Easy and effective ways to train your dog ride in the car

Car travel with your dog can be enjoyable and practical—whether for weekend adventures, vet visits, or daily errands. But for many dogs, the car is a source of anxiety, hyperactivity, or even motion sickness. Teaching your dog to remain calm and comfortable during car rides takes a structured, gradual approach that focuses on positive associations, predictability, and safety.

Whether your dog panics at the sight of the car or simply refuses to settle once inside, the following steps will help create a calm and confident canine passenger.

1. Start Training Your Dog Before the Engine Turns On

If your dog already associates the car with stress—such as trips to the vet or sudden travel—start by rebuilding that association from scratch. The goal is to change the emotional response from anxiety or overstimulation to calm curiosity.

What to do:

• On a lead, walk your dog calmly to the parked car.

• Open the door and allow them to explore freely—without forcing entry.

• Reward small steps: sniffing the doorway, hopping in, or even looking inside.

• Keep the engine off. Your focus here is desensitisation, not transport.

TIP: Offer meals or special treats inside the car (with the engine off) to build positive associations. Feeding in the car creates a direct connection between the vehicle and something rewarding and relaxing.

Goal: Your dog learns that the car is a neutral or pleasant place—not a trigger for fear or excitement.

2. Build Comfort Inside the Stationary Car

Once your dog is comfortable approaching and entering the car, start short sessions where they sit or lie down inside the car (still stationary, engine off).

How to set up a successful session:

• Use a familiar mat, crate, or dog bed to encourage calm behaviour.

• Keep the door open and supervise closely.

• Reward calm body language—no whining, pacing, or barking.

• Keep sessions short and gradually increase duration.

Avoid restraining your dog or closing the door too early. Let them move at their own pace to reduce anxiety.

3. Introduce Engine Sounds

With a few calm sessions under your belt, it’s time to introduce the sound and vibration of the engine without moving the vehicle.

Here’s how:

• Settle your dog in the car using the same mat or crate.

• Start the engine while remaining calm and quiet.

• Avoid eye contact or fuss—just observe.

• If your dog stays relaxed, calmly reward them with praise or a treat.

If your dog becomes unsettled, switch the engine off and try again another day. Progression should always be based on your dog’s emotional state, not a fixed timeline.

4. Begin With Very Short Trips

When your dog is comfortable with the engine running, it’s time to start short journeys—ideally under five minutes to begin with.

Make these early drives work for you:

• Drive to a positive destination, such as a quiet park or nature trail—not just the vet.

• Keep the drive smooth and quiet—no loud music or aggressive driving.

• Praise and reward calm behaviour during and after the trip.

Gradually increase the distance and duration as your dog gains confidence.

5. Prioritise Travel Safety

Safety is non-negotiable—for both your dog and the people in the car. A loose dog can become a distraction, a projectile in an accident, or a risk if they bolt from the vehicle when a door opens.

Safe travel options include:

• A secured crate, properly anchored in the boot or back seat.

• A dog seatbelt harness, clipped to a safety-tested anchor point.

• A back seat barrier for large dogs to stay safely in the rear compartment.

Important reminders:

• Never place a dog in the front seat—airbags can cause fatal injuries.

• Never allow your dog to hang their head out the window—it’s a common cause of eye and head trauma.

• Never leave a dog in a parked car unattended—temperatures can rise fatally within minutes, even in mild weather.

6. Addressing Car Sickness or Anxiety

Some dogs experience genuine motion sickness or persistent anxiety, which can complicate training. Look for signs such as:

• Drooling excessively

• Vomiting or gagging

• Trembling or panting

• Refusing to enter the car

Strategies to help:

• Avoid feeding large meals right before travel (but do try feeding small meals during desensitisation in a stationary car).

• Open a window slightly for airflow and pressure regulation.

• Use natural calming aids (e.g. Adaptil sprays, calming treats, or herbal chews).

• Keep rides short, predictable, and consistent.

• Consult your veterinarian for anti-nausea or anxiety-reducing options if symptoms persist.

  
  

7. Make It Routine

Like any skill, car riding improves with consistency. Regular, low-pressure car exposure helps reinforce that travel is normal and safe—not just a precursor to vet visits or stressful outings.

Pro Tip: Take your dog for “pointless” car rides to nowhere in particular—just a loop around the block or a drive to a local field, then back home. The more varied and neutral the experiences, the less anxious or overstimulated your dog will become.

Final Thoughts

Teaching your dog to ride calmly in the car isn’t about one big leap—it’s about structured, incremental progress built on trust and repetition.

By introducing the car gradually, rewarding calm behaviour, maintaining safety, and avoiding negative associations, you’ll create a positive, relaxed passenger who enjoys being part of the journey—not just the destination.

If your dog struggles with travel anxiety, hyperactivity, or overarousal, or you’re unsure how to move forward, I offer tailored support and guidance to help.

👉 Explore my behaviour consultation services

👉 Try my Impulse Control Training Plan – ideal for dogs who struggle to stay calm in exciting or overwhelming situations.

With the right approach, your dog can become a confident, safe, and happy travel companion—for short drives or long adventures.