If your dog is anything like Keeda, the car isn’t its favorite place to be. When Keeda gets into the car she starts whining quietly, obviously worried. Here are some ways to make car trips more comfortable for your dog:
Talk to your dog
Your voice can be very soothing to a dog. Talk to your dog and praise it in the car. However, remember to tell your dog all about how well it’s doing when it’s quiet and not whining. Attempting to soothe your dog’s nerves with your voice while it’s whining and acting scared will only reinforce the fearful behavior.
Give your dog a chew toy
Occupy your dog in the car by giving it its favorite chew toy to play with.
Take your dog to fun places
If the only time your dog ever goes in the car is when you’re taking a trip to the vet, you can understand why the car wouldn’t be its favorite place. Start going to more fun places than scary or unpleasant ones – drive to the dog beach, a nice hiking spot, to a playdate with another dog, or other place that your dog actually likes. Show your dog that a car means doing something fun is going to happen.
You can teach an old dog new tricks, so with a bit of patience and dedication you can teach your dog to love the car.
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Our Aussie Kai was a major drooler in cars when we first rescued her. So to help her feel more comfortable riding in the car, we spent a few days creating the car as a safe place. We would have her enter the car, give her some treats and then exit. Then later, increase the time. Eventually we would do some play in the car like a tug. Then start the car and play and treat. Then short drive and tug and play and treat.
And now there is no more drooling or car anxiety. It took maybe 3 total hours of effort over 3 days.
Great advice, Jason, thanks!