Where Should Your Dog Ride In The Car?
Where Should Your Dog Ride In The Car?
My dog loved to ride in the car so I took him everywhere I possibly could. Lots of pups love to get out and ride and be with their family. But have you ever wondered where dogs feel most comfortable in the car?
The Study
Using heart rate monitors, comparethemarket.com.au set out to find out. They carried out a study on four different dog breeds of varying sizes. They then looked at a Jack Russell, Poochon, Cocker Spaniel, and a Red Fox Lab. The goal was to determine which locations had their tails wagging and which areas raised their heart rates the most.
Results
Unsurprisingly the research reveals that the dogs felt the most comfortable when their owner was in view. Their heart rates decreased by -6.8% in the front seat and -9.5% in the back seat when compared to their average heart rate.
In contrast, the dogs were the most uncomfortable when secured in the trunk of an SUV (“the boot” in this study). This meant their owner was completely out of sight (a 20.4% increase from their average). Dogs were also uncomfortable behind the driver’s seat.
Compare the Market reveals the full results of each dog as follows:
|
Name |
Breed |
Avg. heart rate |
Difference in front seat (%) |
Difference in back seat with owner view (%) |
Difference in back seat without owner view (%) |
Difference in the boot (%) |
|
Milo |
Jack Russell |
57 |
-11.9 |
-10.1 |
12.9 |
22.1 |
|
Bertie |
Poochon |
66 |
-8.4 |
-12.7 |
6.3 |
20 |
|
Raffy |
Cocker Spaniel |
74 |
-0.5 |
-5.4 |
14 |
16.2 |
|
Monty |
Red Fox Labrador |
68 |
-6.7 |
-9.9 |
9.2 |
23.5 |
|
Avg. (%) |
All four dogs |
66.2 |
-6.8 |
-9.5 |
10.6 |
20.4 |
In Conclusion: For your pet, you are often their main social connection. So being separated from them in the car can be really isolating. This may result in feelings of unrest and anxiety. If at all possible make sure to leave a spot for your dog where they are within view of you and comfortable.
To find out more expert tips on how best to travel with your pet click here.
Happy Traveling!
