Labrador Retrievers in Cars (or Hotels, For That Matter)
One of my labradors, Abby (who is actually a lab/husky mix with labrador ears and husky colors– gorgeous), has always hated taking rides in the car. She’s always willing to hop into the car when I ask her to, but as soon as we start moving she starts whining and pacing and doesn’t stop until she can get her feet on solid ground again. She also tries to get into the other passengers’ laps, and when no one else will take her, she tries to get into my lap while I’m driving (which isn’t a good thing).
Since I haven’t had to drive her anywhere for a while, this persistent problem has somewhat escaped my mind. But I just read something in one of my top-secret Labrador training sources that I think will help a lot. The advice I read had to do with travelling and staying in new and strange living quarters with Labradors (other houses, hotels, trains, etc.). But I think it will be applicable to shorter car rides as well.
The trick I read was simply to take an object that your Labrador is already familiar with along to help alleviate the stress of the travel. Suggestions for this object include your Lab’s blanket, a favorite toy or treat, or even their entire crate if you’re feeling ambitious. This makes a lot of sense– Labradors, like all dogs, are sometimes insecure about new places and objects, and when they feel insecure and stressed, life is made much more difficult for both you and your Labrador.
So next time you’re going to take your Labrador with you to other living quarters (or even in the car with you), try to bring their favorite object along. I think that both you and your Labrador will be glad you did.



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