The iconic image of a happy dog with his head hanging out the open window of a car, ears flapping in the breeze, sadly isn’t how all dogs feel about car rides. As your best friend, you want to bring your dog with you wherever you go. So, how do you do that is he hates the car?
There are a number of reasons your dog might be anxious in the car. It could be that the car’s movement makes them nauseous, or that they only ride in the car when they’re going somewhere like the vet. Whatever the reason, car anxiety can be overcome with patience and, if motion sickness is the cause, help from your veterinarian.
Nobody Likes Feeling Sick
Let’s face it, nobody likes having an upset stomach. If your dog experiences motion sickness, that will need to be brought under control before any progress can be made. Puppies are particularly susceptible to car sickness because their inner ears and sense of balance are still developing. That means some dogs will outgrow motion sickness. For those that don’t sometimes it’s just a matter of limiting food intake prior to car rides. If that doesn’t work, there are anti-nausea drugs made specifically for dogs that your vet can prescribe. As always, never give you dog medication meant for humans unless approved by your vet.
Make Car Rides Fun
Once car sickness is no longer a factor, it may just be that your pup sees the car as a scary place. For dogs that aren’t used to riding in a car, the motion and vibrations can cause them to be afraid of traveling. The key is to help your dog form a positive association with the car before he even gets in.
Don’t drive anywhere just yet. First you need to practice getting in the car and his favorite treat will help him make progress.
Step by Step
Start by walking towards the car and reward your dog with a small, high-value treat for approaching. Repeat this until your dog is happy to approach the vehicle. Next approach the car, open the door, reward your pup and walk away. Repeat this step until your dog is able to stand comfortably next to the car with the door open.
Now begin to encourage him to investigate the car on his own. Place a high-value treat inside and speak to him in a happy tone while he explores. Start with the treats near the door and, as your dog becomes more bold, encourage them to put more of their body inside the vehicle to find the reward. Never force your dog into the car. Doing so will only strengthen the bad association he has with it.
Once your pup will comfortably enter the car, close the door for one second then open it and reward him. If he wants to get out, let him. Keep doing this until you can close the door for 30 seconds to one minute without your dog becoming anxious.
Now it’s time to have your dog to enter the car, then close the door and get in the front seat, rewarding him for calm behavior once you’re fully seated. If he’s able to stay calm, try starting the car, rewarding him and then turning off the car and allowing him to get out if he wants to.
For some dogs, using the physical pressure from restraints like dog car harnesses or a dog anxiety vest can help. Other dogs may prefer enclosed spaces like pet carriers or dog booster seats that can make them feel more secure when traveling.
Finally after he’s mastered being in your car with you and the engine running, it’s time to begin taking short trips. Drive very brief distances – a block or two – before stopping the car, rewarding your dog and allowing them to get out. Gradually increase the distances if your dog stays relaxed and before you know it your pup will be excited to go on road trips with you.