One in three dog owners have avoided taking their pets in the car, with a new Škoda podcast offering expert training tips to help dogs cope with car travel and ease anxiety
Many leave their dogs at homes over concerns they won’t settle(
One in three dog owners have avoided taking their furry friends in the car, according to new research. A survey of 1,000 dog-owning drivers revealed that many choose to leave their dogs at home due to concerns about being distracted while driving, especially if their pets won’t settle. Other common worries include the potential mess their dogs might leave behind and the challenge of getting them in and out of the car, which has left some owners feeling uneasy.
These concerns appear to be well-founded as the research, commissioned by Škoda – automotive sponsor of Crufts for the fourth consecutive year – found that 20% of respondents have experienced a ‘nightmare’ journey with their canine companion at some point.
Making a mess and behaving badly are the top concerns for dog owners(
Consequently, 28% wish their dog displayed better car manners and 45% would welcome advice on achieving this. One potential explanation for these behavioural challenges might be the pandemic as 16% of those who owned a dog during lockdown reckon it negatively affected their pet’s behaviour.
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Around 70% believe it had a detrimental effect due to a lack of socialisation with other dogs, while 20% believe limited socialisation with humans was a key reason. And 30% believe lockdown led to their furry friends developing separation anxiety.
Following the findings, the car maker has today [March 4] launched the ‘Doggy Boot Camp’ podcast on Spotify with dog expert, Anna Webb, to help owners whose pets struggle when travelling by car.
She said: “Car travel can be quite distressing for dogs if they’re not taught how to cope, and this research shows just how common those anxieties still are.
“Many dogs acquired during the pandemic – or those who simply lived through it – are now displaying deeply ingrained travel-related behavioural challenges.
“Even today, with hybrid and home-working lifestyles, dogs have experienced unpredictable routines, prolonged close contact with their owners and limited opportunities for socialisation – leaving many hyper-dependent and uneasy in unfamiliar environments.”
Anna explains that travelling can be stressful for dogs if they’re not trained to cope(
The study found 27% travel with their dog multiple times a week, with 10% admitting to letting them ride shotgun. However, 71% of owners have never trained their dog for car travel, meaning many pups have been winging it on the road.
To make their trips as stress-free as possible 76% have employed methods such as talking to them, opening a window and using a dog seatbelt.
Others bring their dog’s bed or favourite toy into the car to create familiarity, play music their dog likes or use calming sprays or scents to ease tension.
Giving them snacks, driving with extra care and giving them chew toys are also go-to techniques. But despite the best efforts of their owners, things don’t always go to plan.
The research, carried out through OnePoll, identified a host of struggles endured during journeys – including displaying signs of stress such as panting excessively, restlessness and being sick.
A spokesperson for Škoda, makers of the Kamiq SUV and the Kodiaq SUV which support dog-friendly travel thanks to their 400 and 2,105 litre boots, said: “As proud automotive sponsors of Crufts, we understand how important dogs are to family life in the UK and are committed to helping families bring the two together on the road.
“Our Doggy Boot Camp podcast is a fun but practical way to support dog-owning drivers.”
ANNA WEBB’S TOP TIPS:
LESSON 1 – BUILDING CAR CONFIDENCE: Gradually introduce your dog to the car with short, positive experiences, using comfort items and rewards so they willingly “hop in” and settle calmly.
LESSON 2 – MASTERING “SETTLE”: Teach “settle” at home and build up to journeys, rewarding calm behaviour so your pup can relax on cue, even when excited.
LESSON 3 – SAFE & SECURE TRAVEL: Use a properly fitted harness or crate and reinforce their safe spot with “secure,” ensuring a calm, distraction-free journey.
LESSON 4 – MANAGING MOTION SICKNESS: Prevent travel anxiety and nausea with light meals, ventilation and gradual trip increases, rewarding calm behaviour with “steady.”
LESSON 5 – ENCOURAGING INDEPENDENCE: Build tolerance to short periods alone in the car, using “focus” to support calm, confident behaviour in busier settings.
LESSON 6 – CREATING POSITIVE ASSOCIATIONS: Reinforce every journey with consistent cues, rewards and fun destinations so your dog associates the car with positive, stress-free experiences.
