How do I get my puppy to like car rides?

Question

I have a 12 week old Bichonpoo she is a sweetheart. But she wants to be held all the time. This is not possible when I am driving. I put her in a dog booster seat for her safety and mine. She screams the whole time not because she is unhappy in the car but because she wants me to hold her. If I reach over and pet her she is quiet. I go many places and plan on taking her with me how can I get her to settle down and realize this is a time she can't be held?

Answer 1

Do exactly what you're doing, only go for really short rides at first. Gradually lengthen the time she's in the car.

If she's quiet, praise her if it's safe to do so.

That's what I did with my girl and now she loves car rides.

Thank you for properly restraining her. Like you said, it's safer for the 2 of you, but it's also safer for the rest of us on the road.

Answer 2

Do NOT drive with the dog on your lap! Either crate her or use a doggie seatbelt for very short trips. Ignore the screaming totally. When you reach over to pet her, you are rewarding her for screaming & it will only get worse. Sounds like she's the dominant one already. Look up Cesar Milan; the dog whisperer. He has very good info about dominance issues. You're asking for trouble if you let her get away with such behaviour at 3 months old. Good luck with your new doggie.

Answer 3

She might not like the restriction of the car seat, maybe try gating off the back so she cannot get up front. I got my puppy used to the car at first before even driving with him in it. I sat with him in the back seat and gave him treats for sitting. I did this a couple of times and then I drove with him and when he would sit or lie down I would throw some treats in back and praise him. It is something dogs have to get used to young or they will always be afraid.

Answer 4

Just like amanda said she may not like to be restrained i take my min pin baby every where we go and at first to get him used to it we would only go for short rides and he wanted to sit on my lap and i just kept telling him no and putting him back on the passanger seat and would praise him and when i was training him to do that i would give him treats if he stayed over there and then just after few rides then he was trained to sit on the passanger seat and now he just sits down and enjoys the ride,,, i hope this helps and she will learn if you give her time

Answer 5

we started our dog in a carrying crate, and faced it towards the driver seat. then she got to ride in mommy's lap while daddy drove, and then she got to sit in the front seat while mommy drove (she did try to climb in my lap more than a few times tho, and i had to put her back on hers). now she likes to go from the front seat to the way back and sit in the trunk (i have a hatch back). and when she gets bored with that she comes and sits in the front again, or at least in the back seat. she's only 4 months old and has been in the car alomst every day we've had her. it will just take a little time.

Answer 6

well, you could do what my mother always does when she takes our dog somewhere-she carries him while she's driving. but if it is too hard then i suggest a crate or a doggy carrier. maybe put her favorite toy or treat in there to make her settle down.

Answer 7

my cat only likes rideing in my sisters car, cause she knows shes not gonna bring her to the vet.

Answer 8

get a doggie seatbelt

Answer 9

aw...... she sounds cute.
you should give her treats?? give her a toy or if she likes to listen to music then put that on.

Answer 10

.....just don't bring her I guess, or force her and after awhile she'll get the hint