How to Train Your Dog to Love Their Car Seat: 10 Top Tips for a Stress-Free Ride

You're not alone. For many dog owners, road trips or even short drives can be stressful if their furry friend isn’t comfortable in the car.

A car dog seat can make a huge difference in your pet’s comfort and safety, but it’s important to introduce this new setup the right way. Proper training can help your dog not only accept their car seat but genuinely love it, making every trip an stress-free experience for both of you. Let’s explore some tried-and-true tips to make this happen for you and your dog!

1. Start with Positive Associations

Dogs thrive on positive reinforcement, so start by creating a positive association with the dog car seat before you even begin your journey. Place the car seat in a comfortable and familiar environment—like your living room. Allow your dog to explore it at their own pace, sniffing and climbing in and out. To encourage them, use treats or their favourite toy to help them understand that this new seat is something fun (and theirs!).

Top Dog Travel Tip #1: Give treats when they approach or sit in the seat voluntarily. This helps them understand that being in the car seat is rewarding.

2. Introduce their new Dog Car Seat Slowly

Once your dog seems comfortable with the car seat at home, it’s time to move the training to your car itself. Start by placing the car seat in your vehicle, but don’t rush into a drive just yet. Let your dog sit in the seat with the car stationary. During this time, offer praise, pets, or even some calming music (is your dog a Swiftie?) to make them feel relaxed.

Top Dog Travel Tip #2: Practice buckling them in while your car is parked up. Familiarity with the seatbelt or restraint system will prevent anxiety later when the car is in motion.

LUTHER BENNETT CUSTOMER STORIES
Marley's New Travel Experience From His Owner Alison

"Marley would shake and pant in the car, and his anxiety when we had the motorhome was off the scale. Tried calming sprays, long walks before a trip, treats and toys to no avail.

If he sat in the front seat, he would try and climb on my knee and always wanted to be on your knee in the motorhome.

Just done a 200 mile round trip and this photo is him on the way home just loving life in his new travel pod. Thank you, I just wish I had found you earlier!"

3. Start off with Short and Sweet Rides

The next step is to take very short drives. At first, you want these rides to be as positive as possible, so try to combine them with something your dog loves. A quick drive around the block that ends with a trip to the park or a visit to their favorite friend will help them associate the car seat with a reward.

Gradually increase the length of these drives as your dog becomes more comfortable. Always end with something positive to reinforce that car rides are fun experiences.

Top Dog Travel Tip #3: If your dog seems anxious, avoid long drives until they appear more comfortable in their seat.

4. Bring Comfort Items

Their favourite blanket or toy can do wonders to help your dog feel at ease in their dog car seat. Familiar scents are incredibly comforting to dogs, and placing their favourite item in the car seat will help them view it as an extension of their safe space at home.

Top Dog Travel Tip #4: A blanket that smells like home or a chew toy that they love can reduce anxiety during the initial stages of training.

5. Use Calming Techniques

If your dog tends to get anxious in new situations (which many, especially young pups do), consider using calming techniques to help them adjust. This can include using lavender-scented air fresheners, playing calming dog music (not 'who let the dogs out'), or even trying a dog-safe calming spray. If your dog has a favourite chew stick or treat, offering that during car rides can also help reduce anxiety.

Top Dog Travel Tip #5: Don’t underestimate the power of a calm, confident demeanour. Dogs often take cues from their owners, so staying relaxed, as difficult as it may be, can help them feel secure.

6. Avoid Negative Experiences

It's crucial to avoid any experiences that might cause fear or discomfort during car rides. No loud noises, harsh braking, or aggressive driving—these can turn your dog off from enjoying their dog car seat altogether. Keep the temperature comfortable, and if your dog gets motion sickness, consult with your vet about potential solutions, such as dog-friendly anti-nausea medication.

Top Dog Travel Tip #6: Don’t shout at your dog if they show signs of discomfort or anxiety. Instead, take a break and resume training once they’ve chilled out a little bit.

7. Reward Good Behaviour

Positive reinforcement is the key to success in training your dog to love their car seat. So important. Always carry treats with you and reward them when they settle down calmly in the car seat. Praise them whenever they stay quiet or appear relaxed during a ride.

Top Dog Travel Tip #7: Gradually decrease the treats once your dog shows consistent comfort and compliance, replacing them with verbal praise and petting.

8. Consistency is Key

Like all elements of dog ownership, consistency is vital when training your dog to chill in their car seat. Make sure every car ride follows a similar pattern, starting with getting into the car seat and being rewarded for calm behaviour. Dogs find comfort in routines, and consistent, predictable actions will help build their confidence and acceptance of car rides.

Top Dog Travel Tip #8: Practice often, even if you’re not planning a trip. Short, consistent sessions will yield faster results than occasional long training sessions.

9. Make It a Cozy Space

If you’re investing in a luxury car dog seat like our Dog Pod, make it as cozy as possible. Our beds have been super successful with anxious dogs because we pack them out with an unbelievable amount of stuffing. This alone will go a long way toward making their car journey more comfortable. Dogs love comfort, and if their seat feels like their bed at home, they’ll be much more likely to settle in happily for the ride.

Top Dog Travel Tip #9: Adjust the seat position if possible, so your dog has a good view out the window—many dogs love looking outside during rides (just remember to clean the snot stains off the window...)!

10. Be Patient and Stay Positive

Training your dog to love their car seat might take a bit of time, but patience is key. Every dog is different; some may adapt quickly, while others may need extra encouragement. Keep the training positive and stress-free, and celebrate the small wins. Your enthusiasm will help your dog learn that the car seat is a fun place to be.

Top Dog Travel Tip #10: If things aren’t progressing, take a step back to a point where your dog felt comfortable, and work forward from there.

The Next Steps in Making Your Car Journeys With Your Dog A Little Less Stressful?

Training your dog to love their new dog car seat doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By taking things slow, providing positive reinforcement, and ensuring a cozy and comfortable setup, you can make car rides a stress-free experience. Your dog will soon associate the car seat with comfort, fun, and safety, allowing you both to enjoy many adventures together without worry.

A happy dog makes for a happy journey, and with a bit of patience and practice, your dog will be eagerly jumping into their new car seat, ready for the next ride!