Dog expert Anna Webb has launched a podcast with Škoda UK - dog advocates and automotive sponsor of Crufts for the fourth consecutive year - to offer advice aimed at improving the behaviour of canines that struggle in the car. The Doggy Boot Camp podcast launched on Spotify yesterday.
The podcast is designed specifically with nervous pooches in mind, offering six episodes of practical, easy-to-follow training techniques that transform the car boot from a stressful space into a calm, confidence-building environment for our furry friends. Suitable for all breeds, the series helps owners tackle car journey chaos and build better travel behaviour.
Webb’s advice tackles the key challenges many owners face when travelling with their dogs, from reluctance to get in the car and overexcitement, to motion sickness and separation anxiety. Guiding owners through building early confidence, Doggy Boot Camp teaches owners to help dogs to settle calmly during journeys and introducing clear, consistent cues that reinforce positive behaviour.
Anna commented: “Many dogs acquired during the pandemic – or those who simply lived through it – are now displaying deeply ingrained travel-related behavioural challenges, with the car often acting as a trigger for anxiety or over-excitement. Even today, with hybrid and home-working lifestyles, dogs have experienced unpredictable routines, prolonged close contact with their owners and limited opportunities for socialisation - leaving many hyper-dependent and uneasy in unfamiliar environments.
“With the right structure, training and guidance, the car can become a calm and secure space for dogs, helping them to feel more relaxed and travel safely, ultimately allowing them to enjoy the ride, which in turn makes journeys more pleasant and stress-free for the driver!”
The podcast comes as dog-owning drivers admitted to resorting to creative coping strategies, with many even turning to bribes to get their dogs in the car. Top techniques include giving them food/treats (22%), bringing their bed or favourite toy in the car (20%) and playing music they know their dog likes (8%) - because nothing says “road trip” like snacks and a tailored playlist. On the road, precautions range from using a dog seat belt (30%) and offering snacks (19%), to soothing their dog while stationary (17%) and even turning to calming sprays or scents (5%), all in a bid to keep things paws-itively peaceful.
The research of 1,000 respondents highlights the true scale of the challenge dog-owning drivers are facing. Almost half (46%) admit to giving their pooches a pep talk and chatting to them to soothe their worries – the most common signs of anxiety being panting excessively (22%), crying (15%), and barking/howling (8%). Others reported muddy paw prints (30%) and chewed interiors (5%), reinforcing concerns about both safety and vehicle damage. And this doesn’t just impact the car, but the owners and drivers themselves, with almost a quarter feeling concerned (10%), stressed (8%), nervous (5%) and even scared (1%) of their dogs being in the car with them while they drive.
Looking under the bonnet, it’s clear that Brits have not set themselves up for success for driving with their furry companions. Almost three quarters (71%) have never trained their dog for time on the road, meaning most of us are winging it when it comes to woofers on wheels. Nearly three in ten (29%) have even gone so far as to avoid taking their dog out in the car altogether due to concerns around behaviour. Whilst the issue is clearly affecting us, more than a quarter (27%) still travel with their dog multiple times a week, with 1 in 10 even admitting to letting them ride shotgun.
Digging deeper into the data, one in six (17%) admit that the pandemic negatively affected their dog’s behaviour, with 70% attributing that largely to the fact that dogs couldn’t socialise with other dogs. Half of Brits also think them not being able to socialise with other people also impacted their dog’s behaviour, with 30% believing they developed separation anxiety, creating a generation of lockdown lapdogs.
Kirsten Stagg, Head of Marketing at Škoda UK, said: “As proud automotive sponsors of Crufts for the fourth consecutive year, we understand how important dogs are to family life in the UK. Our Doggy Boot Camp podcast is a fun but practical way to support dog-owning drivers, while showcasing the versatility and space that make Škoda models so well suited to everyday adventures.“
As well as expert training advice, Škoda models offer the practical space to make every journey smoother. Designed with real life at the fore, the boot space of a Škoda ranges from the Kamiqs’ 400 litres to the Kodiaq’s 2,105 litres; the range has space to fit every breed of dog, from a teacup Chihuahua to two gentle giant Great Danes, with room to spare, making sure both man and man’s best friend can travel comfortably.
The Doggy Boot Camp podcast by Crufts 2026 automotive sponsor, Škoda, is available now on Spotify here.
