If you have a dog who cries every time you load him into the car, you are probably looking for a solution. Driving with whining dogs can be distracting – but more than that, no one wants their furry friends to be sad or anxious. In order to deal with the situation, let’s look at why your dog may be crying – and then discuss ways to make him more comfortable with the car.

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Why Does He Hate the Car?

There are several reasons why your dog may hate being in the car.

  1. It’s Scary: If your dog is not familiar with the sensation of a moving car, he may become very stressed when then “ground” under his feet is literally moving. They are in a strange, contained space, yet things are moving. With no real comprehension of what is happening, this can be very disconcerting to your pet. What to Do: Try to acquaint your dog with the car when it is not in motion. This will make the car less unfamiliar and less scary. Open the car doors on both sides, and encourage your dog to hop into the back seat. (If he doesn’t want to, pick him up and put him in the car. Be sure to sit next to him, speaking positively and petting him.) Allow the dog to climb in and out of the car as much as he likes. When he is comfortable, shut the doors and turn the car on – but don’t drive until he is really comfortable.
  2. They Feel Sick: Many puppies get motion sickness, due largely to an underdeveloped inner ear. Although most canines eventually outgrow it, it is still possible that a mature dog can suffer from motion sickness. What to Do: Give your dog water and a comfortable place to lie down – a carrier will do great. If your dog seems especially prone to illness, check with your veterinarian for medications which may be able to help.
  3. They Have a Bad Association: If the only time that your dog has ever been in a car is to go to the veterinarian, he may cry because he assumes that’s where he is heading. What to Do: Start with short trips, such as driving around the block. Change your route once in a while, and give him more to look at. But always return quickly to your own driveway, and let him out. He will begin to understand that not every trip entails a shot or some other unpleasant procedure. Once he stops whining, begin interspersing necessary trips with trips to the beach or dog park.
  4. He Needs to Run it Out: Your dog may have excess energy pent up with nowhere to vent, or he may have to go to the bathroom. These are stressors in the confines of the backseat, and whining dogs may be the result. What to Do: Give your dog plenty of exercise before he gets in the car – take a long walk, or play for a while. Make sure he relieves himself before getting in the car. If he is tired and doesn’t have to go to the bathroom, he is more likely to settle in and sleep.

With a little time and patience, you should be able to turn whining dogs into happy, content dogs. If you can’t fix the problem, or if you are experiencing other behavioral issues with your dog – call Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training. We help Sarasota and Bradenton dogs and dogs owners have the best relationship possible.