Dog Trainer Advice on Dealing with Car Anxiety

Driving around Portland, you’ve no doubt noticed many dogs are happy to take car rides – but your tail-wagger is always reluctant to hit the road. Overcoming car anxiety is essential, and the professional dog trainers at Blackwood Canine can help.

You may want your beloved canine companion along when you’re running errands or traveling, but that’s not an option if they whine, shake, whimper or refuse to get in the car. And while anxious dogs can often be left at home, there are certain places – such as the veterinarian’s office, the groomer’s or a Portland dog training facility – that require a road trip.

Fortunately, you can make riding in the car less stressful for your pooch. And, you may even be able to help your furry friend come to enjoy going for a drive. Here, our experienced dog trainers offer advice on how to address car anxiety.

Is Motion Sickness the Problem?

 Just like people, dogs can suffer from motion sickness when they ride in a car – and if your pooch gets nauseous during road trips, their reluctance to travel is completely understandable.

Not every dog vomits when they get car sick, so you’ll need to watch for other signs that your tail-wagger is feeling nauseated. Any of the following reactions may indicate motion sickness is an issue:

·       Excessive drooling

·       Lip smacking

·       Heavy panting

·       Repeated yawning

·       Restless pacing

·       Shaking and shivering

If you suspect that your fur baby is getting car sick, there are a few strategies you can try to quell nausea. Experienced dog trainers suggest:

• Limiting food and water intake before taking your pooch on a trip

• Using a doggie seatbelt to keep them facing toward the front of the car

• Lowering the windows a few inches to allow fresh air to circulate

• Asking your veterinarian to recommend an anti-nausea medication

Motion sickness is incredibly unpleasant, so it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to make your pooch comfortable with car rides until you find a way to keep nausea at bay. Once you do, you can begin taking steps to resolve your dog’s anxiety.

Help Your Dog Feel Safe in the Car

For your fur baby to enjoy taking a ride around Portland, they’ll need to feel safe in the car.

Professional dog trainers recommend creating a cozy nesting area, using a doggie car seat or crate with a cushioned liner to keep your pooch comfortable and ensure that they feel secure. If you opt for a crate, you may need to place rolled towels underneath to make the surface level. And if your dog has a favorite comfort item, like a stuffed toy or blanket, bringing it on car rides may help.

Create a Positive Association with the Car

Does your tail-wagger get anxious when you simply pick up your car keys? They may find the vehicle to be a scary place, and you’ll need to turn that around.

To help your dog overcome this fear, experienced dog trainers say to begin by offering a small, high-value treat for approaching the car. Then, place your pooch inside and encourage them to roam around. Give another reward, and once they appear to be more comfortable, start the car and offer a treat. If they’re able to stay calm, turn off the engine, secure your fur baby in their special spot, and dish out another treat. When you think your dog is relaxed, try taking a drive around the block.

Make Car Rides End at a Fun Destination

For many dogs, car anxiety is the result of a previous negative experience – and if that’s the case for your fur baby, you’ll need to erase their fear of the destination.

Only riding in the car when it’s time for a vet visit or a trip to the groomer’s could make your pooch understandably wary of taking a drive. To alleviate their anxiety, professional dog trainers suggest taking short car rides to fun places. If the majority of your road trips end at a local park, Portland hiking trail or somewhere else your tail-wagger wants to be, their car anxiety should soon become a thing of the past.

Get Help From an Experienced Dog Trainer

Teaching your furry friend to tolerate or, preferably, to enjoy car rides can be challenging. When not addressed early on, canine car anxiety can escalate – and you may need the help of an experienced dog trainer to overcome the problem.

At Blackwood Canine, our puppy jump start program, private dog training lessons, and board-and-train programs are designed to address a range of behavioral issues. Our professional dog trainers have the skill, knowledge, and expertise to identify the root cause of canine car anxiety and teach your pooch to be more comfortable on road trips.

The dedicated dog trainers at Blackwood Canine have been helping pet parents for over a decade, and we’re proud that our positive, reward-based approach has led local veterinarians, rescues, shelters, and breeders to recommend our dog training services. We work with tail-waggers of all ages, breeds, and temperaments – and our highly experienced dog trainers know how to achieve positive outcomes when dealing with behavioral issues.

For more information on Blackwood Canine and our dog training services for pet parents in Portland, Oregon – or to schedule an evaluation to discuss your fur baby’s car anxiety with our professional dog trainers – contact us today.