One study found that 33% of dog owners have refrained from taking their pets on car rides due to concerns about distractions and unsettled behavior. These worries include potential messes and the difficulty of getting dogs in and out of vehicles, leading to some owners feeling anxious.
The research, conducted by Škoda, a sponsor of Crufts, revealed that 20% of participants had encountered challenging journeys with their dogs. As a result, 28% wish their dogs behaved better in cars, and 45% are seeking advice on achieving this. The pandemic may have contributed to these issues, with 16% of lockdown dog owners believing it negatively impacted their pets’ behavior.
Many owners believe the lack of socialization during lockdown affected their dogs, with 70% citing limited interactions with other dogs and 20% noting reduced socialization with humans. Additionally, 30% believe lockdown contributed to their dogs developing separation anxiety.
In response to these findings, Škoda has launched a ‘Doggy Boot Camp’ podcast on Spotify, featuring dog expert Anna Webb, to assist owners in addressing their pets’ travel-related challenges. Webb emphasized the importance of teaching dogs how to cope with car travel and acknowledged the prevalence of travel-related anxieties among pets.
The study revealed that 27% of respondents travel with their dogs multiple times a week, with 10% allowing their pets to ride in the front seat. However, 71% of owners have never trained their dogs for car travel, leading to some dogs facing travel situations unprepared.
To alleviate stress during car rides, 76% of owners use methods like talking to their dogs, opening windows, and using dog seatbelts. Some also bring their dogs’ bedding or favorite toys, play comforting music, or use calming sprays to create a familiar environment.
Despite these efforts, challenges during car journeys persist, with dogs displaying signs of stress such as excessive panting, restlessness, and vomiting. Škoda, known for dog-friendly SUV models, aims to support dog-owning drivers through initiatives like the Doggy Boot Camp podcast. The podcast provides practical tips for ensuring safe and comfortable travels with canine companions.