Commuting to work
Commuting to work
Think about how you get to work each day. Do you take your car, travel by public transport, or walk? The commute is rarely anyone’s favourite part of their day, with busy roads and crowds of people rushing to get to work on time. If you’re dog is to join you, you will need to get them accustomed to the journey, and this is best done in gradual steps.
Training your dog to travel in the car
Car travel is an important part of life for many dogs as it enables them to explore new and exciting places. But it can also lead to them visiting the vet – which might not be quite so much fun! It’s important to make sure dogs are always safe and feel confident when travelling in the car, regardless of where they might be going.
Safety first
The Highway Code stipulates that dogs are suitably restrained so even before travelling you’ll need to 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. These must be securely fitted and positioned so your dog can’t interfere with the driver or hang out of windows. You can purchase a Boot Bed from Dogs Trust’s website to travel in style, while remaining safe.
Never leave your dog alone in the car and keep them as cool as possible while travelling – non-spill water bowls are helpful, as is planning toileting/exercise breaks for longer journeys.
Make the car an enjoyable place to be
Start by using your dog’s favourite treats to reward them for being calm whenever they’re near the car, even just walking around it to begin. Reward your dog for sitting calmly before you’re ready to open the door and invite them inside.
Getting in and out safely
If your dog has travelled before and enjoyed it, they might be very excited about jumping into the car and out of it when you arrive at the park – but this isn’t a good idea as it can put them at risk of injury or accident.
Ask them to sit while you slowly open the door and give them a few treats to keep them sitting as you do. If you do this every time you arrive at the car they’ll soon start to automatically sit and wait patiently before you guide them in safely and under your control. Once they’re in, simply spend a little time sitting inside with them; giving them a safe and long-lasting chew to enjoy can be a good way for them to learn the car is an enjoyable place to be.
Likewise, teach your dog to get out of the car calmly and quietly by slowly opening the door just a little way and waiting for your dog to sit or stay still before you invite them out. Always reward your dog for their patience with their favourite tasty treat, or two. Our doorways training provides guidance for teaching a dog to pass through an open door while giving their owner full attention, and this teaching can be applied to the car door too!
Gradually introduce your dog to travelling in the car
It’s important to introduce car travel carefully, because for some dogs being in this confined space while it’s moving might feel very unusual to begin with, especially if they’ve never been in a car before. For example, all sorts of movement and activity happening outside, that they can neither get involved in nor get away from, might be worrying or frustrating.
They’ll need to get used to the sound and movement of the car slowly, because it’s a lot for their senses to take in. Giving your dog extra tasty treats whenever the car starts up and starts to move means they’ll begin to associate these changes with good things happening.
On the road…
Start with short, slow and gentle, familiar journeys that will allow your dog to get used to car travel in a positive way. Having a friend accompanying you, who your dog knows well and is comfortable with, can be helpful so there is someone to be beside your dog if necessary while you are driving. Drive smoothly allowing plenty of time for breaking, as a jerky or uncomfortable journey might make your dog less willing to travel next time!
If your dog is struggling in the car…
If your dog is showing signs of being frightened about travelling in the car never force them to travel, as this is only going to make them even more worried and they might feel trapped and panic. Either find someone to stay with them if you need to travel or avoid the journey/make alternative travel plans if possible. Avoid car journeys completely while you seek the guidance of an experienced behaviourist.
Travelling with your dog on public transport
Why we love travelling with our dogs on public transport
If you don't have a car, public transport may be the only option for you and your dog for getting to work. If they are not already comfortable with taking public transport, start at the weekend when you have lots of time and the routes are less busy. Many dogs thrive on new smells and sights, so use the public transport system to take them to a new park or walk somewhere exciting. If you live in a city or town, public transport can be an easy way to access rural open spaces outside town for your dog to explore.
Once your dog is comfortable on the bus or train at the weekends, try short journeys on busier days, and build up to a full commute to your place of work.
Why travelling on public transport isn't for every dog
Just as some humans are happier travelling than others, for dogs, travelling on public transport can be a stressful and scary experience. It's important that you consider your dog's needs and welfare before travelling.
Sometimes, public transport isn't an appropriate method of transportation, for example after an operation at the vet, or when it's hot.
What to consider when travelling on public transport with your dog
Mode of transport
First things first, always check whether the mode of transport you wish to travel on accepts dogs. These rules are generally contained in what's called the 'conditions of carriage.' Don't always assume all modes of public transport accept dogs, and if they do, there may be certain rules you have to follow. You should always check with the relevant travel provider before you travel, but we have set out a rough guide here:
Usually accept dogs, up to two per passenger.
Usually don't accept dogs.
Usually accept dogs at driver's discretion.
Sometimes accept dogs. Always contact the company in advance to let them know you will be travelling with a dog.
Dogs are permitted if they are carried up escalators. This may seem a silly rule, especially if your dog happily trots up and down escalators, but this rule is in place for a reason.
Using the London Underground
The ridges on escalators can really damage your dog's paws – we've seen lots of dogs with horrible injuries from this. Please be sure to either carry your dog on escalators, or if that's not possible, use the stairs or stations with a lift. You can use TFL's 'plan your journey' feature to plan a route using stairs not escalators.
Other factors
Ticket barriers: However small and agile you think your dog is, always take your dog through the accessible ticket barriers. This gives your dog more space and time to get through.
Time of day: Have a think about the time of day you will be travelling with your dog. It is always easier to travel with a dog when public transport is less busy. Crowds and small spaces can be very stressful for dogs.
Remember:
You are responsible for keeping your dog under control at all times, whether on public transport or not.
Not everybody loves dogs as much as we do, and sometimes you might come across someone who would rather not sit next to your pooch.
What to take with you
When travelling with your dog on public transport it's important to remember to take anything your dog might need with you:
Water: public transport can be hot whatever time of the year, so it's important that if you're travelling you take water and something for your dog to drink out of.
Dog poo bags: Hopefully your dog won't need to go while you're on the bus or train, but you should always be well stocked with poo bags.
Treats: We fully believe in reward-based methods, so it may be useful to have a stock of treats for when you need to ask your dog to do something. If you're taking a longer journey, you may want to consider taking an activity-based treat, such as a puzzle feeder or snuffle mat, to keep your dog occupied.
Meals: If you're going to be travelling all day, then remember your dog will need their usual meals.
Skills your dog will need
There are lots of basic skills that your dog should have mastered before you travel on public transport with them, which will not only make your journey much easier, but also ensure a more enjoyable, safe and calm experience for your dog.
We would always recommend that you get your dog comfortable with travelling on public transport gradually – don't expect them to travel happily on a rush hour train with you first time.
The key skills your dog should be familiar with before their journey on public transport are:
Sit and lie down: these are key skills that will help keep your dog safe when out and about.
Settle: On a busy train, bus or tram with lots of distractions, it's particularly important that your dog knows how to settle themselves.
Leave: public transport is likely to be filled with lots of distractions, including people eating, and rubbish.
Reading the signs your dog is giving you
Understanding how your dog communicates with you means you'll be able to recognise when they're feeling confident and happy, as well as times when they might be feeling worried or frightened.
This is important when travelling with your dog on public transport – you will be able to keep them feeling safe and secure. It's important to remember that many of a dog's actions can have lots of different meanings, depending on the situation in which our dogs show them.
For example, a dog might drool and lick their lips in anticipation of dinner being prepared, which is a perfectly normal bodily response. However, if they begin drooling and licking their lips when getting onto a train these actions might show they are feeling worried about the journey ahead.
Walking
If you are lucky enough to be able to walk to work, taking your dog with you will be a great way to add to their daily exercise. Just make sure that your dog can cope with the walk, if they are a little older, or have any conditions like joint problems, the extra walk to and from your office might take a toll on them. If you are unsure consult with your vet.
If you’ll be walking to work during “rush hour” take particular care. Your dog might be used to leisurely strolls in the evening or at the weekends and might find walking with you on a busy footpath with lots of cars passing by not as fun as their usual walks.
Also, keep in mind that your walk to work will take longer than normal if you have your dog with you, especially if it is a new route for your dog. They might need some extra time to stop and sniff to get their bearings, go to the toilet etc., so if you’re worried about being late for work make sure to leave earlier to give yourself more time so neither of you feel rushed.
We recommend walking your route to work a couple of times with your dog before you plan on taking them into your workplace, and if you can, try building up to busier times of day so your dog can get comfortable with the level of noise from traffic and the number of other people walking nearby.
