My dog does not like the car

We have a Boarder Terrier, 13 months old, he has never liked the car, he jumps in the back which is great but then he just starts shaking, and looking very scared, we have put the back seats down so he has lots of room to move but that hasn’t helped. Sometime we have to have in the front with us which is a lot worse. We have tried ignoring him, holding him tightly, wrapping him in a blanket, but nothing has worked. We are planning a trip to France this year with him and are a bit worried that the whole journey is going to be a total nightmare. Not sure if we should sedate him, any suggestions would be great.

You might try putting him in a travel crate or carrier? You could let him get used to this in the house at first. Perhaps put a treat in it, then put his dinner in it or even his bed. If he gets used to this crate, and then the crate is in the car perhaps it won't be so scarey? Also, you can cover the crate and then he won't be able to see out and perhaps won't know he's in the car at all and will jsut sleep? Just a thought. My own dog used to sleep in his travel crate when we went to stay with friends, and it became a safe, happy environment. I think he felt safe because he was enclosed on all sides.

Hi Leah,

I think thqat the best way to help your young boy is to help him learn that the car is a good thing!

You didn't say in your post how often you put your dog in the car or where you take him when he does go in the cat - this can affect the way he reacts to the car.

I would start by making the car a good place to go be, put your dog into the car and give him a treat then take him straight out again. Next time put him in the car give him a treat wait a little while then give another treat then take him out. Gradually build up the time you leave him in the car to a couple of minutes.
Now you can start closing the door; put him in the car, treat, and close the door, open the door straight away then treat and take him out. Next time wait a little while before you open the door. Gradually build up the time you can leave him in the car with the door closed.
The next step is for you to get into the car, again build up the time you sit in the car before getting out and getting your dog out.
The next step is to run the car, but not drive anywhere and then finally start taking little drives.
When you take him for a drive take him somewhere he likes to go - like the park to play, or to a friends where he will get a big fuss.

Note the above should take a week to 10 days - don't rush it! Also don't be afraid to go back a step it you need to.

Maggie maid a good point your dog needs to feel safe when in the car and the use of a crate is a good idea. I don't think that dogs should be loose in cars and should be either in a crate or fixed to one of the seat belts using a harness.

If none of this works you can try on of the off the shelf herbal remedies to calm your dog down or for car sickness.

If you are still having problems take advice from your vet. They will be able to suggest medication for his nervousness or recommend a face-to-face trainer/ behaviourist. If recommended by your vet you should be able to claim this back on your insurance.

Hope this helps

Keith