If you’re dogs are anything like mine one of their favourite things to will be visiting new places and taking in all the sniffs. Of course fun adventures usually entail travelling your dog in the car and although my own pups are generally good travellers, but I have previously had a dog that was very stressed in the car and I know that plenty of dogs do struggle with anxiety so ensuring that they feel safe and comfortable is even more of a challenge.
There’s a few things we can do to help our dogs travel better and I think I have discovered a product that will help anxious dogs to feel more relaxed and secure – the Luther Bennett Dog Pod.
Billed on their website as ‘the world’s most luxurious dog car seat’. the Luther Bennett Dog Pod is cosy, stylish, and safe travel system for dogs and easily converts to a dog bed when you arrive at your destination. Of course even the most seasoned adventure dog will love travelling in style in this dog car seat and it can even be used as a travel bed.
Luther Bennett is a British Brand and although it was only started 4 years ago has quickly established itself as one of the leading luxury dog brands in the UK, as well as its headline product – The Dog Pod – it has some fabulous dog coats and collars and leads and I’m sure that their range will continue to expand.
Straight out of the box, the Dog Pod looks luxurious, I found it easy to assemble by watching the video on the website. The design is sleek and modern, and it’s clear that a lot of thought has gone into the materials. There is a choice of sizes and colours and after a lot of deliberation I chose the regular size for small to medium dogs in Olive. For reference my spaniel Lucia weighs 10kg
The exterior is durable, Water resistant and scratch proof while the cushions that slot inside to form the pod walls are filled with ultra-soft padding that basically makes your dog feel like they are floating on a cloud. The whole thing is machine washable, so no need to worry if it gets a bit muddy on your journey.
It also has sturdy handles, making it easy to carry, and comes with 2 buckle straps to secure the pod to the back and front seats and a safety clip inside to clip a harness to so your pup stays securely in place. (A spare safety clip strap is included as well, in case you lose it or have two passengers) Such is the attention to detail of its design, the dog travel seat even has pockets on the outside to store other travel essentials such as treats, wipes and toys.
The Dog Pod arrived just in time for our planned camping pod trip so the first real test was quite a long car journey, and I was honestly impressed by how much my spaniel, Lucia enjoyed it. Even though she doesn’t usually get anxious in the car, she still loved the cosy, den-like feel of the Dog Pod. I can definitely see how it would be a lifesaver for dogs that do struggle with travel anxiety. Plus, it’s designed to be breathable, so there’s plenty of airflow, which is super important, especially on long trips.
I think the most important thing when travelling your dogs in the car is safely, in fact it is illegal in the UK not to have your dog restrained while on the move, and of course the Luther Bennett Dog Pod has this covered, it is fully Highway Code Compliant,
One feature I absolutely love about this luxury dog travel system is that when you arrive at your destination the front unzips to become a comfortable dog sofa bed! Lucia was super keen to test this out and spent a lot of time in it relaxing even though she was free to wander round and play in the field.
I just wish that I had one of these a few years ago when I did have an Anxious traveller, it would have been a real game changer!
I am so impressed with this dog car seat and know that it is really going to help dogs nervous of car travel to start enjoying it more but I thought I’d share a few tips of other things you can do to lessen your pups anxiety while travelling.
Whether you have a puppy or a dog with an established fear of travelling in the car, getting your dog used to the car in a low-pressure way is essential. Let them sit inside while it’s parked, give them treats, and make it a positive space before you even start the engine. Short practice drives around the block can help ease them into it, and then trips to places they love such as your local park. I’m pretty sure that one of my previous dog’s anxiety stemmed from a few early trips to the vet as a puppy, so always make sure these days that my dogs form positive associations from early on.
A cosy travelling setup also makes a big difference, so bring their favourite blanket or even better, a Luther Bennet Dog Pod to create a familiar, safe spot. Some dogs do feel more secure in a crate, so if that is the case with yours, do that, it is your dogs comfort and safety that is the priority here. If they get nervous with too much movement outside, consider using a car window shade to reduce stimulation.
Calming aids can also help, whether it’s a pheromone spray, a calming supplement, or even gentle background music to keep the atmosphere soothing. Avoid feeding your dog a big meal right before a trip, as an unsettled stomach can add to their stress. If your dog struggles with motion sickness or extreme anxiety, talk to your vet about medication options. Most importantly, stay calm yourself – dogs pick up on our energy, and if you act relaxed and reassuring, it can help them feel safer. With time and consistency, your pup can learn that car rides aren’t so bad, and maybe even start looking forward to the adventure ahead.
The Luther Bennett Dog Pod is honestly one of the most high quality and well designed products I have ever reviewed on this blog. It’s stylish, functional, and – most importantly – my dogs actually love it. If you have a pup who struggles with travel anxiety, or if you just want a high-quality, comfy travel pod for your dog, I can’t recommend this enough.
Now, if only I could find a human-sized version for myself…
Prices for the Dog Pod Start at £180, and are available to buy from the Luther Bennett Website, delivery is super quick, but why wait?
Love Sal, Lucia and Maya xxx
NB This post has been sponsored by Luther Bennett but as always views are 100% my own.
