Start With Short Practice Drives
Before a long road trip, take your dog on several short, low-stakes drives around the neighborhood. Pair each ride with something positive — a favorite treat, a calm voice, or a quick stop at a park — so the car becomes associated with good things instead of stress.
- Begin with 5–10 minute drives and gradually extend the time.
- Keep the first few rides destination-free so there’s no pressure.
- Reward calm behavior the moment your pet settles in.
Great idea! Slowly building up drive times definitely helped our border collie crew! And if there were stops with a BALL involved - that settled it for them!
– Andreas_RMX