Q&A for How to Travel by Car with Your Dog

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Question

What do I do if my dog is afraid of getting in the car?

Elisabeth Weiss
Professional Dog Trainer
Elisabeth Weiss is a Professional Dog Trainer and owner of Dog Relations NYC, a dog training service in New York, New York. Elisabeth relies on science-based, force-free, and reward-based techniques. Elisabeth offers behavior training, puppy manners, body awareness and injury prevention, diet, exercise and dog nutrition services. Her work has been featured in New York Magazine and on the Dog Save the People podcast. She also trained all the dogs in the movie "Heart of a Dog" by Laurie Anderson that features Elisabeth's journey with Laurie Anderson's and Lou Reed's dog Lolabelle and how her passion for playing the keyboards played a significant role in improving her quality of life after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Elisabeth Weiss

Professional Dog Trainer

Expert Answer

See if you can make gradual progress. Some dogs may be afraid to even approach a car because it smells weird to them. Try to get them to approach the car until they stop, and as a reward, feed them a high quality treat.

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Question

Can I use these methods for a puppy?

Community Answer

Yes, but be careful of how far you open the windows, as a puppy can easily slip through them and escape. You may also want to consider adding a few puppy pads into the car, in case the puppy makes a mess.

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Question

Two dogs and I need a pit stop to head to the bathroom on a long drive. Suggestions?

Lockey

Community Answer

There are rest stops or nearby parks along the highway that often allow dogs. You can look up the locations on websites such as k9roadtrip.com.

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Question

How large should a crate be for transporting a dog?

Community Answer

Your dog needs to be about to lay down and turn around comfortably. Sitting for prolonged periods of time is not good for your dog.

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Question

If I turn on the A/C in the car, will the dog become distracted?

Community Answer

If your A/C makes loud noises, it might distract the dog.

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Question

What can I do to make my dog more comfortable on a four-hour journey where he'll have to be confined?

Lockey

Community Answer

If you have the room in your car, you can put his crate in the backseat/trunk and stock it with his favorite toys. If not, there is always the option of a dog seatbelt that you can buy and install much like a child's booster seat. Bring treats along, and make a few stops to give him some fresh air and a chance to do his business.

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Question

Can I get diapers for dogs?

Community Answer

Yes! Many pet stores sell diapers for dogs with bladder/bowel issues. If it's just a potty training issue, though, you probably don't want to use diapers, as they are expensive.

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Question

What do I do if my dog drools in the car and I'm driving for 11 hours?

Community Answer

Try to have a towel or napkin at the ready and maybe lay down some plastic. Also, try giving them a toy, and clean the toy when finished. The toy will possibly keep the drool in one area.

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Question

How do I safely use the restroom when traveling with a dog?

Community Answer

If you're traveling with a companion, just use the restroom in shifts. If you're traveling solo, try finding a nice shady spot to park, leave your windows cracked slightly, and lock your doors. Then, make your trip to the restroom as quick as possible.

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Question

How do I travel with multiple small pets (a cat and a dog) all at once?

Community Answer

Each should have its own separate travel kennel/carrier.

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Question

Our rescue dog, 2 1/2 years old, refuses to sit in the back car seat, and only stands. How can we make him relax and sit?

Hailey Busby

Community Answer

We have a kennel for our dog for long trips and he sleeps, also you can get a dog seat belt and tighten it so he can't stand. We have one for our dog and it works great!

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Question

Can an air conditioner be purchased to be used in a car when it is off?

Community Answer

Yes, there are portable car air coolers available. However, they do have several disadvantages: 1) They are not extremely efficient, as they rely on ice and cold water to do the cooling.; 2) They are not cheap, with most of them selling on Amazon for greater than $400.; and 3) They take up a lot of space, even when not in use. This is offset somewhat in that they can be used as a normal cooler for your beverages, etc.

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Question

How do I simplify staying in a hotel with 2 dogs for a week?

Community Answer

First, make sure the hotel allows dogs. Once you know they do, here are a few tips: 1. Start by packing the correct items, such as poop bags, leash, collar, medical records (just in case), toys, treats, and potty pads. 2. Take your dog out every morning and night. 3. Get a room on the ground room, unless your dog is fine with elevators. 4. Pack light if possible. 5. If he/she isn't already, make sure you get your dog comfortable with being out of the house before your trip.

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Question

Can I leave the window open a bit?

Community Answer

If the dog is older and trained you may. AC is fine for dogs as well. Make sure someone is in the back holding a puppy, though.

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Question

How old does my dog need to be before he goes in the car?

Community Answer

He can go in the car at any age, but younger dogs may get car sick or become frightened.

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Question

How do I stop my dog from barking in the car?

Community Answer

You could give your dog a toy or treat to keep them calm. Remember, they're probably just anxious because they don't know where they're going. Make sure to stop fairly frequently for your dog to stretch their legs and use the bathroom.

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Question

How many hours can a dog go without using the bathroom?

Community Answer

It depends on the dog's age. A puppy likely can't go more than an hour and a half without needing to use the bathroom. Young dogs would probably need to go every two hours, and older dogs could probably wait 3-4 hours.

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Question

If I have a guard dog, does she still need to be strapped in?

Community Answer

Yes. Securing a dog in the car is for you and your dog's protection in case of accidents. If a dog is loose in the back seat, it will come flying forward in the case of an collision.

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Question

Is it okay for a pregnant dog to travel?

Community Answer

Check with your vet first, but it will mainly depend on how late into pregnancy she is.

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Question

How do I put my dog on the crate on the back of a truck?

Community Answer

Put the dog in the crate first, then secure him in the back of the truck.

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Question

How can I stop my dog from panting nonstop when he is riding in the car? He creates a lot of saliva.

Community Answer

Give him some water and turn on the Ac. Let him hang out the window.

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Question

How many stops in a day should I take for a dog on a long trip?

Community Answer

Plan to stop every 3 to 4 hours, pretty much when you would have to pee yourself.

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Question

Is it legal to travel by car with a dog?

Community Answer

Yes, it is. However, some states require the dog to be harnessed or crated while in the car, so check your local laws.

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