#lifewithdogs

Introducing your puppy to car rides can be a fun and rewarding experience! Here’s how to make sure it’s a positive one:

1. Start Slow

Let your puppy explore the car while it’s parked. Allow them to sniff around and get familiar with the space.

Use treats and praise to create positive associations with being inside the car.

2. Safety First

Use a secure travel crate, pet seatbelt, or dog car harness to keep your puppy safe.

Avoid letting them roam freely—it’s dangerous for both you and your pup.

3. Short and Sweet Trips

Begin with short rides, like around the block or to a nearby park.

Gradually increase the length of the rides as your puppy gets comfortable.

4. Make It Fun

Pair car rides with exciting destinations, like a park or a playdate, so your puppy associates the car with fun.

Bring along their favorite toy or blanket to make the car feel familiar.

5. Avoid Motion Sickness

Puppies can get car sick. Avoid feeding them a big meal right before a ride.

If motion sickness persists, talk to your vet for advice or safe remedies.

6. Stay Calm

Speak to your puppy in a calm and reassuring voice.

Avoid getting frustrated if they seem nervous; patience is key.

7. Regular Practice

Make car rides a part of your puppy’s routine early on, even if you’re just going for a quick errand.

So, I’m gonna ask you (yes YOU the person reading this) to do something. Since the end of the year is getting closer… ReBlog this (or don’t, I can’t really tell you what to do) and write something that your dog, cat, or other pet has done that may have saved your life and/or sanity this year. I’ll go first.

Pet type(s): Dog

Pet name(s): Cedar

Social Media (if any): Instagram (DogOfAllTrees)

What they did: So, this year (2022) around Halloween I finally got COVID-19. Like BAD. I was completely bedridden (and I was fully vaccinated and boosted, except for the latest booster at the time).

Anyway, when I got COVID, I had to isolate for everyone. Nobody could come near me because I was afraid I would infect them. And Cedar-dog was the only living being that could be around me without fear of being infected (I double checked with his vet too, just to make sure he didn’t need to be away from me).

When you’re sick, and you can hardly breathe, and you fall into the high-risk category of people for COVID… it’s really REALLY easy to get lost in your thoughts when you’re trying to fall asleep in the dark at night. Depressing and horrible thoughts about dying. I think Cedar knew I was going through some shit, cause I swear he licked my face over and over again when I was drifting in and out of sleep. He eventually fell asleep next to me on the bed… also woke me up when I was having night terrors during my sickness by licking my face.

People might laugh it off… but I think having Cedar around kept me sane during the isolation period. I think I’d have gone crazy without him. 😓