How to calm a dog during car rides?

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. 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.

Teach your dog to ride in the car calmly and comfortably so your travel companion becomes a first-rate passenger. Desensitization is a step-by-step method of gradually introducing your dog to the car. Counter-conditioning changes your dog’s emotional response from negative to positive by having great stuff happen near and inside the car. Depending on how severely your dog reacts, you might have to teach your dog to ride in the car starting from 10 feet away, while the car is parked in the driveway. You can also start with your dog on the back seat. At each stage of the process, give your dog something beloved like a special toy, delicious treats, or a meal. Now it’s time to add the other elements that precede a drive, for example, sitting in the driver’s seat, closing the doors, or making the remote locks beep, and pair each step with something wonderful. To teach your dog to ride in the car, your final step should be turning the car on and off, just let your dog associate the sound of the engine with food, fun, and games. If an upset stomach from motion sickness or anxiety still bothers your dog, here are a few tips to help ease your dog’s tummy: Keep the temperature inside the car cool, lower the windows for fresh air, limit your dog’s food and water for a few hours before the trip. Consult your vet about motion sickness medication or anti-anxiety medication. Exercise your dog about twenty minutes before your trip to decrease stress, spray dog pheromones in the car.