Your Puppy's First Time Driving

You should accustom your dog to riding in the car at an early age. Most dogs love to ride and, if given the opportunity, they would gladly take the drivers seat! Teach your PRT good car manners, such as not riding on the drivers lap, no racing about the car from window to window and no chewing on the arm rests. Although your PRT will never agree, the best way for him to travel in the car is in his crate. This takes a lot of the fun out of the drivemaking a wet noseprint on every window, leaping from front to back seat and back again, sleeping at a passengers feet and barking at passing cars and dogsbut it does guarantee that you all reach your destination alive and sane.

It is very important to remember not to take your dog out in the car on a hot day and that you never leave him alone for even a few minutes in the car. A car can heat up very quickly at any time of year, and the dog will not be able to cope with the heat. Leaving the window open a crack poses a danger as well, as a panicked dog may try to escape, injuring himself in the process. Heat stroke is a very real threat to all dogs, so use your common sense and keep your PRT safe and cool.

Next Step: Training Overview

Reprinted from Breeder's Best: Parson Russell Terrier © 2004 Permission granted by Kennel Club Books, an imprint of BowTie Press.