Car Sickness

If you think about it, the first few times your dog rode in the car were bad experiences. The first one was with the breeder to go get his initial vaccinations. The second ride, he left his dog family. Third and fourth were back to the vet’s for more vaccinations. If you purchased your dog from a pet store, there was probably a traumatic plane ride involved, not to mention the trip to the store. That’s a lot of impressions to undo.

If your dog is crate trained, have him ride in the crate in the car. It is his safety zone and will make him more comfortable. If your battle is more than just ‘getting use to it’ you need to start over.

Week One: Place or entice your dog into the car and give him a treat. Let him back out and repeat the exercise a couple times daily.

Week Two: Everyone goes into the car and sits. Keep the ignition off. Treats, toys and praise for 5 - 10 minutes, then everyone gets out. Repeat the exercise a couple times daily.

Week Three: Everyone goes into the car and sits with the ignition on. Treats, toys and praise for 5 minutes. Turn the car off and get out. Repeat the exercise a couple times daily.

Week Four: Now we get to ride around the block.

Week Five: Short drives to happy places. Remember, if they only go in the car for bad things, why should they look forward to it?

Week Six: Longer drive to a happy place. Use your common sense with the progression in the car. The more you take your time with it, the better he’ll be.

If motion sickness is the problem and not nerves, your veterinarian can prescribe something to help.