Taking Your Collie in the Car

Most dogs love to go for rides and, if given the opportunity, they would gladly drive the car! You should get your dog used to riding in the car at an early age. The puppy can travel in his crate if you have a larger vehicle like a minivan or SUV. If the dogs crate is too large to fit into your vehicle, you will have to insist on good behavior in the car. The dogs safety (as well as yours and your fellow drivers) depends on it. Teach him some car manners, such as not trying to climb onto the drivers lap, no racing about the car from window to window and no chewing on the arm rests. To ensure your Collies safety, you can purchase a safety partition or  a harness to restrict his movement in the car, a seat-belt designed for dogs.

It is very important to remember not to leave your dog alone for even a few minutes in the car. A car can heat up very quickly in the summer months and even in cool weather if it is sunny, and the dog will not be able to cope with the heat.

Next Step: Two Easy Lessons

Reprinted from Breeders Best: Collie © 2004. Permission granted by Kennel Club Books, an imprint of BowTie Press.