Some dogs absolutely love to ride in the car and some absolutely hate it. If your dog is one who hates riding in the car, there are a few things you can do to help him learn that riding in the car is not such a bad thing and potentially enjoyable.
Help Alleviate Car Sickness
Some dogs may hate riding in the car because they get car sick. A dog who is car sick may not show obvious signs such as vomiting. But he may drool a little bit more than usual. If you suspect your dog hates the car because he gets car sick, make sure he is sitting in the center of the back seat. This may help alleviate some of the motion sickness. Have a window rolled down so that your dog gets fresh air. Encourage your to sit up and look out the window. Being able to look out the window tends to help some dogs acclimate to the motion. If your dog is too small to look out the window, consider getting him a pet booster seat. A pet booster seat may help with your dog’s motion sickness, and it will definitely help with your dog’s safety.
Have Fun In The Car
Another thing which may help with motion sickness is to help keep your dog from thinking about the motion. Have someone sit in the back seat with your dog and distract them with a fun toy and/or treats. Make the car ride as fun as possible. Perhaps the person sitting in the back seat with your dog can also help encourage your dog to look out the window by pointing and saying, “What’s that?” in a happy voice. Have them point out fun stuff like other people. If your dog does not get aggressive when they see other dogs, point out other dogs as well.
Take Small Trips
Get your dog used to riding in the car by starting out with short trips. If you need to go to the bank or to a fast food drive through, take your dog. Take your dog anywhere where you will not have to get out of the car and leave your dog unattended. Small trips may help your dog come to understand that nothing bad happens on car rides.
Go Someplace Fun
It may also help to take you dog somewhere fun. This way, your dog learns to associate car rides with going somewhere they will enjoy. Take them to visit their favorite doggy pal. Take them to the park or to the dog park. Go to a restaurant with an outdoor patio which allows dogs. Or take them to the pet store. You don’t have to buy them anything at the pet store for your dog to enjoy visiting the pet store.
Don’t Console Your Dog
The above are tips on things you can do to help your dog enjoy the car ride. But here is a tip on what not to do. Do not soothe your pet. Do not give them a reason to think there is a reason that they need to be consoled. Ignore your dog if they seek you for comfort. And ignore them if they whine or cry. Don’t use harsh words against them. Instead, if your dog whines or cries, talk to them in a happy and encouraging voice. Or just sing happily out loud like nothing is wrong.
With some time, more experience, and positive reinforcement, your dog can learn that riding in the car is not such a big deal. And maybe they can even learn to love to ride in the car. When that happens, traveling with your dog will be much more fun for both of you.
Check out Oliver in his new “chariot”… ie, dog booster seat. Isn’t he adorable! A dog booster seat is great for a little dog. Just check out what Oliver has to say. Oliver is comfortable and he can look out the window without having to stand on his hind legs. And most importantly, Oliver is safe. The dog booster seat is strapped to the front seat of the car. And it has another strap inside which clips onto the back of Oliver’s harness. That way, if his mom has to stop suddenly, poor Oliver doesn’t fly forward into the dash, the windshield, or onto the floor.
The dog booster seat which Oliver is riding is the red Outward Hound Dog Booster Seat.
Read the great testimonial from Oliver’s mom at the All Things Dog Blog. Thanks Oliver for being so photogenic and for enjoying your dog booster seat.
Is your dog stuck at home most of the time while you enjoy your summer? Why not take him to the movies? But they don’t allow dogs in movie theaters, do they? No, dogs still are not allowed in movie theaters unless they are service dogs. But you can take your dog to a drive-in movie theater. Drive-in theaters used to be very common. They are not so much anymore. But there are still quite a few still in business. Check out http://www.driveintheater.com/ to find a drive-in theater in your area. Your dog may not be able to enjoy the movie, but they will enjoy your company. Grab some lawn chairs, food, and drinks for yourself. Then get your dog’s water bowl, some doggy treats, a dog blanket or bet, and your dog’s leash. Pack up the car and head on out. Sit outside, socialize with your neighbors, and enjoy the warm summer air which has been subdued by the dark stary-speckled blanket above.
Pet car seats helps to protect your pet by keeping them secure in a nice doggy bed. Most pet car seats should have a strap which will clip onto the back of your dog’s harness for added security. And most pet car seats should easily be able to be strapped into your car. Pet Auto Safety.com has numerous such pet car seats. The difference in them is in the way they strap into your car, how cushioned they are, and how much of a boost the seat gives your dog so he can look out the window.
Some pet car seats strap to the seat of your car. These have two sets of long straps - one which wraps around the headrest and one which wraps around the body of the seat. All these types of pet car seats give your dog a good boost so they can look out the window. And all should have a shorter strap on the inside where your dog sits. This short strap clips onto the back of your dog’s harness.
Some pet car seats are strapped into your car by using the seat belt of your car. The seat belt of your car loops within the pet car seats and buckles them safely in. The seat belt also goes through a loop strap which will then clip onto the back of your dog’s harness.
And some pet car seats are strapped around the console of your car so that your dog can sit in the front with you. This is the safest way for your dog to sit in the front seat if you have passenger side airbags. Airbags are not safe for dogs so if you can’t disable your passenger side airbags, your dog should not be sitting in the front passenger seat of your car. A strap is included on the inside of the seat where your dog sits. This strap should be clipped on to the back of your dog’s harness.
A variation on pet car seats are pet hammocks. There are various brands and all of them work by hanging off the headrests of your front and back seats. If you don’t have both front and back headrests, then the pet hammocks won’t work. Pet hammocks are more for preventing your dog from injury by keeping them from being thrown onto the floor of your car. Most pet hammocks should have an opening to allow for seat belts so that your dog can also wear a dog car seat belt.
Visit Pet Auto Safety.com to see photos of the different pet car seats and to compare prices.
To find out more about this magazine, visit www.CoastalCanineMag.com.
Did you know that Sheridan’s Frozen Custard gives out free puppy cones with your purchase? If you live in the Midwest, chances are there is a Sheridan’s near you. They have delicious frozen custard. And if you bring your dog with you when you make a purchase, he can have a puppy cone and taste the yummy goodness as well.
I take my dogs, Sephi and Maya, there after a long hot afternoon at the dog park. I get a banana and caramel Concrete Custard and they each get a puppy cone with a small scoop of frozen custard. It is a refreshing treat and a great way to end the day.
Check for a Sheridan’s Frozen Custard near you. (Above photo courtesy of Sheridan’s Frozen Custard.)
Both the Kurgo Cargo Cape and the Hatchbag Cargo Liner are at Pet Auto Safety.com. The Kurgo Cargo Cape is similar to the Hatchbag Cargo Liner in that it protects the cargo area of your SUV from dirt, muddy paw prints, and general wear and tear. And like the Hatchbag Cargo Liner, the Kurgo Cargo Cape is waterproof.
It is different from the Hatchbag Cargo Liner in that the Kurgo Cargo Cape comes in just one size. The Hatchbag Cargo Liner is custom made to fit your vehicle, whether you have a small SUV or a large one with both the 2nd and 3rd row seats out or folded down. Because the Hatchbag Cargo Liner is custom made to fit your vehicle, it takes some time before it is shipped out.
The Hatchbag Cargo Liner lines the interior edges of your cargo area. It lines the walls up to the windows and lines the back of the front seats. The Kurgo Cargo Cape simply lines the floor and has short edging to trap dirt.
Another difference in the Kurgo Cargo Cape is that it is made from durable canvas material while the Hatchbag Cargo Liner is made from durable Vinyl. Both materials are hardy and waterproof. But where the Hatchbag Cargo Liner can be wiped clean, the Kurgo Cargo Cape would need to be machine washed.
Both the Kurgo Cargo Cape and the Hatchbag Cargo Liner are great high quality products. If you needs something quick, relatively inexpensive, and/or just for the covering of the floor of your cargo area, then the Kurgo Cargo Cape is for you. However, if you need something to custom fit your vehicle and to protect the entire cargo area, then the Hatchbag Cargo Liner is best.
Pet Auto Safety.com has recently added a new product from Kurgo. Kurgo is a brand which represents high quality pet auto safety products including the Skybox Booster Seat, the Wander Hammock, and the Tru-Fit Smart Car Harness. If you have had any experience with Kurgo products, then you know that the Kurgo Cargo Cape is also going to be a durable and first-rate item.
Protect the interior of your vehicle with the Kurgo Cargo Cape. Protect it from dirt, dog hair, muddy paw prints, and other possible doggy messes. The Kurgo Cargo Cape is made from waterproof durable canvas-like material which is machine washable. The Kurgo Cargo Cape comes in just one size and fits most average sized SUVs.
Take a vacation in luxury at the Resort at Paws Up. Located in the wild county of Montana, the Resort at Paws Up provides a vast array of activities including horseback riding, fly fishing, spa treatments, hiking, golfing, and more. But this resort isn’t just for you. The Resort at Paws Up also caters to your dog. While there is a fee for each welcomed dog, it is well worth having your dog with you while you explore the same magnificent countryside as Louis and Clark did when they traveled through.
Being able to have your dogs with you while on your family vacation is only one of many great things about this resort. Visit http://www.pawsup.com/resort/ for more information.
Pet Auto Safety.com is joining U-Wash Puppy for the annual Suds of Fun event to benefit the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City. This is our third year at the event and we love it. For just $5, you can utilize the facility of the self-service dog wash at U-Wash Puppy. 100% of your money goes towards the animals at the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City. You can also check out great dogs for adoption and the products of some local pet vendors, including dog car seat belts from Pet Auto Safety.com. Check out the Suds of Fun event at 4pm - 7pm on July 7, 2010 at U-Wash Puppy located at 75th and Nieman in Shawnee, Kansas. For more information on this event, visit the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City.
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