Episode 15: How to Cope With Dogs Who Hate the Car
10-Step Car Desensitization Plan
A gradual plan to help your dog love the car by changing how they feel about it — making the car predict amazing things (food!) instead of scary ones.
This plan is for dogs who get anxious on car journeys, not dogs who whine with excitement.
Rules for every step
- You’re going to need lots of amazing treats — cooked chicken, hotdogs, burgers, whatever your dog finds irresistible.
- Your dog only gets a treat after you start each step. Don’t give treats then start the step — do it the other way around.
- Repeat each step as many times as it takes for your dog to look like they’re loving it.
- If your dog looks scared by a step, stop. Try an easier step. Never force your dog to do anything that makes them anxious.
The process on every step
- You start the step
- Start happy talk — “good boy!”, “well done!”
- Reach into your treat pouch and start a generous flow of treats
- Keep treating for a few seconds after you’ve finished the step
The 10 steps
Move next to the car
Enter the garage (if that’s where the car is) and move next to the car. Do lots of happy, clappy talk as soon as your dog sees the car. Then make it rain something amazing!
Tip: Start feeding 2 seconds after your dog notices the car. Continue feeding 2 seconds after turning away. Be very generous — you can’t overdo it here.
Open the back door, then close it
Open the back passenger door and close it. Happy talk and treats again.
On the back seat for 30 seconds
With the back door open, pick your dog up and place them on the back seat. Close the door for 30 seconds.
Tip: Drop treats onto the back seat 2 seconds after placing your dog. Open the door just before your dog finishes the treats.
Back seat for 60 seconds
With the door open, get your dog to go onto the back seat (willingly this time). Close the door for 60 seconds.
Tip: You might need the window open to drop treats in. Open the door just before your dog finishes.
Close door, turn the engine on
With your dog on the back seat, close the door and turn the engine on. Treats on the back seat as soon as you sit down.
Drive to the end of the driveway
Turn the engine on, shift to drive, and drive to the end of the driveway (or about 15 feet). Use happy talk while driving — treat as soon as you stop.
Tip: A remote treat feeder can be very handy from this step onward.
Drive to the end of the street
Happy talk plus a delicious chew or edible that will last more than a few seconds.
Tip: As soon as you stop, take the chew away. Your dog should think “I only get that good stuff when the car is moving.”
Drive to somewhere with lots to sniff
Drive to a green space no more than 3 minutes away. Give your dog a chew, then let them out for a good sniff on arrival.
Tip: The chew and the sniff both help your dog build the association that cars = good stuff!
Drive to the park
Happy talk, something delicious to chew on, then let your dog out at the park for a huge after-car party! Repeat on the way home.
Tip: Getting to a fun place reinforces how totally amazing the car is.
Drive 5 minutes somewhere less interesting
Now start building duration. Drive 5 minutes to somewhere that isn’t the park. Happy talk, chew, then let your dog out for a party on arrival.
Tip: From here, gradually build up from 5 minutes. Do different times and go on different types of roads.
Listen to the full episode for more on this topic:
Episode 15: How To Cope With Dogs Who Hate The Car →
Written by Julie Naismith
Dog separation anxiety specialist. 15 years of experience, 100,000+ guardians helped, author of four books, and creator of the Be Right Back program.
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