Just about everyone knows that many dogs love riding in the car, but few people question why.
The Car As the Pack's Territory
There are a number of reasons why dogs enjoy vehicle transport. Though it isn't accurate to say dogs feel hip or successful riding in a trendy, stylish car, the dogs do, in a sense, have a natural, instinctive understanding of the importance of what the car represents to the "pack" (the dog's family-hierarchy), and his Master's status.
Sights, Smells, Sounds and a Purpose
So the dog knows the car is significant, but there are a lot of things the dog will like about the car, such as:
- The car presents familiar smells and sounds. Usually there's a spot in the car that the dog has made his or her "own place".
- It's a mobile "den"; the enclosed shape provides a sense of security.
- He can be "on-watch" for his "Master". Dogs like to have a duty to perform, something to protect.
- Changing scenery always gives him something new to look at.
- The dog knows that you (the head of the pack) will come back, as he remembers you always return to the car.
- The dog knows and feels like he is, physically, part of that pack when contained in the car. Dogs are pack-oriented and you, as the master, are the dog's focus. You can be seen at all times and when you are away from the car, the dog is assigned a purpose.