Training your dog for long car rides starts with helping them feel calm and secure around the vehicle.
Let your dog approach the parked car and sit inside.
Start with short car rides to familiar places. Then, gradually increase travel.
Provide comfort items that promote a sense of security.
Watch for dog car anxiety symptoms like whining, panting, drooling, lip licking, trembling or nausea.
Professional anxiety training may help dogs who fear car rides.
It’s normal for dogs to show anxiety and confusion during car rides. Fortunately for pet parents, however, there are many ways to car-train a dog to enjoy travel.
Car-training your dog starts with understanding the causes of dog car anxiety, recognizing symptoms and letting them build their tolerance for car rides in small steps. This blog explains how to think about the process.
Why Do Some Dogs Struggle With Long Car Rides?
Cars can be intimidating, scary and confusing for dogs who haven’t been car-trained. Your dog’s car anxiety might arise from various common triggers, including:
Fear, confusion or general anxiety
Fear of engine noise and vibrations
Sliding or loss of balance due to the vehicle’s movement
Motion sickness
Overstimulation
Seeing fast movement outside
Discomfort from leashes, harnesses or seatbelts
Negative associations with vehicles
Memories of riding in the car only to stressful destinations, like the vet
Dog car anxiety can affect dogs of any age, and it can even appear in dogs who previously enjoyed car rides. Regardless of when or how your pup’s anxiety manifests, it’s important to recognize the signs and begin an anxiety training plan.
Signs Your Dog Has Car Anxiety
Car anxiety varies between dogs, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Some symptoms may resolve more easily than others. Here’s a helpful list to help you recognize and classify dog car anxiety symptoms:
Severe car anxiety is particularly concerning if it causes physical symptoms like vomiting. These issues may be related to car anxiety, but they may also signal underlying issues like motion sickness. Alongside continued car training, pet parents should consult their veterinarian about managing severe symptoms.
Motion Sickness vs. Dog Car Anxiety
It is sometimes difficult to distinguish if a dog is anxious or simply has motion sickness, and the two conditions can be interrelated.
Motion sickness occurs when the car’s movement overstimulates the dog’s inner ear, causing nausea and other issues. Certain medical conditions like inner ear disorders, as well as various medications, may predispose your dog to motion sickness. These conditions may be treatable by a veterinarian, so seek care if you suspect your dog has motion sickness. If you can control the motion sickness, you may help your pup avoid the confusion, fear and anxiety it causes.
Below is a chart to distinguish between motion sickness and dog car anxiety.
Issue
Common Signs
What Owners Should Do
Motion Sickness
Drooling, lip licking, nausea, vomiting, lethargy
Talk with a vet, limit heavy meals before rides, adjust car position and comfort.
Car Anxiety
Whining, panting, shaking, pacing, refusal to enter the car
Use gradual exposure, short sessions, calm handling, and positive reinforcement.
Both
Restlessness, drooling, stress before or during the ride
Slow training down and consider veterinary or professional training support.
Steps for Dog Car Training
Dog car training is a multi-step process that starts small. With the right attention and TLC, your pup will be ready to hop in and ride.
Step 1: Practice Around the Parked Car
Start car training with low-pressure exposure to the vehicle.
Calmly walk toward the car.
Let your dog sniff and explore the exterior first.
Don’t start the engine while your dog is outside the car.
Reward calm behavior with treats.
Repeat this step until your dog approaches the car willingly.
Step 2: Let Your Dog Explore the Car Without Driving
Once your dog is familiar with the vehicle’s exterior, introduce them to the interior.
Open the car door and let the dog sniff and investigate. Don’t try to pick them up or force them inside.
Place treats or a comforting toy just inside the car door, followed by another treat farther inside.
Let your dog explore the vehicle. Gently establish boundaries by encouraging them away from the driver’s seat or dash panel.
Step 3: Reward Calm Time Inside the Car
Give your dog time to get accustomed to the stationary, open car before making any adjustments.
Get in the car with the dog and encourage them to sit calmly beside you. Some pet parents find it helpful to put the dog in the back seat while they sit in the front seat, so the dog can get familiar with the setup.
If you’re planning to use a pet seatbelt or harness in the car, try it out now. If your dog becomes agitated, use a command they already know, like “sit,” to redirect their attention away from the seatbelt or harness.
Provide treats or a calming toy for good behavior.
Keep the doors open at first. Only close them once your dog is used to sitting in the car.
Sit inside the closed car with your dog for a few moments, but don’t stay too long.
Step 4: Start the Car Without Moving
Once the dog’s settled inside, introduce them to the vehicle noise.
Start the engine briefly, then turn it off after a short period. Practice commands like “sit” and “down” if your dog becomes startled, encouraging them to focus on your cues rather than the sound of the car turning on.
Turn on the air conditioning or heat for a gentle stream of comfortable air.
Keep the volume of the radio or music low.
Continue to reward your dog with pats, love and treats for good behavior.
Step 5: Take Very Short Rides
Once your dog is used to the running car, start moving.
Start by going to the end of the driveway, then the end of the block.
Practice rides at various speeds.
Avoid starting early rides with vet trips, errands or visits to stimulating places. You don’t want the dog to associate vehicles with fearful experiences.
After a ride, reward your dog with a treat, a short walk or playtime to associate rides with fun activities.
Step 6: Gradually Increase Ride Length
Over time, introduce your dog to longer-distance travel.
Mix visits to fun places, like the dog park, with other trips to the vet, the store or a new adventure.
Schedule potty breaks or rests during travel.
Keep your dog’s routine predictable. Plan errands and trips around your dog’s feeding and walking schedule.
How To Make the Car More Comfortable for Your Dog
Make your vehicle comfortable for your dog during the car training process. The more comfortable they are, the easier they’ll adjust.
Travel crates, crash-tested harnesses or approved doggy seatbelts can provide valuable protection and stability for dogs in cars.
Don’t allow dogs in the front seat. The fast-moving views may frighten them, and front-seat airbags could harm your dog in a crash.
Add a non-slip surface or dog-safe liner to the backseat.
Don’t let your dog stick their head out the moving car’s window. It’s okay to crack a window for fresh air, provided it’s not too loud or harsh.
Keep a few toys, a comforting blanket and extra treats in the car.
Make your dog’s travel experience convenient, too. Schedule time for regular breaks and short walks. Never leave a dog unattended in a car without following precautions.
Dog Anxiety Training Can Help With Car Rides
If your dog dislikes car rides, professional dog anxiety training may help them overcome their fear. Programs like those at All-Star Dog Training can help dogs build confidence, handle stress and feel safer in stimulating environments. Most importantly, they’ll reinforce trust between pup and owner, ensuring your dog knows to look to you for guidance during the ride.
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