This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Say 'Adios' to Your Pup's Automobile Anxiety!

Help for canine automobile anxiety.

It can be so much fun taking our rascals on road trips with us. Whether it’s to the local dog park, outdoor shopping area or on an adventure to an exotic place far, far away, having them with us makes the trip so much more enjoyable.

However, the sad fact is that not all dogs enjoy car rides. For some, it is one of the most frightening places they’ll ever be. They shake, cry, bark, get destructive, vomit and sometimes defecate. It’s a tragic experience for everyone involved.

Why this happens: We don’t always know. Sometimes it’s because they have had one or more traumatic experiences in a car, sometimes it’s because they weren’t properly introduced to the car, and other times, it’s just simply because they are sensitive, it’s in their DNA.  

I sure wish we could ask them.

Regardless of the reasons, there is a way to help your dog over their “automobile anxiety.”  Every dog/human team works at their own pace, but at a minimum, expect this to take several weeks. So if you’re planning a summer trip, start now.

First, identify exactly where your dog’s stress is starting. Is it when the pup is leashed up to go to the car, when he's walking to the car, or when he gets in the car, etc.? I suggest you keep a diary. Once the "trigger" is identified, break it down into steps. This training must be broken down step by step! Be careful not to skip steps; stay patient and focused on your dog’s feelings. Let him tell you when he’s ready to move on to the next step.

Here is a sample plan if the fear starts with the leash.

Find out what's happening in Manhattan Beachwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  1. Pick up the leash as you are giving dog treats, count to three, put the leash down/remove the treat, leash=treat. Repeat over and over until the leash is "no big deal."
  2. Once your dog can handle the leash being put on, walk him toward the door, feeding him treats. Hence, walking towards door=treat. Repeat over and over until walking to the door is "no big deal."
  3. Once your dog has conquered that step, then try to walk toward your car. See how your dog is doing. If he's okay, then get in your car, progressing to sitting in you car, then starting the engine and so on, repeating each step until dog is "okay with each step.” Go slowly! That is key.
  4. Once your dog can get in the car, then take very, very short trips, treating him the whole way (if your dog is so stressed that he/she won’t take a treat, then you’ve moved too fast. Your pup is too nervous. Go back several steps). When I say short, I mean, down the driveway and back up, then past a few houses, then home, then down to the end of the street and back again.  Slowly build up the distance of the drive. You want to slowly build up your dog’s tolerance to the car.
  5. Once your dog is a bit more relaxed in the car, start taking him to great places: dog park, pet store, a friend's house, never leaving him alone in the car (there are dangers in leaving your dog alone in the car).

This does take time and can be tedious, but it does work if done correctly. Make the investment in helping your pup through their fear.  Once you have, the reward of being able to take your dog with you will be well worth it.*

*This protocol does not address dogs that simply have motion sickness. There are several homeopathic remedies to help in those cases, including ginger and fenugreek. Consult with your local homeopathic veterinarian for their advice. Many times, the above protocol, in additional to homeopathic remedies, can be the answer to your pup’s automobile anxiety.


Written by Rebecca Mandell, positive reinforcement dog trainer/owner of Dog's Best Friend

Find out what's happening in Manhattan Beachwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?