This year in Taipei, Taiwan, an incident involving a pit bull jumping twice out of a car window to attack pedestrians sparked widespread social concern. This raises the important question: what should drivers pay attention to when traveling with dogs in cars? Here are three essential keys for owners to prevent their dogs from losing control and jumping out of vehicles.
1. Pre-Trip Preparation: Establish Physical Safety Measures
Essential Hardware Safety
- Use a combination of a dog seatbelt and a car harness: This setup is more secure than a regular leash, preventing sudden lunges. Like human seatbelts, it is indispensable for safety.
- Install a rear-seat barrier: This separates the front and back seats, preventing the dog from distracting the driver.
- Activate child safety locks: This prevents accidental window or door opening by the dog.
Create a Comfortable Environment
- Bring blankets and chew toys with the owner's scent to soothe the dog and reduce stress.
- For anxious dogs, an opaque transport crate is the preferred choice for outings, as it offers a sense of security.
2. Behavioral Training in Three Stages (Based on Professional Guidelines)
Stage One: Static Association
Feed or play with the dog inside a stationary, turned-off car to build the association that "car = good things happen".
Stage Two: Short-Distance Practice
The owner sits in the driver's seat and gives commands like "sit" or "stay". Only when the dog remains calm is the engine started. Gradually increase driving time from 5 to 15 minutes.
Stage Three: Situational Testing
Deliberately create scenarios such as turns and braking. Calm behavior is immediately rewarded. For highly sensitive dogs, pairing this with "deep breathing" techniques helps stabilize emotions.
3. Emergency Response SOP: Pet Travel Safety Rules
- Complete basic obedience training for "sit" and "stay" before car rides.
- Stop every two hours at rest areas to relieve the dog's stress.
- Never leave dogs alone in the car during hot weather; temperatures as low as 20°C can pose a risk of heatstroke.
Important Reminder
Most dogs' anxiety during car rides stems from unfamiliarity. Patient, phased training is far more effective than forcing adaptation.
