Dog car travel is something we are often asked for advice for and with “staycations” on the cards for millions every year, the prospect of travelling with a dog in the car may be looming. Whether it’s over excitement or anxiety, we can help you ensure your dog is calm and happy on a road trip and help you learn how to calm a dog in the car if needed.
First things first, it is important to recognise that all dogs will need our help to acclimatise to car journeys. Excitable or anxious dogs may leap around, and bark on a road trip, thereby creating a dangerous situation. If the driver is distracted, there could be a serious accident – so having a calm canine is a safety must!
How to train a dog to ride in a car
As with most things, dog car travel training is best to start them young. Get your dog used to being in the car from a puppy if possible so that you can avoid dog anxiety in the car for future trips. Start by putting your dog in the car for a short amount of time with the engine running (plus AC if necassary) and with you sitting inside. Once your dog settles down you can reward them with a treat. A stuffed Kong is a great way to keep them occupied and get them feeling comfortable.
We would then encourage you to take your dog on boring errands where they will not be released. This way, the car is not always associated with having lots of fun. After your dog has grown bored of going on trips around the block, start increasing the length of your trips (always ending nowhere). Then, take a trip that approaches the dog park (or any other destination that excites your dog), but be ready to turn the moment they act hyper again. Over time, dog car travel will be easy and you’ll be ready for extended trips.
How to calm a dog in the car
At the Company of Animals Pet Centre, we receive many calls on dogs behaving badly on the journey to the park, beach or forest but rarely do we receive complaints about the same dogs on the journey home.
The key is to not proceed until your dog is calm and quiet – counter-conditioning. The reason dogs bark in the car is that they have learned that doing so makes us drive faster and therefore release them more quickly. The same applies to overexcitement in the home before a walk so exclamations such as “walkies” that cue your intentions are best avoided if you want a peaceful life.
Simply stay quiet at the wheel until the undesirable behaviour stops. During the journey, if the barking starts up again and it is safe to do so, stop driving until the car falls quiet once more. Once you get to your destination, do not rush to release your dog, make them wait. Listen to the radio or condition a “sit” before you open the door. This will allow you to attach the lead safely before your dog leaves the car.
If you want to know how to calm a dog in the car, we have found that securing your dog forward into the rear passenger footwell behind the driver reduces stimulation to the car’s movements and the world outside. Ideally, when you begin this, have someone sit on the back seat to give praise, attention and rewards for being calm and quiet.
Dog car travel problems are common and it’s important to stay calm and patient and trust that practising these tips consistently will help both you and your dog.