How to Get a Large Dog into a Car: 5 Simple Steps

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Traveling with your dog can be an exciting and rewarding experience. However, getting a large or elderly dog into a car can sometimes pose challenges.

As a terrier owner, I was used to my dogs just hopping in, and I didn’t have to think about it.  As my dogs got older, one of the first signs that their body was changing was the difficulty they had getting into the car. Even now, I feel a little emotional thinking about how much more support our pups needed from us as they got older and just can’t do what they used to anymore.  

As hard as it is with a little dog, it’s 10x harder to help a larger dog get into the car if they have difficulty getting in on their own.  We definitely need some tools to help us out. 

 In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best practices and techniques for getting your large or old dog into the car since that’s probably the group of dogs that have the most difficulty. 

We’ll also explore how to handle small dogs, SUVs, and trucks. If you have concerns because your dog is reluctant to enter the car and how to safely get them out once you arrive, we’ve got some tips for you.

With patience, practice, and the right tools, you’ll soon have your dog hopping into the car with ease and enthusiasm. Keep in mind that trust and calmness are crucial when lifting your dog to avoid any dangerous situations.

If you don’t have time to read this whole article and you just want a quick tip on what tool to use to help your large or elderly dog get into the car, here’s our top pick.

How to get Your Dog into the car

5 simple steps to train a healthy adult dog to get into the car

1. Familiarize your dog with the car: Start by allowing your dog to explore the stationary car, both inside and out, to become comfortable with its presence.
2. Create a positive association: Use treats, praise, and toys to create a positive association with the car.
3. Teach basic commands: Train your dog to understand commands like “up,” “load,” “out,” and “unload” to help them understand what you want them to do.
4. Gradual exposure: Begin by having your dog enter and exit the car without it running, then progress to short trips and gradually increase the distance.
5. Practice: Consistently practice these techniques, and soon your dog will be confidently getting into and out of the car on their own.
6. Bonus: Crate train your dog in the house so they are comfortable in the crate no matter where it is

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How to get a large dog into the car

• Open the door and position your dog next to it: Ensure that your dog is calm and comfortable before attempting to get them into the car.
• Use a command, like “up” or “load,” to encourage your dog to jump in: Remember to use a consistent command each time, so your dog knows what you expect.
• Reward your dog with a treat or praise once they are inside: This will reinforce the positive behavior and help your dog associate getting into the car with a positive experience.
• Ensure their comfort: Provide a comfortable space for your dog to rest, such as a bed or blanket, and make sure there’s adequate ventilation.
• Secure your dog: Use a pet seatbelt, secured crash-tested crate, or harness to ensure your dog’s safety while in the car.

How to get an old or injured dog into the car

When my Jack Russell and Border Terriers were in their prime, they had no problem jumping into the car on their own even though they were little dogs.  Once they got older, we switched to the two-step method or picking them up.

It’s easier to pick up a small senior dog. It is more difficult to help an older large or medium dog. 

• Assess their mobility: Determine if your dog has any limitations that may make it challenging to get into the car, such as joint pain or arthritis.
• If they can still jump a little, have them get into the footwell first and then move onto the seat.  
• Create a comfortable environment: Provide a non-slip mat or towel on the car floor to help your dog maintain their footing.
• If you or your dog need more support, use a car ramp, steps or a sling: These tools can help assist your dog into the car while providing additional support and stability.
• Be patient and gentle: Remember that older dogs may need more time and gentle encouragement to get into the car.
• Regularly monitor their comfort and safety: Check on your dog throughout the journey and make any necessary adjustments to ensure they remain comfortable.

How to Safely Lift the Large/Medium Dog Into the Car

• Ensure trust and calmness: Before lifting your dog, make sure they trust you and are calm. A nervous or agitated dog may snap, growl, or flail, which could lead to injury for both you and your dog.
• Stand beside your dog with your knees slightly bent: This will help you maintain proper lifting form and prevent injury.
• Place one arm under their chest and the other under their hips: This provides support for your dog’s body weight and helps you maintain control.
• Use your legs to lift while keeping your back straight: This will help protect your back from injury and ensure a stable lift.
• Guide your dog gently into the car: Use smooth, controlled movements to prevent injury or discomfort.
• Praise and reward your dog: Reinforce their good behavior with verbal praise or give a treat once they are safely inside the car.

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How to get a small dog into the car

Small dogs are more used to being picked up than medium and large dogs, so they are less likely to be upset by this.  However, just because a dog is small doesn’t mean they need to be picked up. 

My Jack Russell had no problem springing into a full-sized truck on her own when she was in her prime.  My Norwich Terrier has stumpy little legs and there’s no way he could jump into the seat of the car by himself. 

• One of the best methods for letting your dog get into the car by themselves is to use the lower footwell. Many small dogs can jump into the footwell and then go from the footwell to the seat. 
• Calm your dog: Ensure that your small dog is calm and comfortable before attempting to lift them into the car.
• Hold your dog securely with both hands, one under the chest and another under the hips: This will provide stability and control while lifting.
• Gently lift and place them in the car: Use smooth, controlled movements to prevent injury or discomfort.
• Reward and praise: Reinforce their good behavior with verbal praise or a treat once they are safely inside the car.
• Ensure their comfort and safety: Provide a comfortable space for your dog to rest and use a pet seatbelt, crate, or harness to secure them during the journey.

How to safely Lift the Small Dog Using This Method

• Stand close to the car with your dog facing the open door: This will help you maintain balance and control while lifting your dog.
• Bend your knees and scoop up your dog using both hands: Be sure to support their chest and hips to provide stability.
• Gently place them inside the car: Use smooth, controlled movements to prevent injury or discomfort.

Lift your dog in when it is already in a crate

This method is most likely to work with dogs under 30 lbs. Unless you happen to be a weightlifter, you will likely hurt yourself trying this with a bigger dog. 

• Choose an appropriately-sized crate: Ensure that the crate is large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
• Acclimate your dog to the crate: Allow your dog to become familiar with the crate before attempting to transport them in it.
• Lift the crate with your dog inside: Use proper lifting techniques to prevent injury, and place the crate securely in the car.
• Secure the crash tested crate: Use straps or a seatbelt to prevent the crate from shifting during the journey.

Is there a different technique for a dog to get into an SUV or a Truck?

For higher vehicles like SUVs or trucks, use a ramp, stairs, or a sling to assist your dog in entering the car. You may also need to adjust your lifting technique to account for the increased height of the vehicle.

What Do I Do If My Dog Doesn’t Want to Get in the Car?

I wrote an entire post on what to do if your dog doesn’t want to get into the car. If you experience this challenge definitely read more to get some fantastic training tips. This is just a tiny introduction.

• Identify the cause: Determine if your dog’s reluctance is due to fear, discomfort, or a negative association with the car.
• Be patient: Allow your dog time to adjust and become comfortable with the car.
• Use positive reinforcement: Gradually desensitize your dog to the car, practice getting in and out, and reward them for positive behavior.
• Consult a professional: If your dog’s reluctance persists, consider seeking advice from a veterinarian or professional dog trainer.

How to get your dog out of the car

This doesn’t tend to be a big problem. Unless your pup is feeling poorly or has severe anxiety about going in cars, they will most likely be pretty excited to see where they are. I know my terriers get pretty excited to go to the beach, park, visit friends, etc. They are pretty much just excited about life. 

• Train your dog to stay when you open the car door. They last thing you want is for your furry friend to jump into the street or parking lot when you open the car door.
• Open the door and stand close to the car: This will help you maintain control and stability while assisting your dog.
• Use a command, like “out” or “unload,” to encourage your dog to jump out: Remember to be consistent with your commands.
• For elderly or large dogs, provide support as needed with a sling, ramp, or stairs: These tools can help your dog exit the car safely and comfortably, reducing the risk of injury.
• Reward and praise your dog for a successful exit: Reinforce their good behavior with verbal praise or a treat once they are safely out of the car.
• Monitor your dog’s wellbeing: Check your dog for signs of discomfort or distress after the journey and address any issues as needed.

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Final Thoughts: How to get a large dog into a car

Getting a large or elderly dog into a car can be a challenging task, but with patience, practice, and the right tools, it is possible to make the process smooth and stress-free for both you and your furry friend. By teaching your dog to associate the car with positive experiences, using appropriate lifting techniques, and utilizing helpful tools like ramps, stairs, and slings, you can ensure that your dog is comfortable and safe during your travels.

Remember that trust and calmness are essential when lifting your dog, and be prepared to adjust your approach based on your dog’s specific needs and limitations. With time, your dog will become more comfortable and confident entering and exiting the car, making your trips together more enjoyable and worry-free.