De-sensitising ddog to car

[TakingTheLowRoad]

We have had ddog for 3 months and he is now 18 months old. I’m not sure how much car travel he did before we got him but he absolutely hates it, shaking and drooling as soon as he thinks he’s going to have to get in it. He was nervous around cars generally and we’ve managed to overcome that. He was also very wary about being picked up -I think related to his nervousness around cars as he had only been picked up to be put in a car. Now we’re just sitting with him in the car, not going anywhere, several times a day and giving him a treat once he’s picked up and when he’s in the car (although he won’t take the treat in the car, only when he’s back out of it!). Just looking for advice for the best way to progress. I don’t want to set him back further but I’d really like him comfortable in the car so we can take him places.

Could he be car sick, which is why he's scared of going in the car?

I think you're doing the right thing re. desensitisation but if they get really sick, the only thing that helps is medication so it may be worth speaking to the vet.

I meant to say, the shaking and drooling are both signs of nausea and sickness.

Start off smaller - treat beside the car..then when he’s relaxed and happy doing that... you in the car, but him not and then him in it after he’s happily sticking his head in.

Can you set something up so he can get in and out himself? That way he can be more in control and choose how much car he’s in...

I’ve spent the last week and a bit hand feeding lunch in the back seat of my car, lol, but he’s now fine hanging out with me... I can also shut the door and get in the front and he’s still good. Can’t turn it on mind...but hopefully soon.

The thing is with car sickness and anxiety is that they kind of create a vicious circle, so often car sickness is actually because they’re scared.

Thank you both for your advice! Instead of putting him the car I’ve been sitting in the back and giving him a treat every time he comes near. We got as far as paws on the sill and reaching up to seat height to take a treat. Will source a ramp of some description so he can get himself in and out.

For a ramp, Aldi have a pet event and are selling a ramp for up to 40kg for £20

Problem is, most early trips in the car are to the vet so dogs quickly associate cars with unpleasantness! Try feeding in the car, cuddles, toys and even get them napping in the car after a long walk. The next step is a quick drive to somewhere good - a park, a lake or just to the end of the road and then back to a favourite treat. And try to really dial down your own anxiety or wish to achieve anything!

A pheromone spray or collar might help to reduce the stress too. That said, I once had a dog like that, and spent many hours and £'s on solutions that didn't help. But then we had to take a long journey by car (two days travelling) and the first two hours was an utter nightmare. But then he was cured! I think it was the equivalent of being thrown in at the deep end to learn how to swim. The journey couldn't be avoided so we just had to get on with it. And after that two hours he simply settled and loved travelling after that. But I'd have to be honest and say he was a perverse dog!