Friday, April 27, 2012

Riding in Cars with Dogs: Basic Automobile Safety.

Ah, spring.  As the temperatures slowly rise, car windows slide down... and some dogs stick their noses, their faces and sometimes their entire upper bodies out into the breeze.  

Is this cute?  Of course!  But is it safe?  Of course not.

There are many ways to make road travel fun and safe for your pet, regardless of whether you're heading across town to your local dog park or across the country to another coast.  

Restraining your dog when he's in the car is essential.  A "loose" dog in the car can distract drivers; if that dog were in a car accident, he or she could easily run away and get lost, especially if in an unfamiliar neighborhood.  One of the first things we people do when we get into a car is buckle our seat belts; your dog should have the same routine.  If your dog is a backseat rider, a car harness with a seat belt attachment is a must.  If you own a smaller breed or young puppy, consider investing in a cozy travel carrier that can be belted in.  If a harness or crate isn't suitable, definitely install a pet barrier.
Check back for more in our Riding in Cars with Dogs series as the weather gets warmer.  In the meantime, contact Zen Dog Training to learn how to teach your dog to be your favorite road-trip buddy.
Happy travels!

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