Ask the trainer: managing car anxiety

This week's question is how to manage car travel anxiety?

Many dogs find travelling in the car unpleasant which makes it difficult to enjoy getting your dog from point A to

point B. The behaviour may be barking, whining, shaking, vomiting or obvious fear but the solution remains the same.

To have success redirecting behaviour in the car you must teach your dog both the quiet and stay commands and transfer these foundation commands into this real world scenario. It will then be a matter of desensitising your dog to travelling in the car. The way to do this is to reward calm behaviour in the car and by giving her a treat when she is calm. You have now turned a scary experience into a pleasant one for your dog.

This is much easier to do with two people in the car of course so you can begin the journey having your dog in a down stay to receive treats rather than focusing on the fact she is in the car. Being in the down position also disables the view out the window which can cause anxiety or over excitement.

If barking is the issue the reward for being quiet when asked also then becomes instant. This will reinforce the behaviour and help with your goal of your dog remaining quite for the whole journey.

Once your dog becomes more comfortable you may like to travel alone with her while she enjoys a chew toy in the back seat to keep focused on rather than her anxiety.

Vomiting may also be caused by motion sickness and I find these cases are best treated with medication which your vet can advise you on. A toy reward can replace food rewards to avoid adding to the chance of upset stomachs. However, think about whether your dog happily gets into the car on their own or if you have to lift or force your dog. If so begin with luring your dog into the car so it becomes comfortable with getting in and out of the car unaided .

It is necessary for your dog to feel secure within the car. This can be achieved by having them crated, tethered or harnessed in the car.

Paw point of the week

From a safety point of view remember never to allow your dog in the front seat, not due to only distraction but the real danger of your dog being injured by the airbag if activated for any reason.

Contact me for the chance to have your question selected for publication at nadines@dogguru.co.nz for further information on Dog Guru visit www.dogguru.co.nz.