Whether going to the vet or heading out for a family vacation, chances are you will need to have your dog in the car at some point.
Unfortunately, jumping into a car can be scary and unfamiliar for many dogs. Not to mention, many dogs can feel nauseous, or dislike the unsteady feeling of movement under their paws. Therefore, getting them into the car can be a struggle unto itself.
Teaching your dog to jump into the car makes life easier for everyone- and creating a pleasant association with the car allows a more stress-free ride.
Training Methods
- One way to teach your dog to jump into the car is by targeting. A towel or favorite blanket is useful in this training exercise. Start in the home, not the car. Place the blanket or towel on the floor. When the dog investigates, give him lots of praise, as well as a click or treat. Every time he sits or lays on the blanket, repeat your praise.
Move the blanket to a higher location (a low step, or the couch if he is allowed on the furniture) and add the command “up!” to your training.
This method allows you to train the dog to jump up anywhere you need him to, not just into the car.
Practice this using obedience tricks like the “Paws Up” trick we recently posted on our Facebook:
- If you have successfully trained your dog to target, but he is afraid of traveling in the car, make the car a safe place for him to be. First open all the car doors, so that he has a clear means of escape and doesn’t feel trapped.
Scatter treats (or his favorite toys) around the back seat of the car – or wherever you want him to jump up. Place the target towel or blanket and command “up!” Allow him to explore, enjoy his treats, and leave whenever he wishes. Do this until he is willing to jump into the car with the other doors closed, or without target blanket/treat present.
- Even if the dog learns to target and jump on command, he may balk when you ask him to jump into to the car. This is likely due to his aversion to the ride itself. Help him overcome this fear by letting him play in the car with you, or even feed him in the backseat.
The idea is to build a happy connection with the interior of the car. Once he seems comfortable, turn the car engine on for a short period of time, but don’t drive anywhere. You can then add short drives, like to the end of the street and back, and praise him for doing so well.
Remember, if your dog routinely gets sick in the car, you may wish to speak with a vet about treating him for nausea should a long trip be necessary.
Whether to jump into the car or enter his crate, training your dog to enter on command is an important way to establish control and boundaries. (Not to mention, to save you a lot of wrestling!)
The experts at Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training are available to work with your dog for basic obedience, puppy training, or to instill specific behaviors – and we’d love to help! If you are having trouble with your dog training, don’t get frustrated – just call for help.
Once your dog understands what is expected of him, you will enjoy a much closer and more healthy relationship, which is good for all involved.
Don’t forget! We also offer play care to help your dog socialize with other animals, get plenty of exercise, and have fun!
