Dog expert reveals the best way to get your pet to behave in the car

It's a big problem among dog owners

A poll of 1,000 dog-owning drivers found they've left their pooch at home over concerns they won’t settle (31 per cent) and worries they’ll be distracted while driving (24 per cent).

Other worries include not knowing how to secure them safely (19 per cent), the mess they might leave behind (26 per cent) and the possibility of a mid-journey toilet mishap (20 per cent).

Even getting them in and out of the car (six per cent) has left some owners feeling uneasy.

And these fears aren’t unjustified - the study, commissioned by Škoda, automotive sponsor of Crufts for the fourth year, found 20 per cent have endured a ‘nightmare’ journey with their four-legged friend at some point.

As such, 28 per cent wish their canine was better behaved in the car and 45 per cent would like guidance on how to achieve this.

One of the causes for the behavioural struggles might be the pandemic - 16 per cent of those who had a dog during lockdown believe it had a negative impact on their pet’s behaviour.

Around 70 per cent believe it had a detrimental effect due to a lack of socialisation with other dogs, while 20 per cent believe limited socialisation with humans was a key reason.

And 30 per cent believe lockdown led to their furry friends developing separation anxiety.

Following the findings, the car maker has today [Wednesday 4 March] launched the ‘Doggy Boot Camp’ podcast on Spotify with dog expert, Anna Webb, to help owners whose pets struggle when travelling by car.

She said: "Car travel can be quite distressing for dogs if they’re not taught how to cope, and this research shows just how common those anxieties still are.

"Many dogs acquired during the pandemic - or those who simply lived through it - are now displaying deeply ingrained travel-related behavioural challenges.

"Even today, with hybrid and home-working lifestyles, dogs have experienced unpredictable routines, prolonged close contact with their owners and limited opportunities for socialisation - leaving many hyper-dependent and uneasy in unfamiliar environments."

The study found 27 per cent travel with their dog multiple times a week, with 10 per cent admitting to letting them ride shotgun.

However, 71 per cent of owners have never trained their dog for car travel, meaning many pups have been winging it on the road.

To make their trips as stress-free as possible 76 per cent have employed methods such as talking to them (46 per cent), opening a window (35 per cent) and using a dog seatbelt (30 per cent).

Others bring their dog’s bed or favourite toy into the car (20 per cent) to create familiarity, play music their dog likes (eight per cent) or use calming sprays or scents (five per cent) to ease tension.

Giving them snacks (19 per cent), driving with extra care (17 per cent) and giving them chew toys (17 per cent) are also go-to techniques.

But despite the best efforts of their owners, things don't always go to plan.

The research, carried out through OnePoll, identified a host of struggles endured during journeys - including displaying signs of stress such as panting excessively (22 per cent), restlessness (19 per cent) and being sick (17 per cent).

Along with crying (15 per cent) and mess – including paw prints (30 per cent), fur build-up (30 per cent) and drool-drenched seats (12 per cent) – have also made trips tricky.

A spokesperson for Škoda, makers of the Kamiq SUV and the Kodiaq SUV which support dog-friendly travel thanks to their 400 and 2,105 litre boots, said: “As proud automotive sponsors of Crufts, we understand how important dogs are to family life in the UK and are committed to helping families bring the two together on the road.

“Our Doggy Boot Camp podcast is a fun but practical way to support dog-owning drivers."

Expert's top tips for how to get your dog to behave in the car

Building car confidence

Gradually introduce your dog to the car with short, positive experiences, using comfort items and rewards so they willingly “hop in” and settle calmly.

Mastering 'settle'

Teach “settle” at home and build up to journeys, rewarding calm behaviour so your pup can relax on cue, even when excited.

Safe and secure travel

Use a properly fitted harness or crate and reinforce their safe spot with “secure,” ensuring a calm, distraction-free journey.

Managing motion sickness

Prevent travel anxiety and nausea with light meals, ventilation and gradual trip increases, rewarding calm behaviour with “steady.”

Encouraging independence

Build tolerance to short periods alone in the car, using “focus” to support calm, confident behaviour in busier settings.

Creating positive associations

Reinforce every journey with consistent cues, rewards and fun destinations so your dog associates the car with positive, stress-free experiences.