Your puppy's first car rides shape how they feel about the car for years. A few calm, positive trips now can save you from a dog that whines, drools or refuses to get in later. Here is how to make car travel easy for your new puppy, from the drive home to their first road trip.
The drive home
- Bring a helper if you can, so one person drives and the other keeps an eye on the puppy.
- Use a secure spot. A crate, a puppy-sized booster seat or a passenger's lap on the back seat is better than letting the puppy roam.
- Pack towels and poo bags. Accidents and car sickness are common on the first trip.
- Skip the big meal right before the drive.
- Bring something that smells of their litter, such as a blanket from the breeder, to help them settle.
Building good car habits in the first weeks
Keep early trips short and fun
Short drives to somewhere enjoyable teach your puppy that the car leads to good things. Avoid making every trip a vet visit.
Practise getting in and out
Lift small puppies in and out gently. For bigger breeds, a ramp or a low step stops them learning to leap from a height while their joints are still developing.
Use a harness, not a collar
Get your puppy used to a soft harness at home first. In the car, a dog seat belt or the tether on a booster seat should always clip to the harness, never to the collar.
Protect your seats
Puppies chew, drool and have accidents. A waterproof seat cover or hammock saves your upholstery while they learn.
Car sickness in puppies
Puppies get car sick more often than adult dogs because their inner ear is still developing. Many grow out of it by around their first birthday. In the meantime:
- Keep trips short and build up slowly.
- Let them see out the window if possible.
- Keep the car cool and well ventilated.
- Drive smoothly around corners.
More ideas in our guide to stopping your dog getting car sick.
Your puppy car kit
- Harness and lead
- Dog seat belt or crate
- Water and a collapsible bowl
- Towels and a waterproof seat cover
- Poo bags and pet-safe wipes
- A favourite toy or chew
- Vaccination records for longer trips
Safety rules from day one
- Never leave your puppy alone in a parked car. Cars heat up very quickly, even with the windows down.
- Keep your puppy off the driver's lap; it is dangerous and can earn you a fine in most states. See our dog car travel laws guide.
- Keep heads inside the window.
FAQ
Where should a puppy sit in the car?
On the back seat, in a crate, a booster seat or with a seat belt tether clipped to a harness. The back seat keeps them away from front airbags.
Can I take my puppy in the car before vaccinations are finished?
Car rides themselves are fine, but avoid putting your puppy down in public places like parks and rest stops until your vet says their vaccinations are complete.
How often should a puppy stop on a long drive?
Young puppies need frequent breaks for the toilet, water and a short leg stretch, roughly every hour or so, in safe areas.