Driving: some dogs love it, others find it incredibly exciting or even scary. They may never have been properly socialised with the car, may have had a bad experience, or simply get overexcited. On top of that, many dogs suffer from carsickness, which makes them want to avoid that roaring machine altogether. And that’s a shame, because of course you’d love to take your buddy to the forest or the beach! There’s nothing worse than seeing your sweet rascal stressed in a certain situation. That’s why many dog owners who find car rides exciting (both positively and negatively) choose to use the car as little as possible. Unfortunately, that only makes the occasional car trip even more intense. Plus, without a car there are so many places you and your four-legged friend can’t visit together. So it’s time to work on helping your dog feel calm in the car – and stay that way.
Photo: Tim Mossholder
Table of Contents
Benefits of taking your dog in the car
10 tips to keep your dog calm while driving
- Go and sit in the car with your dog regularly
- Start with short drives
- Bring some tasty treats
- Create a safe spot for your dog in the car
- Go and do something fun
- Take regular breaks
- Make sure the car climate is comfortable
- Drive carefully with a dog in the car
- Go for a walk first
- Never leave your dog (just) alone in the car
Benefits of taking your dog in the car
Driving is fun! Or at least, we want it to be. We want our dogs to associate the car with long walks in the forest, days at the beach, and trips to that beautiful big park a bit further away. When your dog happily hops into the car, your life becomes much more flexible. You can spontaneously decide to head to the heathland together, take your dog along to visit your parents, or bring them on holiday. For many people, going to the vet is also easiest by car. Unless everything in your life is within walking distance, your dog will probably need to travel by car several times in their life. And in those moments, we don’t want them to get stressed or feel sick. Don’t have a car yourself? Ask a friend, neighbour, or family member if you can occasionally practise car rides with your dog.
10 tips to keep your dog calm while driving
1. Go and sit in the car with your dog regularly
Almost every type of training starts with getting used to something new. We want your puppy or anxious dog to become familiar with the car. The movement of the car is what many dogs find scary and what often causes nausea. So we start the training in a parked car. Simply let your dog jump into the back and give them a tasty treat. Does your dog do this without any problems? Then gradually increase the amount of time you spend in the car. You can give your dog part of their regular meal in the car or practise a cue like “sit” or “down” in their car spot.
A dog who regularly gets food in the car will associate the car more quickly with something positive. A dog who has learned to sit or lie down in the car is more likely to keep doing this once the car is moving. When that goes well, start the engine during your training sessions so your dog can get used to the vibrations. Once your dog is used to spending short periods in the car, getting in will no longer be an issue. Jumping into the car will no longer automatically mean “trip to the vet” for your dog.
2. Start with short drives
Don’t take your puppy or car-uneasy dog on long journeys straight away. Chances are your dog will become stressed and/or nauseous during the trip. That kind of negative association with the car takes a lot of training to undo. So start with short rides. For example, drive to the park around the corner where you usually walk, or just make a small loop around your neighbourhood and end up back home. No big deal! Gradually increase the time spent in the car. This helps prevent carsickness and reduces stress for your dog(s).
Photo : Tadeusz Lakota
3. Bring some tasty treats
As with any training, bring treats to reward your loyal companion. This is especially important if your dog still finds car rides quite scary. Try to ignore restless behaviours like whining and scratching, and reward your dog as soon as they show the behaviour you want. Do they sit or lie down as you practised in the parked car? Good dog – reward!
You can also choose a special treat that keeps your dog occupied during the drive, such as a Kong filled with something tasty. Just make sure the Kong is too big for your dog to swallow. Don’t fill it with large treats, and don’t give your dog bones or hard chews in the car. If you have to brake suddenly, these could shoot to the back of your dog’s throat. For the same reason, don’t let your dog take sticks with them to their car spot.
4. Create a safe spot for your dog in the car
Make sure your dog has their own safe place in the car. While it’s technically allowed, very common, and often easiest, it’s not recommended to let your dog ride completely loose in the back. If you have to brake suddenly or are involved in an accident, your dog has no protection at all. They can also lose their balance more easily in corners or over bumps, which increases restlessness and stress. It’s much safer to transport your dog in a crate or with a harness and seat belt.
Transport crate or dog seat belt
There are special transport crates designed to be installed in the back of the car. Standard wire crates or fabric crates are not suitable for this, because they don’t provide enough protection in a crash. To secure your dog with a seat belt, you’ll need a special attachment that clicks into the car’s belt system and clips onto your dog’s harness. Never attach this to a collar, as it can place too much force on your dog’s neck in an accident. If you don’t have a crate or dog seat belt, the safest option is to let your dog lie on the floor in front of the passenger seat.
Photo: Jaron Mobley
5. Go and do something fun
As mentioned earlier, we want your dog to associate the car with fun activities. If you only ever use the car for necessary trips to the vet or long drives for holidays, car rides will never be truly enjoyable for your dog. So make a habit of regularly taking the car to do something fun with your furry friend.
Photo: Erik Brolin
6. Take regular breaks
Puppies and dogs who aren’t used to travelling by car often become impatient and carsick more quickly. So take regular breaks, especially when you’re still building up your dog’s car experience and have to drive a bit longer. Stop somewhere safe, let your dog get out of the car for some fresh air, a drink of water, and a toilet break,
and then continue your journey.
7. Make sure the car climate is comfortable
If it’s very hot or very cold in the car, your dog will become uncomfortable and restless. You wouldn’t be able to lie comfortably in that situation either. So make sure the temperature is pleasant, and there’s enough fresh air. You can open a window slightly while driving if needed. And don’t smoke when your dog is in the car.
Photo: Michael Browning
8. Drive carefully with a dog in the car
Even if your dog is safely secured in their spot, you should adjust your driving style to the fact that there’s a dog on board. Take bumps and corners gently and start braking a bit earlier. This helps prevent your dog from feeling sick and reduces stress. Your dog can’t anticipate corners, speed bumps, and stops the way you can, so every movement will feel sudden to them
9. Go for a walk first
Is your dog used to the car but still quite restless during rides? Then go for a (short) walk before you get in the car. That way your dog can use up some initial energy (and empty their bladder). Many dogs simply become overexcited when they see the car. They might also resist getting in because they’re bursting to run first. Your dog has no idea whether you’re going on a long or short trip, so be considerate of that. If you’re planning a long drive, a walk beforehand is always a good idea, even for dogs who are usually very calm in the car.
10. Never leave your dog (just) alone in the car
This should be obvious, but it can’t be said often enough: never leave your dog alone in the car. First of all, it can be extremely dangerous. Temperatures inside a car rise very quickly, so even on a mildly warm day, it can become too hot. Dogs can’t cool themselves as effectively as humans. A dog left in a car on a warm day can die within fifteen minutes.
Photo: Ian Battaglia
Secondly, being left alone in the car is very stressful for many dogs, and they will associate that feeling with car rides. Do you absolutely have to leave your dog in the car now and then? Train this in advance by gradually increasing the amount of time your dog spends alone in the car. Always make sure there is fresh air and water available. A slightly open window does not provide enough fresh air. Keep the air conditioning on whenever your dog is waiting in the car.
Important:
On a warm day, you must NEVER leave your dog in the car – not even for a moment, and not even in the shade. Even in a shaded parking spot, temperatures inside a car can soar to 50–70 degrees Celsius. If you see a dog in a car on a hot summer day, you are legally allowed to break a window to free the dog. You can and should always call the police in this situation.
Sources: “Dogs in the Car: 10 Tips for Keeping Your Dog Calm While Driving”
– Martin Gaus
– Doggo.nl
– Openbaar Ministerie Geschreven door: Jori Noordenbos
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I’m Denise, the founder of Pawness. The company was born out of my love for my dog, Bo, and my search for fair, beautiful products for dogs. I believe that every choice matters: for your dog, for the planet, and for the people behind the products. Through these blogs, I help puppy parents make more conscious choices—without making it complicated.
