Labrador's First Time in Back of a Car With Kid's Seat Doesn't Go To Plan

A social media video that captures a pet Labrador's first time in the back of a car has led to plenty of laughter online, as well as an outpouring of sympathy for the timid dog from viewers.

The viral video, which has been viewed more than 1.2 million times since it was first shared to TikTok on 18 December, showed the female dog standing up uneasily in the back of the car while a kid's car seat is positioned beside her.

It was clear to the video's audience that the dog, who's well accustomed to spreading out and lounging around in dog beds, hasn't yet figured out how to sit inside a car.

The post had been captioned: "She is convinced she has to take up the entire back seat".

The chocolate-shaded Labrador, who is named Lily, lives in Los Angeles with her owners and canine sibling, another chocolate-shaded Labrador named Chloe.

The doggy duo's owners created the TikTok account @lilyandchloelabsisters, where the viral video had been posted, to document the pair's daily antics.

How Can You Help Your Dog Feel Comfortable in Cars?

While some dogs are confident road-trippers, others feel anxious and unsettled inside cars.

The U.K based charity, Dogs Trust advises dog owners keen to coax their fur-children into sitting politely inside cars to bring treats and toys along to the vehicle while training them.

The vast majority of dogs are motivated by rewards, which to most come in the form of well-loved toys or tasty treats. They also feel much more comfortable when around familiar objects and scents, which can help ease any feelings of stress or anxiety.

"Start by using your puppy or dog's [favorite] special treats to reward them for being calm whenever they're near the car, even just walking around the car can be helpful to begin with," Dogs Trust said on its website.

"Reward your dog for sitting calmly before you're ready to open the door and invite them inside."

"If your dog is tentative about getting into the car, place something that smells of you or them in with them. This could be a blanket, bed or pillowcases, as the smell of these can reassure them," the organization added.

What Do the Comments Say?

Since it was shared to the social media platform on December 18 by @lilyandchloelabsisters, the TikTok post has been liked by over 44,000 users.

"They are such creatures of habit. I wish they'd make cars with seats made for dogs built in," one user wrote.

Another user added: "The first time mine rode in the car with an empty car seat she sat in it. I wish I stopped the car to take a picture."

The TikTok post can be seen here.

Newsweek reached out to @lilyandchloelabsisters for more information via TikTok.

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