What suggestions do you have for her safety in the car and keeping her from becoming restless? Also, are there any crates that might fit securely n the back seat of a Camry? Or any other safe restraints?
Answer
Karen:
Sure. I've been driving around with dogs in the back for forty years and nothing has happened to any of them yet. Mind you, I haven't--touch wood-- had any accidents.
You can buy car restraints for dogs that fasten to a seat belt. Any pet supply store ought to have at least one, and there are online sources.
That takes care of the safety side, of preventing the dog from flying through a window in case of accidents.
If you're talking about not having the dog leaping around in the car, trying to get on your lap or under your feet or up on the dash, that's a matter of habituation and training.
A dog who regularly rides in a car, and is started on it fairly young, who will listen when you tell it to sit and stay and be quiet, is the dog who will ride without fuss.
If you have to use another person sitting in the back to help train the dog to sit quietly there, do that. It can be hard to control a dog when you are the driver.
Daniel:
Just get her used to long drives before you travel. I would also recommend you tire her out in a long play session and take her out for a good walk before going out.
She should be tired enough that she will just sleep during the entire trip.
She should have plenty of space in the backseat, so there is no need for you to get her a crate.
Straps and belts only end up hurting the dog if you get in an accident, as long as you don't drive baddly, she will be fine.
Edith:
Put her in the front seat next to you and let her look when she wants and lay down when she wants. Stop every 100 miles and take a break. Just drive carefully.
