Hi, we will be collecting our GSD puppy in a couple of weeks and are wondering what is the best way to transport him to his new home (an hours' drive away)? He will be 8 weeks old and we have heard the best thing is for him to be held in the (my!) lap and then in the rear of the car for future journeys? Many thanks in advance for any advice, Carol

Hi Carol,
We're collecting our puppy on Friday, but we have a 6.5 hour drive home, and he's a great dane ;) a bit too heavy for my knee :) I'm going to see how it goes with him on my lap for a little while, but I also have a cage
which I can put him into, just to make him more comfortable,my hubby will be driving, so I can sit on the back seat with him and reassure him :) I did worry about the safety aspect of having him on my lap for such a long time, but if you're only an hours drive, I'm sure that would be alright - Take plenty of towels and things just incase he gets a bit upset being in the car. I'm sure there will be others along to offer some advice soon. Good luck with your puppy - have you decided on a name for him?
Sharon

please please dont carry him on your lap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! if you have an accident he will go thru the windscreen :( no way would u keep hold of him, although people always think they will. would you carry a 10 week old baby loose on your lap? i hope not. get a crate , and strap it in with the seatbelt, then it can be next to u on the back seat. doesnt matter that the journey is only an hour...only takes a moment for an accident.

That's true Pinklillies! I have definately considered the accident thing and no, of course you wouldn't carry a baby on your lap, that's why I'm taking the crate as well - but a lot of books and breeders say the puppy will feel more secure on your lap for the first journey home. IMO, I wouldn't feel safe going a very long way with them on my lap, as it does only take a minute to have an accident. What does everyone else think?

When i am transporting my own dogs they are all in the Barjo in the boot, some are also attached on benching chains as i know of too many dogs who have jumped out of the car and got run over, including when some well meaning person opened the crate after a road accident despite being told to leave it closed - in that case three of the already stressed dogs ran onto the motorway.

When people come to pick up puppies from me they must have a secure crate or carrier without which the pups do not leave.

Kate

hi carol

I got my daughter to hold our puppy wrapped in a large towel and hugging her, she sat in the back seat with her and comforted her when she got a bit upset. My daughter just stroked her and we talked to her all the way home, I did drive extra slow, our journey was about 45 mins. I didn't want to put her in a crate as i felt the journey and seperation from the litter was daunting enough for her and felt this was the best way to help her feel secure.
maggie.

Thank you all for your advice - especially the reminder for towels.. just in case! We're getting really excited as it's only a week away now and yes, he has already been named: "Mack" - after my favourite motorbike racer Niall Mackenzie!! He will also be joining a family of 3 cats so I'm sure, although they're quite laid back, that we're in for an entertaining few weeks!! Carol