Your Dog is Refusing to Get into the Car: 7 Fascinating Reasons and What You Can Do About It

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Got a dog that refuses to get in the car? You’re not alone! Many of us dog owners have been there, trying to wrangle our furry friends into the back seat, only to be met with shaking and fear.

We have taken our dogs on hundreds of road trips over the years and know it can be a bummer, especially when you’ve got places to be and your dog is refusing to budge one more inch. But what’s the deal with dogs and cars anyway? Why do they shake or get scared?

The answer is that there can be a bunch of different reasons why your pup may not be a fan of car rides. From past traumatic experiences to simply getting car sick, there’s a whole bunch of things that can make the car a scary place for dogs. The good news is that by understanding why your dog is scared, you can help them overcome their fear and make car rides a stress-free, enjoyable experience for both of you!

It’s important to work on this even if your plans only include a few short trips around town. If you plan on traveling with your dog, helping them to love the car is essential.

If your plans include renting a car, check out Discover Cars

Why Does My Dog Refuse to Get into the Car?

There are 7 common reasons why your dog is Refusing to get into the car, and with a little understanding, you can help your dog overcome their fear and make car rides a joy for both of you.

1. Your puppy or rescue might be scared of the car because it is unfamiliar

Starting a new life with a puppy or rescue dog is a wonderful thing, but it can also come with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to car rides. If your furry friend is new to being in the car, it’s totally normal for them to be a little apprehensive or even scared.

The car is a strange and unfamiliar place, with new sights, sounds, and movements that they’ve never experienced before. But don’t worry, with some patience and TLC, you can help your pup get comfortable with the car and turn car rides into a fun and exciting adventure for both of you.

Read more about desensitizing your dog to the car by making it fun and familiar

✔️ How do you train a scared dog to get in the car?

In his book, Before and After Getting Your Puppy: The Positive Approach to Raising a Happy, Healthy, and Well-behaved Dog, Dr. Ian Dunbar stresses the importance of teaching your dog to settle. That starts at home, but you want to use the same strategies in the car.

Sprinkle some treats around and in the car for the initial excitement of getting inside. Dr. Dunbar recommends bringing a stuffed kong with your dog to the car. Once your dog is in the car, give them the kong and have them chew on it while you sit in the car in the driveway. Keep practicing but change the situation including the common experiences your dog will have in the car such as in a harness or in a crate. Teach your dog to respond to directions such as sit and down.

After your dog feels safe and settles nicely in the driveway, Dr. Dunbar suggests going with a second person. One who is driving. The other is prompting the skills and monitoring and rewarding your dog. If your dog can settle and follow directions while in the car, you will be able to go on some fun adventures together.

If you are interested in more of Ian Dunbar’s dog training tips, he has a free course on Six Simple Steps to Solve Your Dog’s Behavior Problems

2. Your dog hates being in the car

There are several reasons why a dog may not like or feel uncomfortable in the car. Some dogs simply don’t like the sensation of being confined in a small space, and they may become anxious or scared as a result. It may not always be clear why your dog is refusing to get into the car.

It’s possible the crate or the harness is too tight or has a scratchy part. The sun might be intense if you drive in one direction for a while. It’s possible they don’t like the speed bumps you go over leaving your neighborhood. Unfortunately, if your dog experiences a negative situation multiple times, they might start developing an association that causes them to balk when they see where you are headed.

3. Your dog had negative experiences with the destination

Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for dogs to have negative experiences with specific destinations, such as the vet. The vet can be a source of anxiety for many dogs, as they associate it with uncomfortable procedures or treatments. This can result in a fear of being in the car, as they associate the car with trips to the vet. This can be especially true if the only places you go together are the vet or groomer.

✔️ How do you convince your dog that the car doesn’t always mean the vet?

There’s one easy answer – go to lots of fun places like parks, the beach, hiking trails, etc. so your dog doesn’t associate cars only with negative experiences.

The second piece of the puzzle is to make the experience at the vet and groomer slightly more positive. Find a kind professional who treats your dog well and with compassion. If they don’t provide treats, bring some of the good stuff with you. While my dogs don’t particularly love the vet, they do love the spray cheese the vet used during the exam. It is a super fun treat they never got anywhere else and are always excited to try it.

4. Your dog is older or injured making it difficult to get into the car

As our four-legged companions get older, it can sometimes become a bit more challenging for them to get into the car. This can be a challenging experience for both the dog and the owner as the aging process can result in the dog experiencing difficulties while trying to get into the car and the owner struggling to lift and support the dog. The situation can be further complicated if the dog is of a larger size.

Our older dog Sam is a small/medium-sized dog who used to have no problems just hopping into the car. Now, at 14, it requires two stages. First, he jumps into the footwell, then he gets onto the seat. This tends to work better with small to medium dogs.

Injuries or illnesses can be temporary, but it is a common time your dog needs to be able to get into the car to see a vet. So, it might not be that your dog is refusing to get into the car. Instead, the poor pup actually can’t get in by themselves.

✔️How to get a dog in the car if they need extra help?

It can be tough to see our loyal companions have a harder time, but we’re here to help and support them every step of the way. Just take it slow and give your furry friend all the love and patience they need. They’ll be happily settled in the car in no time!

There are some assistive tools that can help such as a foldable pet ramp. If you decide to go that route, it will probably be new, so you need to use positive reinforcement and treats to get your dog comfortable with using a ramp to get in the car.

There are also lifters that strap around your dog’s back. They are really helpful when your dog’s hind legs are giving them trouble. The advantage is they don’t take up as much space as a ramp, but there is a small learning curve for dog and owner.

If your dog is injured, It’s always best to consult with a veterinarian to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

5. Your dog might get carsick

You may have noticed that your furry friend can sometimes get carsick while traveling in the car. This can be an unpleasant experience for both you and your pet, as they may experience nausea, vomiting, or dizziness while in the car.

It’s important to understand that this is a common issue that many dogs face and there are steps you can take to help prevent or minimize it. Factors such as motion sickness, anxiety, or a sensitivity to certain foods can all contribute to carsickness in dogs.

Thandi and Sam were not prone to car sickness, but Denver can be. So, this was a new experience for us. He’s fine on regular highways or city driving, but if we get onto small windy roads, he starts panting and whining. One sign your dog is feeling car sick is if they are panting heavily. While Chris loves to zip around the corners, he has learned to slow down and take the corners a lot more carefully. Just smoothing out the driving makes a big difference for little Denver.

✔️ How do I stop my dog from getting carsick?

Carsickness is common in puppies. Older dogs often but don’t always outgrow it. If your dog is prone to getting carsick, it’s important to take breaks during long car trips and provide them with plenty of fresh air and water.

You may also consider talking to your veterinarian about remedies or medications that can help alleviate your dog’s symptoms. With the right precautions and a little patience, you can enjoy car trips together, without any discomfort.

6. Your other dog is resource-guarding the car

Resource guarding is a common behavior among dogs where they protect their resources, such as toys, food, and in this case, even a specific area like a car. If you have multiple dogs in your household and notice that one of them is guarding the car, it can be a concerning and challenging behavior to address.

Our Jack Russell, Thandi would do this with the couch occasionally. If she was already snuggled in and comfortable and Sam jumped up onto the same cushion, she might snap at him. It definitely sent the message that this is my couch cushion and you are not welcome here. It should be no surprise that if that type of thing happens to your dog in the car, they might second guess the whole idea of getting in after the first dog. After all, no one likes to be where they are not welcome.

✔️ How do I stop my dog from being protective over the car and share?

7. Your dog is having too much fun and doesn’t want to go home

When our dogs are having the time of their life, it can be tough to convince them to leave and go home. But, it’s all good! This just shows how much they’re enjoying themselves and how happy they are at that moment. It can be a fun challenge for us as pet owners to try to get them to cooperate.

I’m sure we’ve all seen the kid at the park who moments ago was running around and happy. When the parent says it’s time to go, all of a sudden, the toddler is in a puddle of tears laying on the ground and refusing to move. Thank goodness our dogs don’t tend to be quite as dramatic as a two-year-old, but the feelings can be just as real when you want to leave the dog park or the beach and your dog is refusing to get into the car.

✔️ How can I encourage my dog to get in the car at the end of a fun day?

Success doesn’t start at the car. In all of our dog training classes, one of the big tips the trainers gave us was about recalls. The idea is that you don’t only call your dog to you when it is time to leave the fun. You practice recall and even put the leashes on throughout the off-leash time.

You don’t want to train your dog to run away when you call them because they think it means the fun is over. Chasing your dog around the park is going to make getting back into the car more difficult. If you practice these recall skills, your dog will already be primed to be more cooperative with getting their leash back on, leaving the park, and then getting back into the car. You can use positive reinforcement of something exciting like a kong waiting for them in the car so leaving the park doesn’t mean the fun is over.

More Tips For Traveling With Dogs

Making your dog comfortable while traveling in the car is important. A comfortable and familiar environment can help reduce stress and anxiety in dogs during travel, making the experience more enjoyable for both you and your pup.

✔️Crate train your dog

Step-by-Step Crate Training Guide

STEP 1 – Getting Used to the Crate

• Place treats around the crate opening to initiate interest
• Avoid any verbal directions, and allow the placement of treats to guide the dog
• Gradually introducing more treats into the crate over a few days
• Repeat the process until your dog feels comfortable both in and around the crate.

STEP 2 – POSITIVE ASSOCIATIONS WITH THE CRATE

• Place your dog’s food in its bowl or kong inside the crate
• leave the door to the crate open while your dog enjoys a snack

STEP 3 – GIVE IT A NAME

• Say, “Crate” as your dog goes inside. say, “Good crate” and close the door 
• When your dog looks at you, open the crate door. Give your dog a few treats through the crate door and tell your dog how good it is.
• Let your pup out. Practice this regularly throughout the day

STEP 4 – BUILDING ENDURANCE

• Say “Crate” and encourage the dog to enter the crate. Place food inside the crate once the dog is inside and close the door to the crate
• Take a step or two away from the crate and return to give a high-value treat through the wires. Repeat the process a few times, increasing distance and time each round
• Add in extra high-value treats like a kong and step further away
• Act calm and neutral when opening the door to let the dog out
• When your dog can be calm and enjoy time in their crate with you still in the room, it’s time to move to the next step

Step 5 – Reducing Separation Anxiety

• Now your dog learns to enjoy its time in the crate even if you aren’t in the room 
• Say, “Crate” and once your dog is inside, put down their food. Then close the door
• Leave the room just for a few seconds. Return and let your dog out
• Increase the duration over time. It may only take one or two tries or it may take a few weeks of practice, but eventually, your dog will catch on

Step 6 – Move to the car

• Put the crate in the car
• Repeat the steps from steps 1-5 with the car in the driveway. If your dog is fairly comfortable with the initial crate training, this will probably go quickly
• Turn on the car and go for a short trip
• If that worked, you should be able to go on the trips you have all been dreaming of

How to Keep Your Dog Safe in the Car

⭐ Best car kennel for big dogs – Ruffland Performance Kennels

These types of kennels will provide the best protection if they are tied down in your vehicle according to the manufacturer’s directions.

While the absolute top-rated and crash-tested kennel award usually goes to Gunner Kennels, the Ruffland Kennels are about half the cost and provide a safe environment.

The kennel material has some flexibility to it providing a tiny bit of cushion if there is an impact with your dog inside. The shape of the walls means the ventilation doesn’t get blocked if it is against the wall or car door. Also, the back has a slant that helps it fit better into SUVs For me personally, one of their features is a big deal even if it seems small. I hate the sound crates make as they rattle when driving down the highway. This company has worked to reduce the rattle, so I appreciate a quieter drive!

✔️Restrain your pet for comfort and safety

While the harnesses that are safe for walking might be different from car-safe ones, the process for getting your dog comfortable wearing one is pretty similar.

No one wants to think about the possibility of a car accident, but it can happen. If your pet isn’t properly restrained, it could be very dangerous. Unfortunately, only a few studies have been conducted. Learn more at the Center for Pet Safety

Car kennels are bulky and take up a lot of space. For anything larger than a toy dog that fits into any of the sizes up to extra-large, I recommend a harness.

If your dog is fearful of the car, put the harness on your dog inside the house. That way you are reducing the number of extra steps in the more difficult space.

✔️Make the space cozy and familiar

Providing a comfortable and familiar space for dogs in the car can help reduce their anxiety during car rides and minimize your dog’s refusal to get into the car. Consider bringing along familiar items such as their bed, toys, and blanket to create a sense of home in the car.

For Sam, we usually give him a thin soft fuzzy blanket that’s about 3×3. It’s easy to wash and just provides a tiny bit of warmth and comfort.

When our dog Thandi got older, she had a lot of aches and pains, so she really benefited from an actual bed. We liked having a bed that fit in her crate and could be taken out and used in other places as well.

Cars can get quite warm especially if the sun is hitting the same side of the car for a long time. One thing you can use is a cooling mat. When your dog lays on it, the gel activates and cools the dog down. The gel is non-toxic, but you would only want to use it with a dog that isn’t in the chewing phase.

For dogs in a crate, you might want to put a shade cloth between the window and their crate. This can help alleviate the intensity of the sun.

If your dog is comfortable and has familiar things with them, they will be more likely to have a positive experience. That will help reduce the chances of balking at the car door.

✔️On a road trip, plan your stops for sniffing and bathroom breaks

Dogs, just like humans, need regular breaks to stretch their legs, relieve themselves, and sniff around to take in their surroundings. Planning these breaks will not only help keep your dog happy and comfortable, but it will also give you the opportunity to rest and recharge as well.

If you can, look for areas with plenty of grass and shade for your dog to enjoy. That’s not always possible, and the most common break spots tend to be at gas stations and Lowes or Home Depot since both owner and dog can go inside. While that may not seem ideal, my dogs find all the new smells there to be rather fascinating, so they get pretty excited. If you are in a hurry, it can help if you have trained your dog to pee on command. Make sure to bring along plenty of water and treats to keep your pup hydrated and happy throughout the journey. By taking the time to plan for your dog’s needs, you can ensure that everyone, including your furry friend, has a safe and enjoyable road trip.

Read more about providing the basics for your dog on a road trip.

Final Thoughts: Why Dogs refuse to get in the car

Dogs can be resistant to getting into the car for a variety of reasons but don’t worry, there’s always a solution. It’s all about understanding what’s making your pup hesitate and finding the right approach to help them feel more comfortable. With a little patience, some treats, and a lot of love, you can turn car rides into a fun and exciting adventure for both of you. Remember, your dog’s safety and well-being always come first, so take it slow and be there to support them every step of the way. And, if you need a little extra help, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional for guidance. Happy travels to you and your furry friend!

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