Fear of the Car
Understand that your dog's behavior in the car likely arises from emotional responses rooted in fear. This fear may be a result of a previous traumatic experience during a car ride or simply due to a lack of exposure to car travel. Some dogs may dislike car rides due to motion sickness. Consider motion sickness medication as an initial step to determine if this is the underlying issue before embarking on behavior modification methods. Additionally, certain dogs may be uncomfortable with the rapid visual stimuli outside the car window. To address this, you can place your dog inside a covered crate or use a Calming Cap (essentially a doggie blindfold) to eliminate this visual aspect of the journey. If these measures do not alleviate the issue, behavior modification through systematic desensitization and counterconditioning is required to help your dog overcome their fear of car rides.
Systematic desensitization entails gradually exposing your dog to the source of their fear (in this case, the car), incrementally increasing the intensity over time. This approach is often combined with counterconditioning, which aims to alter your pet's emotional response to the frightening stimulus by associating it with special treats.
Begin by rewarding your dog with a high-value treat when they simply approach the car. Walk towards the car until they are comfortable, offer a treat, and then move away from the car. Repeat this process, gradually getting closer each time until they willingly approach the car.
Next, with the car door open, place a treat where your dog can reach it without entering the car. Repeatedly practice this until your dog comfortably approaches the car and takes a treat from the seat or running board.
Next, encourage your dog to enter the car for a treat. Provide a few treats while they remain in the car, then have them exit, concluding the session. Repeat these sessions until your dog is at ease entering the car. Gradually extend the duration they stay in the car while enjoying treats. The next step involves offering them a stuffed Kong or a tempting item like a bully stick that takes time to consume while they are in the backseat, with you in the driver's seat (without turning on the engine at this stage).
Once your dog can sit calmly in the back seat (or in their crate) and enjoy their treat, you can start the engine (without driving anywhere). Repeat this step as often as possible until your dog is comfortable having their treat in the back seat while you sit in the driveway with the engine running.
Eventually, while your dog is enjoying their treat, you can begin driving slowly for short distances and gradually increase the length of the trips. The key is to progress at a pace that suits your dog's comfort level.
To facilitate the process, consider the following:
1. Use especially enticing treats like meat chunks in the initial stages.
2. When at the stage of using a Kong, ensure the treat inside is irresistible, such as liverwurst or canned cat food.
3. Spray Adaptil Calming Pheromones in the car before a ride.
4. Play soothing music while your dog is inside the car.
5. A Thundershirt may help your dog feel more at ease.
6. Emphasize a gradual approach. This process will take time, spanning weeks to months.
