, Carzone is running a competition on its Instagram channel @Carzoneirl for one lucky winner and their dog to win a stay at the five-star Castlemartyr Resort, winner of the 2019 Gold Medal Award for 'Best Pet-friendly Hotel' in Ireland. If you are interested in entering, go to @Carzoneirl.
Commenting on the campaign, Suzi Walsh, Dog Behaviourist at Dogbehaviour.ie said: "I'm delighted to partner with Carzone on this important driving safely with dogs campaign. Dog owners all have a responsibility to travel safely with their dogs to protect both the dogs and the car passengers' welfare. A dog that is not comfortable travelling in a car can cause disruption to a journey and can often be dangerous, so I've put together these tips to help dog owners ensure they are creating a comfortable environment for both the dog and themselves. All dogs should learn to travel safely in the car, and this is very achievable with a bit of patience."
Commenting on the campaign, Lisa Synnott, Marketing Executive at Carzone said: "To mark International Dog Day we've created a driving with dog safety awareness campaign to ensure dog owners are clear on how to travel safely with the pets. We're delighted to have teamed up with Suzi on this project and hope that her expertise and knowledge on dog behaviour will help clarify what constitutes safe practices when travelling in a car with a dog for Irish motorists."