Helping Your Dog Stay Calm in the Car: Support for Reactivity on the Road

by Courtney Goblirsch

Have you ever taken your dog for a drive only to have them bark, lunge, or spin in circles every time a car passes, a dog walks by, or a person strolls too close? You’re not alone and the good news is, this kind of reactivity can absolutely be improved with time, training, and a bit of patience.

Let’s walk through what might be going on and how to help your dog feel more comfortable in the car.

What’s Going On?

The car is a weird place for a lot of dogs. It moves fast, it’s noisy, and they can’t get away from the things they see. Whether it’s another dog out the window or a car that zips past too quickly, your dog might feel frustrated, trapped, or unsure of what to do. This can look like barking, pacing, or even lunging toward the windows.

It’s not that they’re being “bad”, they’re just overwhelmed. And we can help them through it.

How to Help Your Dog Feel Better in the Car

1. Set them up for success

Start by creating a safe, comfortable spot in the car. A crate, harness, or travel barrier can help your dog feel more secure and limit how much they can see. If needed, you can even lightly cover a crate to block some of the visual stimulation.

2. Practice calm before the ride

Before you even start the engine, help your dog settle. Practice cues like “place” or “settle” at home, then use them in the car. Reward any calm behavior, even just sitting or laying down quietly. You’re teaching your dog that the car isn’t a big deal.

3. Keep the first few rides short and sweet

Don’t start with a road trip. Try a quick loop around the block during a quiet time of day. Bring high-value treats and reward calm behavior. If your dog reacts, don’t panic and make the next ride even shorter and easier.

4. Start training parked

You don’t need to be driving to work on this! Sit in the driveway or a quiet parking lot with your dog in the car. Let them watch the world go by while you calmly reward them for staying relaxed. The goal is for them to notice things and then look back at you.

5. Teach a “watch me” or “touch” cue

Give your dog something else to focus on when a trigger shows up. A solid “watch me” or nose “touch” to your hand gives them something to do instead of reacting.

6. Keep your own energy calm

It’s easy to get flustered when your dog is barking in your ear, but try to stay calm and avoid shouting. Instead, quietly redirect or wait for a pause, then reward the calmer moment. Your dog will pick up on your energy.

A Few Things to Avoid

• Don’t scold or punish. It won’t stop the behavior, it often makes it worse.

• Don’t roll the window all the way down during this stage, it can increase their arousal.

• Don’t rush the process. Some dogs need a little more time to adjust, and that’s okay.

You’re Not Alone

Reactivity doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It just means your dog is having a big feeling and needs your help working through it. With the right tools and consistency, they can absolutely learn to stay calm and confident on car rides. You’ve got this and we’ve got you!