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+--- Thread: Dogs that don't like car travel (/Thread-Dogs-that-don-t-like-car-travel)
Dogs that don't like car travel - Julie - 09-19-2012
My dog doesn't get car sick - but he also does not like travelling in the car. We make sure that he's physically secure, so that he doesn't roll about a lot. Once we tried a "calmivet" tablet - but then he was sleepy when we got to the picnic spot !
How can I make his car journeys less anxiety-inducing?
He is a rescue dog - so we don't know if he had a bad car experience before coming to us.
RE: Dogs that don't like car travel - themdno - 09-20-2012
This is just an idea, I don't know if it would work or not, but maybe take some regular short trips, that are just meant to be special occasions for your pup.
So, even though he may not want to get in the car, try to act excited and make him get excited. Talk him for a 5 minute ride, and let him out, and pet him, give him treats, tell him he's a good boy, etc...Get him all excited and happy. Take him home and do the same, treats and loving when he gets out of the car.
Make him feel safe in the car, and look forward to what happens at either end of a trip. Maybe that will change his outlook.
RE: Dogs that don't like car travel - Julie - 09-21-2012
That's a good idea themdno - to make it about him and give the appropriate reinforcements at either end of the trip.
I washed the car yesterday and whilst doing the inside my dog did jump in and out of the car a few times. He didn't stay in for long, the doors were open and the engine was not running. So it must be the engine noise or the motion he dislikes....
I shall try your suggestion.
Thank you