Tip 12 - TRAVEL

Car Travel Comfort

If your pets aren't used to traveling, make the car a positive experience. Start slowly and reinforce for good behavior.

Get into the car with your dog, close the door, start the engine, then turn it off, get out and offer praise: "Oh, you're so good!" The next day, do the same thing but back out of the drive. Exit the car and offer lots of hugs and praise. The next day drive around the block and each day extend the trip by a minute or two. Soon your dog will associate car rides with being told he's a "good boy!" and getting hugs, treats, and maybe even a game of fetch each time the car stops.

You can try this approach with cats, but it won't always work. Be prepared for a "Are you crazy? Why on earth did you just drive around the block?" look of disbelief from your feline.