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SnowWa · 12-16-2006, 09:29 PM

I'm sure that some dogs never learn to be comfortable in a car -- but I know that most dogs can learn to go for rides and enjoy it.

These are some of the things I do when I start taking a new puppy for its first car rides.

Short rides Start out with short rides.... even for a few blocks, if necessary -- then back home - make getting out of the car and being back home a happy time....this helps make them think the ride was fun too.

People Try taking your puppy out for his first rides by yourself alone or with only two people. A lot of people in the car (especially noisy people or children) can make the trip more fearful for a little dog.

Fast/rough driving When you first take your puppy for a ride - try and drive on smooth roads - and drive slowly, if possible, for his first few rides

Radio Sometimes the music or nosie coming from the radio is a little much .... music can be calming - but a lot of the music that many of us listen to - and our playing it loud - isn't calming to any little (or big) dog.

Heat/air conditioning If either of these are making nosie or blowing on our dogs, they may not be comfortable or they find them threatening.

Windows down Even though a lot of dogs love to stick their heads out the window - sometimes for new riders - the noise or even feeling the air coming into the car from a window might frighten them.

Knowing you're there When I first take my pups for a ride in the car, I put them in their carseat in the front seat next to me. This way, they know I am right next to them - and I can reach over and pet them occasionally - (remember we are starting out on short - slow - nonrough drives).

Fun Be sure your puppy has fun and a good time when you get to wherever you are going -- getting back home should be a fun time for your puppy too. (They associate all these things with their ride in the car.)

Take your carseat with you Remember to take your carseat(s) when your dogs ride in someone else's car. And, believe me, the other person will appreciate it too. This way - they continue to learn to ride in their carseats -and they will do no damage to anyone else's car.

Don't let your pup out of the carseat Under no circumstances - let your dog get out of his car seat - or be held by anyone. Our goal is to make them happy and comfortable riding in their carseats. They can learn to do this, and it is safer and better for all of us.

It is best for our dogs to learn that when they are in a car - they are in a carseat..... There should never be any exception to this rule. My dogs don't even know there is any other option.......and they love going for rides....

Good luck - Carol Jean

12-16-2006, 09:29 PM	#1
SnowWa YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: USA Posts: 2,992	Puppy's first car rides................. I'm sure that some dogs never learn to be comfortable in a car -- but I know that most dogs can learn to go for rides and enjoy it. These are some of the things I do when I start taking a new puppy for its first car rides. Short rides Start out with short rides.... even for a few blocks, if necessary -- then back home - make getting out of the car and being back home a happy time....this helps make them think the ride was fun too. People Try taking your puppy out for his first rides by yourself alone or with only two people. A lot of people in the car (especially noisy people or children) can make the trip more fearful for a little dog. Fast/rough driving When you first take your puppy for a ride - try and drive on smooth roads - and drive slowly, if possible, for his first few rides Radio Sometimes the music or nosie coming from the radio is a little much .... music can be calming - but a lot of the music that many of us listen to - and our playing it loud - isn't calming to any little (or big) dog. Heat/air conditioning If either of these are making nosie or blowing on our dogs, they may not be comfortable or they find them threatening. Windows down Even though a lot of dogs love to stick their heads out the window - sometimes for new riders - the noise or even feeling the air coming into the car from a window might frighten them. Knowing you're there When I first take my pups for a ride in the car, I put them in their carseat in the front seat next to me. This way, they know I am right next to them - and I can reach over and pet them occasionally - (remember we are starting out on short - slow - nonrough drives). Fun Be sure your puppy has fun and a good time when you get to wherever you are going -- getting back home should be a fun time for your puppy too. (They associate all these things with their ride in the car.) Take your carseat with you Remember to take your carseat(s) when your dogs ride in someone else's car. And, believe me, the other person will appreciate it too. This way - they continue to learn to ride in their carseats -and they will do no damage to anyone else's car. Don't let your pup out of the carseat Under no circumstances - let your dog get out of his car seat - or be held by anyone. Our goal is to make them happy and comfortable riding in their carseats. They can learn to do this, and it is safer and better for all of us. It is best for our dogs to learn that when they are in a car - they are in a carseat..... There should never be any exception to this rule. My dogs don't even know there is any other option.......and they love going for rides.... Good luck - Carol Jean __________________ http://tinypic.com/ipxhmb.jpg A Yorkie is worth a thousand words.