How to calm a dog during a car ride?
Jordy Gutmann
2025-06-26 07:15:56
Count answers: 9
Having my husband or daughter sit on the back seat to calm her has managed it before. She likes to climb on us for comfort. She does not do well in a crate, she gets anxious if she has a barrier.
Tierra Steuber
2025-06-26 06:16:15
Count answers: 13
Get your pet used to the car by training them to sit calmly in a stationary car to start with. Help them to feel comfortable in the car with their harness on. Use treats, and play games whilst in the car, this will help them to associate the car with good things. Start with short trips, you can help to calm dogs while travelling by taking your dog for short trips in the car to start with, possibly to the park or the pet shop. Gradually build up the journeys so that they last longer. Give your dog an item of clothing with your scent on, or their favourite toy or blanket to keep them calm during the journey. A toy will also help to keep them distracted during the journey. Secure your dog, be sure your dog feels secure in the car, you can use a harness or a dog cage, which will help them to feel calmer. Don’t feed prior to travelling, to reduce travel sickness, avoid feeding your dog a couple of hours before you plan to travel. Exercise your dog before a long journey, this will help them to burn off excess energy and help them to settle during the journey. Make loo stops, if you are travelling a long way be sure to make plenty of pit stops to give your dog some exercise and a chance to go to the toilet and have some water. Consider using Nutracalm, which has a unique formula that naturally helps to reduce stress and anxiety for your pet.
Cynthia Strosin
2025-06-26 05:29:14
Count answers: 5
To calm a dog during a car ride, start by getting your dog used to the car, using their favourite special treats to reward them for being calm whenever they’re near the car. Reward your dog for sitting calmly before you’re ready to open the door and invite them in. Gradually introduce your dog to travel, as the sensation might feel very unusual to begin with, especially if they’ve never been in a car before. Start with short, slow and gentle journeys that will allow your dog to get used to car travel in a positive way. If your dog is showing signs of being frightened about travelling in the car never force them to travel, as this is only going to make them even more worried, and they might feel trapped and panic. Keep your dog secured in the car, it’s the law, and having a friend, who your dog knows well and is comfortable with, accompanying you can be helpful so there is someone to be beside your dog if necessary while you drive.
Linda Littel
2025-06-26 03:43:25
Count answers: 6
To calm a dog during a car ride, changing your relationship with your dog is the first step. You must be in control of the direction of your walks - you go first and the dog walks behind. After he gets the idea on a leash, it’s time to try him in the car. I like to start off training the dog when the car is not moving in the driveway. So first you need to teach the dog to stay in the back seat behind you. Once the dog understands he is not allowed in the front seat, we need to teach him to lie down on the back seat. Sometimes getting a doggie seat belt and attaching him to a harness can be very helpful. This allows you to at least control his placement. After you have been able to keep the dog in a down stay position while driving in the empty parking lot or deserted street, its time to take him for a short ride. Now try driving to his favorite destination like the dog park. Once you get there, park the car and wait until he is quiet and calm before you let him out. You see, don’t reward him for being crazy and whining. Only let him out when he is in a calm state of mind. If you only put your dog in the car when you are taking him to a dog park or fun place, it can many times aggravate this behavior. In this case take him in the car often, but don’t let him out when you get to the destination.
Maiya Mraz
2025-06-26 03:21:07
Count answers: 8
Walk slowly towards the car and reward your dog with treats as they approach the vehicle. Repeat this process until your dog feels comfortable. Open the door or boot of the car and reward your dog. Slowly walk away with your dog sitting next to the vehicle and repeat several times to reinforce this process. Once your dog can stand next to the car with the door open, encourage them to investigate the vehicle on their own. As they do this, talk to them to reassure them and continue to give them treats. While your dog is in the car, close the door briefly and then open it again. Repeat this process until your dog can comfortably stay in the car for close to a minute. If your dog remains calm, then try getting in the front seat and starting the car. Reward your dog and then turn off the engine. Start the car once more, before trying to drive short distances. Reward your dog every time you bring the car to a stop, gradually increasing the journey time if they remain comfortable. Give them a puzzle toy for the journey to keep them busy. Make sure you take regular breaks. Avoid playing loud music. Keep the temperature inside the car cool. Lower the windows. Exercise your dog shortly before the journey. Ask your vet about possible medication.
Rosemarie Kemmer
2025-06-26 03:17:17
Count answers: 8
To calm a dog during a car ride, desensitization and counter-conditioning can be used to associate the car with wonderful things. You can start by having your dog near the car while it is parked in the driveway, then gradually move closer and closer, giving your dog something beloved like a special toy, delicious treats, or a meal. At each stage of the process, give your dog something wonderful to help them link the car with food and fun. Only move closer when your dog is completely relaxed at the current stage. If your dog stops eating or playing, you’ve moved too fast, simply take a step or two backward until your dog relaxes then start again. Once your dog is comfortable in the car, you can add motion to the mix, starting with short distances and building up the time spent driving by short increments. Praise your dog while you drive and use encouraging cheerful banter. For dogs that still get upset due to motion sickness or anxiety, keeping the temperature inside the car cool, lowering the windows for fresh air, and limiting food and water before the trip can help ease their tummy. Consult your vet about motion sickness medication or anti-anxiety medication, and consider exercising your dog about twenty minutes before the trip to decrease stress. Spray dog pheromones in the car, which mimic the odor of a nursing mother dog and can relax even adult dogs.
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