How do I stop my dog being anxious in the car?

Start with sessions that involve nothing more than sitting in a parked car with the engine off, offering treats and calm praise, before adding the engine, then a short drive, then a slightly longer one, always ending each session on a calm note rather than pushing until the dog is visibly stressed. This gradual approach, sometimes called desensitization, works because it lets a dog's stress response settle at each stage before moving to the next.

A secure, well-fitted crate or harness that limits sliding and gives a sense of contained safety often reduces anxiety more than an open back seat where a dog can pace and see every passing vehicle. Covering part of a crate can also help some dogs by reducing visual stimulation, though this suits some dogs far more than others, so it is worth testing.

If most of a dog's car trips have historically ended at the vet or the groomer, deliberately adding short trips to enjoyable places, like a friend's garden or a favorite walking spot, helps rebalance the association over time. Consistency across several weeks matters more than any single session, since anxiety built up over months or years rarely resolves in one or two outings.

A dog that trembles, drools heavily, or tries to escape at every car trip despite consistent gradual training may benefit from a vet consultation, which can rule out an underlying medical contributor and discuss calming aids or a referral to a qualified behaviorist for more structured support.