178. The Hidden Danger in Your Car - TV Vet Dr Scott Miller & Behaviourist Adem Fehmi on How to Keep Your Dog Safe
We buckle ourselves in. We buckle the kids in. But every day, thousands of us unknowingly put our dogs at serious risk the moment we start the engine.In this special episode, I’m joined by Dr Scott Miller, the UK’s best-known TV vet, and Adem Fehmi, a respected canine behaviourist, to uncover the truth about travelling with unrestrained dogs.Did you know?A 20kg dog in a 30mph crash becomes a 600kg projectile.Up to 80,000 dogs are killed on UK roads every year, many because they weren’t restrained.Most dog owners don’t even realise they’re breaking the law when they let their pets ride loose.This isn’t about judgement, it’s about understanding the facts so we can make simple changes that could save our dogs’ lives.Dr Scott shares what he’s seen in over 25 years of treating animals, including the heartbreaking injuries that happen in crashes. Adem explains why so many dogs feel anxious in the car, and how you can train them to be calm and safe without fear or stress.Whether you’re driving five minutes to the park or three hours to a training day, this conversation is essential listening.If you love your dog, please take the time to hear this episode. The small changes you make today could protect them and you today!🎙️ Listen now and join us in making car journeys safer for every dog.What We Cover✔ The shocking physics of a crash:How a 20kg dog becomes a 600kg projectile that can injure everyone in the car.✔ The law you might be breaking:Why over half of UK drivers don’t realise they’re legally required to restrain their dog in the car (Rule 57 of the Highway Code).✔ Why loving your dog isn’t enough:How affection leads many owners to prioritise comfort over safety—and why that can have tragic consequences.✔ Real cases you’ll never forget:Dr Scott describes the heartbreaking injuries he’s seen when dogs were unrestrained.✔ Practical advice for reducing anxiety:Adem shares simple, step-by-step ways to help your dog feel calm and safe in a crate or harness.✔ Traveling with multiple dogs:Tips for working dog owners who transport several dogs to shoots and training days.✔ The one mindset shift that changes everything:Why treating your dog like any other family passenger—buckled up and protected—is the most caring thing you can do.About Our GuestsDr Scott MillerOne of the UK’s most recognisable vets, Dr Scott has over 25 years of experience and is a familiar face on ITV’s This Morning, Crufts, and Lorraine. As a passionate animal welfare advocate and pet safety campaigner, he brings unique insight into the often-overlooked risks our dogs face in everyday situations.Adem Fehmi BSc MCFBAA respected canine behaviourist and trainer, Adem has appeared on Channel 4, BBC Breakfast, and Love Your Weekend. He runs one of the UK’s largest behaviour and training centres, specialising in helping dogs—and their humans—navigate anxiety, training challenges, and safe travel.Key Quotes“In a 30mph crash, your Cocker Spaniel isn’t just a passenger—they’re a missile.” – Dr Scott Miller“Comfort shouldn’t come before safety. We can train dogs to feel calm and secure without risking their lives.” – Adem Fehmi“If you’d buckle up your kids, you must do the same for your dog.” – Dr Scott MillerTake Action TodayIf you only do one thing after listening to this episode, make it this:Check how your dog travels in your car.Are they safely restrained with a crash-tested harness or crate?Do you need to train them gradually to feel comfortable being secured?Do you know the legal requirements for pet travel?It only takes a few minutes to make changes that could save their life—and yours.Share Your ThoughtsHave you experienced a near-miss or learned something new in this episode? We’d love to hear from you. Share your story in our Facebook group or tag us on Instagram @ladiesworkingdogs🎧 Listen NowWherever you get your podcasts—Apple, Spotify, Google—or on our website.If you found this episode helpful, please share it with another dog owner. It could be the most important message they hear all year.Thanks for joining us for this week’s episode of Found It, Fetched It. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve got muddy boots and a seasoned dog by your side, we’re here to walk the journey with you. We’re all about real talk, practical tips, and celebrating every little win—because in this world, progress isn’t always perfect, but it’s always worth it.💬 We’d love to hear from youGot a story to share, a question to ask, or just fancy saying hi? Come chat with us on socials or pop over to the website.📚 Want to go further with your training?🐾 The Calm Dog BlueprintYour first step to a calmer, more connected partnership with your dog.🎓 The LWDG Society Expert-led courses, community support, and the kind of training that actually makes sense.📱 Stay connected with the pack:Website: ladiesworkingdoggroup.comFacebook: Ladies Working Dog GroupInstagram: @ladiesworkingdogs✨ And remember… Every session, every stumble, every breakthrough—it all counts. You’re not just training a dog. You’re building trust, confidence, and a community that’s right behind you.Keep going. We see you. 💛
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