What’s the longest period of time you’ve ever been in a car with a dog (or four dogs, for that matter)? For Kevin Roberts, he’s driven through Canada, down to Wisconsin, up to the Yukon before making his way back home again. You can say he’s spent a fair amount of time trapped in a vehicle with his pooches. Here are a few commands that have made life on the road that much easier for both him and his dogs.
Sometimes long periods spent in the car can be a good test of a relationship. The close confines can really turn minor pet peeves into major annoyances! With some basic training tips, your dog will be well behaved in the car and your relationship will be the stronger for it
Basic Training
Your dog may be well behaved enough for your regular life in your home (or he may not be!). But before you hit the open road, you are going to want to do some basic training with your dogs to ensure this is a safe and successful trip. Before you get in the car, here are a few things your dog should know:
Come
Stay
Eat: Some people have dogs that are wonderful eaters, and will eat anytime, anywhere. Other dogs can get really picky, or become stressed on a long road trip. For these dogs, it’s best to start to feed them in a variety of places before the trip. If you always feed the dog in the kitchen, try the hallways, then the backyard, then the car. Walk your dog to the park and feed him dinner there. The point is, on the trip, your dog will need to feel comfortable eating and drinking anywhere you stop. The point is to practice as often as you can before you leave if you have a picky dog.
Pee
Restraint
Kevin has more tips next week, as he talks about what to take on your trip and some of the things he likes to do when he’s away from home. And don’t forget to read last week’s article on what to do before you leave home.
