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The PAW Files: Puppy Transport

It is important that our puppies get use to car travel as soon as possible so that they can be versatile during their training and with their eventual Guide or Assistance Dog owner.  

In terms of where the dog should sit, the front passenger footwell is usually a good place to start. The puppy should get used to being in the car before taking it on a journey. Putting a favourite blanket in the footwell, sitting with the puppy and letting it get used to the environment are very helpful.  

A puppy raiser will start with short journeys and, once the puppy is relaxed and confident, journey time can be increased. 

Some tips

• When driving alone in the car, safety is vital. To keep the puppy from moving too much in the car and from wandering over to the driver’s side and getting under the driver’s feet, the puppy’s leash can be connected to the passenger seat. This will encourage the pup to stay in the footwell and safely out of the way of the driver. 

• Pups should be transported in the passenger footwell or crated in the boot (hatchbacks and estates only). 

• Older pups who are accustomed to boot travel may travel loose in the boot without a crate or in the passenger footwell. 

• Under no circumstances should pups travel on the seats of cars. 

• Pups should never be left unattended in cars. In warm or hot weather there is the danger of the dog overheating which can have critical consequences. If for unavoidable reason they must be left in a car, it must only be for a short time and never longer than 10 minutes. 

• A pup should not be fed before a long journey. 

• Fresh air must be made available by partially opening the windows, ensuring that no items that may cause harm to the dog are left in reach.