Top Activities For Dogs In The Car

Introduction

In this mobile world of ours, travel is inevitable and that means for your dog as well. Most dogs love to travel by car, although there are some newbie's that may get a tad carsick, so be prepared. The main thing is to make going anywhere by car an enjoyable adventure for your dog. You can get covers that clip on the seats of the car to keep the upholstery clean from muddy or wet paws. A dog seat belt is also a good purchase, as this will allow your companion to feel safe and secure. Short trips don't need much planning, just a bit common sense and you are good to go. But longer trips do need a bit of thought beforehand. While out and about with your pup in tow, remember: never ever leave a dog in a hot car. They can suffer heatstroke which can be fatal.

Fun Additions

Most Popular

2 Votes

Any Day

Moderate

Normal

20 - 40 min

Items needed

Booster seat for small dogs

Car seat net barrier

Travel bottle for water

Safety seat belts

Car seat protector cover

Activity description

Car travel is just a part of life, but you can make each session in the car so much better for your dog. Planning will overcome many problems people have with travel and dogs, such as your dog wanting a drink five minutes after you pull out the driveway. Or worrying about a wet dog with dirty feet if you stop near a beach. There are many items you can have in your car that are inexpensive to purchase but will 'pawtect' your pooch and your car. A happy dog is one that will travel well, not leap around and distract you. If you are driving, you need a well-behaved dog for the safety of you both. Looking away from the road to see what your dog is going on about can be hazardous! So be prepared - train your dog well and put measures in place so travel is fun for everyone.

Step

1

A boost for your pal

Little dogs are disadvantaged as they have to stand on their hind legs to look out the window. Well, not anymore! You can get a booster seat designed for this very purpose - to boost your cute canine up so they can see where they are going. Strap it in and secure your dog, and then you won't have to worry about your dog if you have to hit the brakes.

Step

2

Secure your pup

Dogs are distracting when they continually go from front to back seat. You can purchase a car seat net barrier that clips on between the seats and will keep your dog confined to the back seat and prevent passage back and forth - yet they can still see you. A dog safety belt could also be used to restrain an impatient dog. Take time to train your dog on 'petiquette' in cars - it is well worth the effort.

Step

3

More fun additions

Dogs always seem to want a drink at the most inappropriate times. But you can be prepared for these instances with your doggie water bottle; this drink bottle has a cup top that your dog can drink the water out of. These are great for long travel. Check the label to ensure it is PBA free, or use a stainless steel lined bottle which is non-toxic. Other doggie comforts include their own rug to cover the back seat, a bed (more for smaller dogs unless you have a large car), and special travel toys that you can purchase. A comfortable dog is a happy one; give them creature comforts and they will just want to be with you and stick their nose out the window sniffing the interesting smells.

Storytelling and Singing

Popular

1 Vote

Any Day

Free

Easy

30 min

Items needed

Selection of your favorite songs

Activity description

While you are zooming along in your car, a fun thing to do is to have a singalong with your dog. If you have pre-recorded all of your favorite tunes, then warbling as you travel along is cool. Your dog may even join in with their version of 'I Love My Dog' by Cat Stevens! Or, use your imagination and tell your dog a story about themselves. Your pup will just love the sound of your voice, even if they don't have a clue what you are waffling on about. Canines love when you talk to them and doing so will help pass the time on a long trip. Singing and storytelling create a kinship feeling, a sense of bonding and fun.

Step

1

Prepare the entertainment

Download some of your favorite songs that are familiar to your dog. Play the music when you travel and have a singalong as you tour the highway. Keeping safety in mind, keep your eyes on the road if you are driving. It will help both you and your dog to relax and get in the groove.

Step

2

A story about - a dog!

Tell your dog a story as you motor along. The sound of your voice will calm any nerves they may have and is a wonderful way to strengthen the bond between you. Use your pup's name often and talk about how wonderful they are using a warm and loving tone in your voice. They may not understand the words, but they will understand the tone.

Step

3

Get your dog to join in

If you are the passenger, you can train your dog to woof on cue as you get to a chorus of a song, or when you use a special word. This activity will help pass a long journey and teach your dog to focus as well as take instruction. That old song 'How Much is that Doggy in the Window?' can be followed by 'woof woof' (clap clap) and so on. Try it, even the kids will join in.

Road Trip

Popular

0 Votes

Any Day

Moderate

Normal

1 - 7 hrs

Items needed

Dog protective seat belt for the car

Favorite toy

Well planned itinerary

Activity description

Long trips can become boring for a dog if they are non-stop. If you are traveling on a hot day either have the window down enough for your dog to cool off in the breeze, or turn the air conditioning on in the car. At first, your dog will just want to watch everything that goes on, but after an hour, they can get a bit restless and will need a break. The idea is to plan ahead before you go and find out places where you can stop with your dog. If you are traveling along the coastline, find out what beaches are dog-friendly. Then check cafes, walkways, or just a nice place to stop where you can play tug of war or throw a ball. The idea is to wear off some of their energy so that when they get back in the car, they will be happy.

Step

1

Planning is essential

Before you go on a long trip, plan where you are going to stop for dog breaks. Plan an activity for each stop. At the first one, you could play some fetch or Frisbee, really working your dog! Even a ten to fifteen minute break is enough to give your dog an energy burn. Remember to take some bags and pick up any dog poop your pup leaves behind. Be a considerate traveler.

Step

2

Food stop

Your dog will love this one! Whether you stop at a pet-friendly café or just pull over into a parking area for a snack, your dog will be most happy to assist you to get rid of that food you packed! It is also a good opportunity for your wet-nosed traveler to explore. If it has been a hot day, put some water on a soft cloth to give them a rub down. Then, refreshed and cool, they will happily take up their seat in the car once more.

Step

3

Happy traveling

Keep a happy attitude as you travel. Sing even if your voice isn't star quality. Your dog may even sing along with you. If they get bored, break out a new chew toy for them to play with - not a squeaky one or it will drive you nuts, pardon the pun. Take another break from the trip. Although having breaks will make your trip longer, you will enjoy many sights along the way.

More Fun Ideas...

Car Wait

You don't have to be going anywhere special to invite your dog on a car trip. If you need to make a couple of stops, your patient pup can wait in the car, as long as you take care to keep the car out of the direct sun and provide water and fresh air for them. This is the perfect time when you can give them a puzzle toy to keep them happy. Load the toy with some yummy treats and give it to them in the back seat on a protective sheet to protect the upholstery. While you quickly pop into the shop or run a short errand, they can wrestle with the puzzle toy and get some treats at the same time. Time will pass quickly with your dog having something to do. When you come back, praise them as to how good they were and perhaps take them to the park on the way home as a reward for good behavior.

Rainy Day Outing

We all know how bored a dog can become stuck inside on a wet day. The way to break the day up is to take your dog to a friend's place for a doggie playdate. If you have a friend who has a dog, give them a call and go and visit them. A trip in the car will prime your dog for the excitement ahead, and you won't have to do anything when you get there as dogs love to make their own fun. A friend's home is a new place for your dog to explore. While you chat with your friend and enjoy a coffee, your dog can be playing and having the time of their life. Just ensure you supervise the play to ensure it doesn't get too rough, or you may not get an invite back.

Work Visit

If you have a job where you are out and about in your car delivering or meeting clients on-site, then why not take your dog with you for the day? Clients often respond warmly to the presence of a well-trained pooch. Your dog will love all the attention and the many pats and treats. As your dog watches you get ready to leave for work, image how they will react when you pick up the car keys and then you call them to come! That silly grin will stay on their face all day! Take a leash just in case, and take one or two of their toys for the times that your dog has to stay in the car for a few minutes. Your dog must be well trained to come, sit and stay to make the visit a happy one. It will be a quiet trip home as your dog reflects on the day's events.

Conclusion

Dogs figure out pretty quickly that a trip in the car will result in some fun stuff - unless it's a trip to the veterinarian which is sometimes another story. But to get to the beach or the river, typically, you need a car trip. The same with a day out in the country, you need the car to get you and your happy pooch there. They very quickly learn that fun and excitement are part of the trip. The moment you pick up your car keys, your dog will be jumping for joy! Dogs love to stick their noses out the window and smell the breeze. With a big grin on their face, they live in the moment, happy to be with you and zooming to a new adventure. The car becomes your dog's best adventure and they will be whining and growling for you to get a move on and get this trip started.