HOW TO
CAR TRAIN YOUR
D G
As soon as you get ready to leave the house, your dog wants to tag along. Many of your trips together will include a ride in the car, so it’s important to familiarize your new buddy with car travel as soon as possible. BY JEFF ANDERSON
I
f you have a new puppy who’s comfortable with the car, lucky you! You can skip directly to “Add things he loves” (see next page). For pups or dogs who seem nervous of the car or suffer from car sickness, try Classic Conditioning to resolve their issues and turn them into road warriors.
CARSICK DOGS
Dogs experience car sickness for a number of reasons – stress, motion or unequal pressure in the car. There are a couple things you can try: CAR TRAINING THROUGH Looking out the side window could trigger a balance issue with CLASSIC CONDITIONING your dog when she sees everything rushing by at high speed. Try using a Conditioning works by stimulating the amygdala, the crate in the back seat and locate it on the floor so your dog can’t see outside the part of the brain that controls emotional reactions and car, or cover the crate with a light blanket (leaving the front uncovered) to limit what the memory of emotions, especially fear and pleasure. your dog can see. Try opening the front window (while your dog is in the back Through conditioning, we access a dog’s amygdala by seat) to equalize the pressure in the car. Have a vet check your dog’s ears stimulating the pleasure centre when he is in a situation for wax and keep them clear by using a canine ear wash. that would normally cause discomfort or fear. The fastest way If these solutions don’t help, try conditioning your dog to accomplish this is by using a high value treat. (If you are using kibble or treats for training, remember to decrease your dog’s meals to have a better experience over time. accordingly.) While many dogs respond to food, some may feel more This cannot be accomplished instantly pleasure from toys, balls or objects of comfort, though the conditioning and should be done at a rate process may take more time. that is pleasant for your dog. 34
CANADIAN DOGS ANNUAL 2018