It’s common for many pet owners to find themselves having to travel in the car with their dog. While this can be an exciting experience, it can also be very daunting, especially if your dog isn’t used to it. Dogs who aren’t familiar with car travel may become stressed and bark, whine, pant heavily, or become car sick and physically vomit, all of which can lead to them refusing to get into the car at all.
Our friends over at Battersea have shared their expert advice on how to familiarise your dog with car travel so that you and your pet can feel confident when taking to the road together.
For more helpful tips on how to keep your pets happy and healthy, you can click the link below and sign up to Battersea’s fortnightly newsletter, The Battersea Way. Canine Cottages has been an exclusive sponsor of these emails since 2021 and we are proud to support Battersea in promoting responsible pet ownership through expert advice.
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Create a comfortable environment in the car
Placing some familiar bedding and toys in the car will help to create a soft, comfortable space that your dog will recognise. This can help to make them feel more secure, and blankets can help them maintain their balance during the journey.
Legally, your dog must be safely restrained when they’re travelling in the car; there are many options you can look into using such as a dog crate, car harness or dog guards. If using a crate, ensure you have crate-trained your dog first; you can find advice from Battersea on how to do this here.
Top tip
Ensure your car is always at a comfortable temperature for your dog and that wherever you place them, the car is ventilated or has access to air circulation. The boot, for example, could get considerably hotter than passenger seats with direct aircon access.
Introduce your dog to the car
Photo credit: Battersea Dogs and Cats Home
If your dog is not familiar with being around the car, then it’s a good idea to dedicate some time when you don’t need to take them anywhere to get them used to the vehicle. With the engine off, open your car (the boot or door you want them to eventually go in by) and walk your dog towards the car, allowing them to sniff and explore as they approach.
If they show interest in getting into the car, praise them verbally and reward them with a treat or some toy play. Allow them to come out of the car and then repeat.
Depending on the type of car you have, you may need to consider lifting your dog into the car or using a ramp to help them get in so that they don’t hurt themselves by jumping in and out.
Getting your dog used to being inside the car
Photo credit: Battersea Dogs and Cats Home
Once your dog is confident getting in and out of the car and is happily getting in when you approach, you can then start to increase the amount of time your dog is in the car. Set the car up with something the dog enjoys ahead of the training – if they like food, a longer-lasting treat or chew can be used.
Approach the car and open the door or boot so they can get in and discover what is waiting for them, then carefully secure them in and close the door. Re-open the door straight away and praise them. If they remain settled throughout then gradually build up the amount of time until it is long enough for you to go and get into the driver’s seat.
Turn the engine on and go for a short drive
Once your dog is used to settling in the car for long enough for somebody to get into the front of the car, it is time to get them used to the sound and sensation of the engine. To begin with, simply turn the engine on, verbally praise your dog, and then turn it off. Return to your dog, open the door and provide them with more rewards before letting them out of the car.
You’ll then want to build up the length of time you remain stationary with the engine on. If you have somebody else who can come and help you, they can intermittently reward your dog for you. Alternatively, verbally praise them every so often. As you build up the time, it is important to pay attention to stress signs or any changes in behaviour. If your dog is finding it too much, go back a few steps or contact a behaviourist to provide you with a more tailored programme.
Once your dog is comfortable in the car with the engine on for 5–10 minutes, you can progress to going for a drive, ideally to somewhere your dog likes – maybe your local walking spot, or simply around the block and back home.
If your dog starts to show signs that they are finding this difficult or is physically sick, it could mean that they suffer from car sickness. Speak to a vet and a behaviourist who can provide you with further support as your dog may need some medication.
Going on longer journeys
If you are going on a longer journey, such as to a Canine Cottages holiday home, there are some small steps you can take to make your dog feel comfortable:
- Take regular breaks throughout the journey and plan places where you can stop along the way
- Ensure you have enough water for your dog during the journey; non-spill travel bowls can be useful for car trips
- Consider travelling at less busy times of the day
- Make sure you check on your dog regularly throughout the journey to see if they are displaying any signs of sickness or stress
Supporting Battersea
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Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.