Q&A for How to Deal With Your Dog's Fear of Vehicles

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My five-month-old Labrador won't go near the car even when I bribe him with treats. What do I do?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Don't pressure the pup. Make sure the car is stationary with the engine turned off. Figure out how close he is happy to approach, and fuss and praise him. Then take a treat or toy and entice him one step closer. Praise and pet him, and finish for that session. The next session, start at the same spot, tell him how clever he is, then advance another step, praise and pet. The idea is to literally take it a step at a time until he is comfortable approaching the car.

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Question

How can I help my dog be less afraid of riding in the car?

Elisabeth Weiss
Professional Dog Trainer
Elisabeth Weiss is a Professional Dog Trainer and owner of Dog Relations NYC, a dog training service in New York, New York. Elisabeth relies on science-based, force-free, and reward-based techniques. Elisabeth offers behavior training, puppy manners, body awareness and injury prevention, diet, exercise and dog nutrition services. Her work has been featured in New York Magazine and on the Dog Save the People podcast. She also trained all the dogs in the movie "Heart of a Dog" by Laurie Anderson that features Elisabeth's journey with Laurie Anderson's and Lou Reed's dog Lolabelle and how her passion for playing the keyboards played a significant role in improving her quality of life after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Elisabeth Weiss

Professional Dog Trainer

Expert Answer

Approach the car with the dog, and when it stops, reward it by allowing it to get more distance from the car. Then, feed them a high-value treat—usually meat is best. Then, see if you can get a little closer to the car at the next session. Then, hopefully they'll begin to associate the car with the treat instead of fear.

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Question

How do I stop my dog from barking at every car and throwing himself across his cage?

Community Answer

Our dog did this too. Try putting him in a crate or carrier in the car with his favorite toy in a position where he cannot see the traffic. Cover the crate with a blanket if necessary. Talk to him in a soothing voice so he knows you're still there.

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Question

Our six-month-old cattle dog is so afraid of cars that he refuses to walk on any paved surfaces, including sidewalks. How can we help with his confidence?

Community Answer

Build up his confidence by bringing him slowly closer to a sidewalk (where you are certain that there will be no vehicles). Only take him as far as he is comfortable. Perhaps place a treat on the sidewalk. Once he is comfortable with the sidewalk, show him cars going past your window. Begin to open the window, but don't rush it, and only continue whilst your dog seems settled. Repeat. Once he is used to road noise, show him moving cars from a distance. Slowly get closer. Once your dog seems happy with all three, he should be able to calmly walk along side streets, then eventually along major roads. These steps may seem unnecessary, but can allow you to pinpoint his fear and remove it.

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Question

My dog has a fear of multiple parked cars. What should I do?

Community Answer

Take it very slow with your dog when you are around these cars. Hold the dog close to you so it can feel safe and secure and reward it when you go past, so it can learn that the cars aren't bad!

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Question

What to do if dog won't get into the car?

Community Answer

If you aren't in a hurry, just wait and try again later. If you are in a hurry, try putting his favorite toy or treat in there to lure him in. Or put yourself in there!

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How do I deal with my dog's fear of vehicles after it flew off the seat when I had to brake suddenly?

Community Answer

Whenever you are driving, make sure to buy the dog belt and clip him in. Or, sit him on the bottom seat of car to prevent him from moving. If he is scared of cars now, sooth him and support him gently. Be calm and kind, and even give him a treat so he goes inside. While driving, make sure to talk to him and support him so he is not scared. To distract him, give him a chew treat or his favorite toy.

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