Some dogs get excited when they see the car door open, but not every dog loves car rides. There are various reasons why your dog hates the car, like motion sickness, previous accidents, the idea of being trapped inside a giant moving machine, or even a negative association of going to the vet.
If your dog is not happy with the car ride, he or she can make everyone inside miserable. Fortunately, there are ways to help your canine companion enjoy a nice trip. For example, Dope Dog offers a variety of CBD dog treats to relax your companion before the ride.
With that in mind, here are some tips and tricks to help your dog cope with the ride.
Dogs can be trained to associate the car with something wonderful by using the process of desensitization and counter conditioning.
Desensitization is a method that gradually introduces your dog to the car. Counter conditioning involves changing the dog’s emotional response from a negative experience to a more positive feeling about being inside the vehicle.
It depends on how the dog reacts, but you might have to teach him to ride in the car starting 10 feet away while the vehicle is parked in the driveway. The best thing to do is to start with the backseat. The trick is to find the point where your companion is more relaxed and comfortable, then slowly transition to the front. Make each process a positive experience by giving your dog a treat or toy to reward them. You can even play games to keep them entertained. The goal is to make the car ride feel positive and exciting.
Move the dog closer, once he becomes more relaxed. If the dog stops eating or playing, it means you are moving too fast. If that is the case, then take a step back until your four-legged friend relaxes again. Once The dog is more adapted to the car, it’s time to add more elements to the fun.
For example, you can have him sit in the driver seat, close the door, or make a remote lock beep. Don’t forget to pair each step with a reward like tossing a treat or toy in the back. Remember to keep the dog safe and secure with a harness attached to the seatbelt while the car is moving.
Once the dog is in the car, the first step is to turn the car on and off, but don’t go anywhere, just let your companion associate the sound of the engine with something fun and entertaining.
Now that the dog is looking forward to getting in the car, the next step is to add some motion. Start with a short distance ride like the end of the driveway and back. The goal is to get your companion adjusted to the ride by driving in short increments. Don’t forget to make every trip as pleasant as possible by praising him or using treats as a reward.
When you decided to venture away from home, choose a place that your dog will enjoy like Petsmart, they have a lot of toys and treats. You can also drive to the park or the woods to let your companion come out and play.
When you associate the car ride with something positive, your dog will start looking forward to a nice trip. Keep in mind that even after you teach your companion to ride in a car, not every destination will be pleasant, sometimes they will have to make trips to the vet or groomers, which can be quite stressful. Make sure that these destinations are far apart, and only happen a few times, but always take toys and treats to make the situation more rewarding.
Puppies are more likely than adult dogs to get carsick, but a lot of them grow out of it as they mature. For those who don’t, here are some tips to help reduce nausea, vomiting, and stomach upset:
