While few people are willing to have their dog ride in the open end of a truck, many of us unintentionally place our dogs in danger by having them travel in the back seat of the car. Not only can they wander around freely (sometimes even up to the front seat), but they are in danger of a range of injuries, some minor but others very serious.
We sometimes forget that the speed of our car is the actual speed at which our bodies are moving. If an abrupt stop occurs, either from slamming on the brakes or from an accident, a dog in the backseat can be sent flying through the car, destined to collide with something. Avoiding this is relatively easy - drive as safely as possible and keep your dog secured with a doggie seat belt - the car harness.
Makes and models of harnesses differ, but all of them are fairly easy to put on your dog and even easier to secure in the back seat. Whichever harness you select will come with easy to follow instructions on how to get the item on your dog. In addition to getting it on him, you also want to gradually get him used to wearing it so that the potentially stressful car trip can become fun. The following steps show you how to gradually introduce your dog to the world of harness wearing and car safety.
Step 1: Gather your pet and some treats that he finds rewarding. Show him the harness and then give him a treat. Place the harness on him and then give him a treat. Remove the harness.
Step 2: Take your dog outside and have him get in the car. Once he's in the car, show him the harness and reward with the treat. Place the harness on him and attach it to the seat belt. Give him a treat and then release him from the harness. Make sure he stays in the car until you tell him it is ok to get out.
Step 3: Take your dog back to the car and secure him in his harness. Turn the car on and let it run for a few minutes with your dog in the harness. Reward him while the car is running and right after you turn the car off. Release him from the harness and then allow him to get out of the car.
Step 4: Bring your dog back out and have him get into the car. Place him in his harness, start the car, and then drive around the block a couple of times. Return home, reward him with the treat and then release him.
Step 5: Gradually increase the distance you travel while making sure that he has positive associations with both the harness and the car.
Simple as can be. Gradually get him used to the process, make it rewarding, and he will have a fun time going places with you.
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