Getting Your Dog Used To Car Travel.

Getting Your Dog Used To Car Travel.

Car travel is essential for most dogs, but they can become anxious about travelling in a vehicle and some find it stressful being in a moving car. For hints and tips on getting your dog used to car travel, read our Holidays4Dogs article.

Some dogs just love a road trip and will do anything to jump in a car and get going to explore some exciting new dog walks. For others, however, the experience of car travel can be anything but fun. However, it is possible to condition your dog to be more comfortable riding in a vehicle.

Why do some dogs hate car travel?

If your dog isn’t too keen on travelling in the car, there could be a few reasons why this might be the case.

Motion sickness is a common reason why dogs don’t like car travel. Thankfully, puppies usually grow out of car sickness once they mature and get their balance. However, some dogs can continue to suffer from motion sickness and this creates a reluctance to travel in the car as it can make them feel nauseous, or even vomit.

Some dogs may hate car rides because of negative experiences when they were young. Motions sickness again, could be the culprit, even if the dog no longer suffers. They may still have a negative association with the vehicle. If the dog only ever takes  car rides to the vet, this too, may set up a less than positive experience with being in the car.

As well as anxiety, some dogs become super over-excited when travelling in the car. This might be due to frustration because they want to get to the destination (walk). Sometimes, the speed of the scenery passing by, can cause dogs to get excited. Especially, if they can see triggers, such as other dogs or people. This can result in barking and whining.

 It is also worth noting that, because dogs have a very acute sense of smell, air fresheners we often use in vehicles, can be too much for some dogs. This can make dogs feel uncomfortable and, potentially, adds to the negative experience of being in a car.

How to make car rides fun for your puppy.

Ideally, puppies should used to travelling in the car from the beginning. This is more likely to prevent anxiety about car travel. By making sure your dog feels safe and secure in the car, they are less likely to feel the effects of the motion of a moving vehicle.

Most importantly, it is crucial to have your dog appropriately secured, in accordance with the highway code. Failure to do so, could result in a nasty accident.

If an accident occurs, due to an unsecured pet in the car, drivers could be landed with a hefty fine. Take the opportunity, when your dog is a puppy, to get them used to a harness and seatbelt, or travel crate, when riding in the car.

Begin with very short journeys to alternative walks and places to visit – not just the dreaded vet! This can be very much part of your puppy socialisation days – taking your puppy to new and interesting places. Remember, though, – keep car rides brief to begin with.

Training dogs who hate car rides.

If your dog is already anxious about travelling in the car, you will need to take a slightly different approach. First create a comfortable and safe space for your dog. It makes sense that, if dogs are affected by motion sickness, creating a travelling space for them that stops them falling around, is bound to help.

This may be a car seat ( secure the dog with a seat-belt) or, a crate. If your dog is reactive to things he sees from the window, a covered crate can help reduce anxiety/excitement by removing the visual stimuli.

Step 1.

If the dog will happily get into the car, start by providing lots of tasty treats to reinforce the idea that the car is a good place to be. You could even try giving your dog their daily meals in the car. This means, you will build up an enthusiasm for being in the car.

On the other hand, if your dog is very nervous around the car and is reluctant to get in it at all, start by getting your dog used to being around the outside of the vehicle.

Provide treats and praise for walking around the car. Move on to opening and shutting the car doors, etc. Allow the dog to investigate by themselves. Don’t push, or force.

Step 2.

Next encourage your dog onto the cosy bed and reward with praise and treats again. Keep sessions short. Try getting into the car yourself and encourage your dog to follow. Once your dog is happy to hop in and out of the car, provide them with a stuffed Kong or chew, so they spend a little more time inside the car. Up to this point, the engine must always be switched off! Also, leave the door/boot open.

Step 3.

The next step is to shut the door/boot. Only do this for a few seconds at a time, before opening the door again. Let your dog get out of the vehicle and back in again. Once your dog is happy to sit in the car and have the doors opened and closed, its time for the next step.

Step 4.

Don’t forget the harness and seatbelt !

Now it’s time to turn the engine on. You may need a helper for this. As the engine is started, give your dog lots of praise and treats.

Turn the engine off and keep up the praise.

If your dog seems stressed at this stage, continue longer with encouraging your dog to be comfortable in the car without the engine running.

If your dog stays calm, let the engine run for a little longer. Stop and let the dog get out. Repeat over a period of days.

Step 5.

Finally, it’s time to get the car moving. Always make very short journeys. Perhaps, just up the street a few hundred yards. Try to drive slowly and smoothly. Gradually extend the driving times.

This may seem like a long process and sometimes it can be. Unfortunately, this sort of training does tend to take a little longer. The aim is to build a positive association over time. However, the efforts should be worth it, as many dogs will respond well to it.

Holidays4Dogs and car travel.

With owner’s permission, our carers are happy to transport dogs further afield for dog walks and outings. However, all dogs in our care are safely secured as per the highway code.

To find out more about our dedicated carers and booking a safe, secure, holiday for your dog – follow the paw

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