Puppy’s First Adventures: Happy Car Rides

GDB dogs will need to be relaxed and non-disruptive while riding in a variety of vehicles, whether crated or loose. As much as possible, we will take baby steps to get there! Some transportation is unavoidable (like coming home from the GDB kennel, airport, and puppy truck, or going to the vet for vaccinations). Review Traveling with a GDB Puppy for safe vehicle riding practices.

Why It’s Important
Guide dogs will often travel with their partners in a variety of vehicles including cars and public transit. We can develop a calm and confident dog who readily settles in any vehicle by making initial introductions really fun!

If you need to take a car ride before the puppy is “ready”, you can help ease the ride by:

Bring a couple toys and/or a food stuffed Kong if the puppy has previously been introduced
Have a friend drive so you can safely focus on helping the puppy remain calm and comfortable
Keep your vehicle cool and block visual access to outside (e.g. by covering the pup’s crate) to help reduce the risk of motion sickness
Transport a pup on a relatively empty stomach (no meals right before a car ride!)

Getting Started

Start with the engine turned off!
Lift the puppy into the car and use plenty of verbal encouragement and food rewards
Give the puppy the option to exit the car or lift them down if the car is tall, then encourage them to get in again. If they show interest in checking out the car again, encourage and help them climb in. Give plenty of food rewards when they make it into the vehicle.
Once the pup is eagerly attempting to get in the vehicle and comfortable while inside, add in turning the car on/off. Use your happy voice and plenty of kibble!

Leveling Up: Building Up to Short Car Rides and Beyond!

Keep your first rides brief – just around the block!
Take some rides with the pup in a crate and some where the puppy sits on the floor. Have a friend do the driving so you can focus on ensuring the puppy is calm and relaxed.
Once the puppy is comfortable, take short trips to FUN places, like a quick drive to a friend’s house!
Once the puppy is happy and relaxed riding in one car, find opportunities to ride in other cars. You might have to start at an easier step in a new vehicle, but the process should go much more quickly!

What if... the puppy shows common indicators that they might be having a hard time?

Reluctant with approaching or enter the vehicle
Reluctant with exiting the vehicle
Stress panting
Drooling
Vomiting
Vocalizing
Restless
Attempts to hide in the vehicle or crate

If you see any signs of discomfort, go back to an easier step! Be sure to reach out for support so we can help troubleshoot and discuss whether a temporary anti-nausea medication might be needed.