Dog Car AccessoriesDog Auto Accessories - What you need to know when taking Fido on the road
Many dog owners take their pets with them when riding in the family vehicle - even if it's just a quick trip to the store and back home. In addition, dog owners are traveling and want their pets included in a fun outing, a family vacation, or even a mobile lifestyle. Of course you want to enjoy your dog's company while driving, and you want your dog to enjoy the experience as well! But if that is to happen, then safety must be your first consideration, followed by attention to protecting your car, and then a way to safeguard your dog's well being while doing your best to enhance his enjoyment and yours. With a little forethought, planning, careful training, and the use of some well-chosen products and supplies, car travel with your dog can be safe, very rewarding, and fun for all. Most dog owners will buckle up, but will forget about restraining their dog. During a quick stop or in an accident, a loose dog becomes a missile - which is not good for you, and definitely not good for your dog. You don't often hear about it, but it's a sad fact that unrestrained dogs die in car accidents every year. Training your dog to ride with you is another important point to keep in mind, and something you will want to approach with the same care as any other kind of training. That is, start slow and proceed gradually. First, accustom your dog to the vehicle by sitting in it with the doors open and the engine off. Be sure to reassure your dog, pet him and make it a pleasant experience, but try not to get too excited or make too big a deal of it. You want him to accept the car as just another place to hang around and be with you. Treats will assure him that cars are a neat place for snacking. To a dog, cars are just another area for snoozing or introspective world watching. If you are quiet and passive the pup will take your lead and learn to relax. Gently speak to your pup. Sit quietly and try to show him that being in the car is normal and not a place for rope tugging, barking or games. Then turn on the engine and go through the same process of just sitting with the doors open. Next, close the doors. Once he's happy being with you in the car with the doors closed and the engine running, try some motion - but just a little at first. Perhaps drive in and out of the driveway a time or two. Work up to a drive around the block, then perhaps to the store. Once that's accepted, you might try leaving him for a minute or two at the store, while you stay in sight. By taking it slow and making each step pleasant, within a few weeks your dog should be a happy traveler. Remember that what you do now will set the stage for years of happy traveling together. Of course, you should proceed with this training from the very start by using whatever supplies, restraints and other products you intend to use on a regular basis, so your dog becomes accustomed to them. However, even if your dog is a seasoned rider already, the same gradual approach should allow him to become easily accustomed to the use of a crate or other restraints or devices. Fortunately, a large selection of dog auto travel supplies address nearly every possible need and situation. Your job will be to select those that will work best for you and your dog.
Many veterinarians and pet owners believe strongly in restraint for pets in a car just as you would for a child. There are many types of restraining devices for dogs that could significantly add to the safety of travel and you should seriously consider using such a device to keep your dog in place during a trip and to ensure additional safety in case of an accident. The very first rule of traveling with your pet is to have an ID tag or other means of identification securely affixed to the dog. Thousands of dogs end up in shelters simply because the owners never dreamed the dog would get loose or become lost while on a trip. Dog
Seat Belt - Seat Belts, Harnesses, Barriers and Restraints Portable Dog Crates - and carriers
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