Many dog owners often tell us how they would love to take their dogs with them in the car, but do not because their dog doesn't like it, or they may act up during the ride. Whether it be anxiety, stress, or maybe the dog gets car sick, they ultimately end up leaving their pup home. In these instances, the dog will only be taken in the car for their necessary vet trips..
Here are a few tips for those of you who have this problem:
Firstly, we want to make sure that the dog is tired out before taking them on a ride. We always want to mix mental and physical stimulation and expend their energy as much as possible. Before the car ride, you can take them on an hour long walk with time to sniff and let their senses work to expell more energy. Maybe play fetch with a stick or throw a ball. Exercising them before the ride will tire them out and make them less prone to anxiety and they will have less energy to act out.
Next, we want to make sure that the dog feels safe and comfortable. We can bring their bed in the car, their favorite blanket or their favorite toy. Something that they enjoy or generally go to for comfort can help take their mind off of the stress of the car ride and give them a sense of security that can distract them from the usual stress they may feel.
For those whose dogs throw up or get "car sick" during car rides, be sure not to feed them before going on a ride! If you want them to take a car ride, plan to feed them after the ride, make sure they have an empty stomach before taking off.
Another very important tip for getting your pup to be comfortable in the car is to make sure that every ride ends on a positive note. Often times, a dog's only experience in the car is when they go to the vet, which in itself can be a stressful time for the pup. They get in the car expecting to be taken somewhere they do not want to be, so it is no wonder that they dislike the car. Instead of going straight home after a ride, maybe stop to get them a bone or toy at a pet store, or get a puppaccino on the way home, something they will surely enjoy so that there is now a positive association with the trip instead of just a somber ride home with no reward. You can even stop somewhere new to walk and allow them time to explore with their nose and find new smells to enjoy before going home. Now they have an enjoyable, new and more importantly, positive experience to associate with getting in the car.
Lastly, it is good to start with short rides. Follow the rules above, and start one day by just going around the block. Take a 5 minute ride with a positive ending. The next day, go for a 10 minute drive. We want to slowly get them used to the experience without overwhelming them in the process. Build their confidence and ease them into the ride by starting slow, and repeating the process over time and you can gradually extend the ride as they begin to be more accepting of the process by utilizing all of the tips above.
Just like some dogs don't walk well on the leash, it takes time, practice and repetition to get them better at it.. this is the same concept, we want you to practice getting them comfortable, repeating the process and over time, they will start to be accustomed to the car and it will eventually be seen as a positive experience.
Using these tips over time can help ease your pups anxiety during car rides and make for a more enjoyable experience for them and for you. It also allows us to spend more time with our fur babies and allow them to spend more time with their pack leaders which is where they want to be! As with all behavioral training, these tricks must be repeated and are not an immediate fix. Repetition and consistency is key.
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