Three Tips for Riding in a Car With Your Dog

Riding with your dog.

For dogs, riding in a car can be a fun and thrilling experience, especially when traveling with an owner or someone very familiar. Putting a head outside the window and feeling the strong wind is a favorite of many larger dogs who aren't used to the speed of a car. For other dogs, however, riding in a car can be a difficulty, and this just makes life harder on owners who simply want to travel with their dog or take their dog to see the vet. If you've had some trouble with a dog who's nervous about riding in a car, here are three tips that might help you.

Tip #1: Make riding in the car a casual thing. Dogs get much of their cues on how to behave from their human owners, who might feel anxious about taking a dog in a car because it's such a novel experience. Remember that the anxiety starts in the mind, not in the car itself. If you want to have your dog relaxed in your car, make the car a regular part of its environment.

This is especially easy if you've already taken your dog everywhere - you'll probably notice that the dog has no problems due to repeated exposure to the car. If your dog has less car experience, however, you can simply open up your car on a sunny day and play with your dog in it - you don't even have to drive anywhere. Simply open up all of the doors and go inside. This will help your dog get used to the idea of being in the car.

Tip #2: Make the car a positive experience. If your dog has been able to get into a car and relax while you're driving, it's the time to give them a treat. Remember that dogs will eventually learn to associate certain behaviors with rewards if you constantly give them rewards for achieving something. This doesn't mean you should bribe your dog into your car: rather, take out a treat after the dog has gotten into the car and is relaxing as you drive. A simple piece of bacon in your pocket can be produced and your dog will eventually get the hint that the car can be a positive experience.

Tip #3: Get as much experience as you can. If you're raising a puppy, try to bring your dog along on errands - let them stay inside while you make a quick trip into the bank, for example. This will help the dog to be "raised" along with the car and they'll never think there's anything unusual about it.

Following these tips, you'll be able to help your dog travel calmly with your family. Make sure to remember that your dog responds best to consistency over time, so stay persistent.

Photo Credits: The Consumerist

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