Canine Care Christmas Countdown - Day 51

Traveling with your dog over the holidays? Plan now to increase the security of your dog's travel arrangements.  Your dog may be more comfortable roaming around untethered in the back seat, or possibly on your lap, however, it is a risk to everyone in the vehicle, including your dog. 

Seat belt legislation came into effect in Ontario, January 1976.  It was meant to reduce the number of deaths caused by drivers not buckling up.  A driver not wearing a seat-belt is 40 times more likely to be killed. This sobering fact may adjust the way you travel with your Best Friend. If this doesn't, you may be surprised that a dog in your lap is cause for distracted driving offense which is $386. fine and loss of demerit points.

It is not hard to begin training your Dog to buckle up or stay in a secured travel case, it just takes patience and positive reinforcement. Now is the time to get started on this important safety precaution.  Begin by purchasing a good harness. We like Kurgo's as they are crash tested to save your dog should the worse happen. Kurgo's harnesses also come with instructions to connect the harness to the seat belt, allowing bigger dogs to move and lie down, but not run around and become a possible distraction. For smaller dogs, it is all about the carriers. Plan to make the carrier the best place ever by putting some of your dog's favorite chew toys and treats into the case,  Take time to let your dog get used to the carrier before securing it into your vehicle.  By creating the carrier to be a safe and fun place for your dog, there is an added bonus of using it as his bed for overnight stays.

See Day 52 Tips on Paw Care & Winter Booties