Can we answer your doggy dilemmas?

Help your pooch deal with car trips and Christmas chaos with advice from the experts

As with most people, most dogs like a bit of routine, and anything out of the ordinary can make them a little anxious. And with Christmas coming up, that can mean long journeys to see family, or lots of visitors at home. Luckily the Dogs Trust Wagony Aunts are here to advise you on dealing with these issues.

My puppy doesn’t like car travel. can we do?

What

The Highway Code says dogs must be suitably restrained in vehicles so, before travelling, teach your dog to feel relaxed in a comfortably sized seat-belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or in the boot behind a dog guard.

It’s important to slowly build his confidence. Whenever he is near the car, reward calm behaviour using his favourite special treats. Have the doors open and reward him for getting close. Place treats around the open doors and inside, to encourage him to sniff inside, keeping the doors open so he can come out when he chooses.

If your pup is very small, a ramp will enable him to choose when he gets in. You could put a trail of treats on the ramp.

Once he is happy in the car, sit inside with him and perhaps give him a safe and long-lasting chew to enjoy so he learns the car is an enjoyable place to be. Keep the doors open and the engine off.

When you feel he is ready, turn the engine on and give him some extra tasty treats. If he shows any anxiety, turn the engine off and go back a stage. When he is comfortable with the engine being on, it’s time for him to be in the car when it’s moving. Continue to give him lots of praise and treats so he’ll begin to associate these changes with good things happening.

Start with short, slow and gentle journeys. Having someone he knows well beside him, to give him praise and treats, can help. Drive smoothly,

allowing plenty of time for braking.

Never force your puppy to travel because that will make him even more worried, and always take training at his pace. If he doesn’t respond to the training, avoid car travel and speak to your vet for referral to an experienced behaviourist.

We’re Christmas How

having lots of visitors on Day. can make sure my dog doesn’t get overwhelmed?

To help keep your dog content and relaxed when people are coming and going, make sure she has an area she can choose to go to for peace and quiet, where she won’t be disturbed. There should be her doggie bed, fresh water and perhaps a chew. Set this up now so your dog has a chance to get used to it and learn it’s a positive, safe space.

Stick to your daily routine, such as feeding and exercise times, as much as possible. If you do this, your dog will hopefully be relaxed by the time guests arrive and ready for a nap. If nap time isn’t on your dog’s mind when visitors arrive, offer her a safe, long-lasting treat or food puzzle to enjoy.

If children are coming, chat to the family beforehand to make sure they understand how to behave

– for example, to be calm, and not to approach the dog especially if she is eating, sleeping or seems uncomfortable. Children and dogs must be actively supervised at all times and never left alone together.