Discover Interesting Techniques to Calming a Dog's Car Anxiety

Does your dog go crazy when you put him in the car? Is it starting to become problematic? If you can't get your dog to calm down in the car, it can be potentially dangerous for everyone in the vehicle. If you've done every thing you can to try to calm your dog in the car, here are some surprising tips that can really really work in dissipating his car anxiety.

Before you put your dog in the car, make sure he is really tired. This means in the morning before a visit to the vet or a car ride down town, take your dog out for a long walk in the park. Perhaps you can try playing fetch with him to help eliminate some of that extra energy that your dog has. This will help calm him down. A tired dog is a well behaved and calm dog.

Another thing to keep in mind is your dog may associate car rides to unpleasant experiences. Do you only take your dog in the car when he has to go to the vet? Try taking your dog to places that your dog will enjoy. A car ride to the big doggie park across town or the dog spa, be creative. You can even just take your dog for rides around the block so he'll learn that all car rides won't resort to a scary visit to the vet. You can even drive for a couple miles, take him out and spend 20 minutes playing. Do this often for the next two weeks and you may notice your dog running to the car when you ask him if he wants to go for a ride.

By getting your dog adjusted to the car environment, you may significant reduce his stress levels when it's time to go on a car ride. You can start by luring your dog into the car with a tasty treat, when he comes inside, make sure you praise him and reward him. Let him just hang out in the parked car. Give him plenty of treats and praises. Once he's calmed down a bit, turn the car on but leave it parked. Just have him get used to sitting in a running car. Make sure you constantly praise him when he's not freaking out. Don't praise him when he's getting anxious or nervous, you don't want to encourage that kind of behavior. Do this several time throughout the week and watch how each time your dog is less anxious.

Did you know that aroma therapy isn't just for humans? Certain essential oils can trigger that brain to a calm and relax state when inhaled. Before you put your dog in your car, try spraying diluted lavender oil in the car to help induce a calmness to your dog.

Some dogs are really frightened by the sounds associated to being in the car. Ease your dog's worry by helping him get adjusted to the sounds in the car. Record the sounds your dog hears in the car and play it for him. This can help him because accustomed to the sounds.
Also keep in mind that you should avoid consoling your dog when he is in full throes of a dog panic attack. This will reinforce that this kind of anxiousness is acceptable.

If you've tried everything and nothing seems to work, trying talking to your vet to see if they could prescribe your dog some medications to help relax him in the car.