How I Helped My Dog Overcome Car Anxiety—And How You Can Too

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Treat-Free, Positive Dog Training in Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, and New Westminster

When I first adopted Indigo, I was beyond excited to share adventures with her across British Columbia. She was full of life—curious, intelligent, and loving. But there was one unexpected obstacle: she couldn’t handle car rides. Even short drives around Burnaby ended with her vomiting in the back seat. It wasn’t motion sickness. It was anxiety—and it was heartbreaking.

This isn’t just a rare issue. Canine car anxiety is incredibly common, especially among puppies and rescue dogs. And for many families in the Greater Vancouver Area who want to travel, hike, or simply enjoy local parks, this anxiety can feel like a roadblock to everyday life.

If your dog struggles with car rides—vomiting, barking, whining, drooling, or flat-out refusing to get in—you’re not alone. And more importantly, there are proven, treat-free training techniques that work. At Hustle Up Dog Training, we’ve helped dozens of dogs across Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, and New Westminster overcome their fear of car travel—without bribes or food-based tricks.

Let’s talk about what really works.

Understanding the Science Behind Canine Car Anxiety

Canine travel anxiety can be caused by several factors, including:

• Sensory Overload: Cars create unnatural vibrations, sounds, and movements that overwhelm a dog’s nervous system.

• Lack of Exposure: Dogs not introduced to vehicle travel early in life may develop a fear of the unknown.

• Negative Associations: If car rides have only led to unpleasant destinations (like the vet), your dog may begin to fear the ride itself.

According to the American Kennel Club, many dogs experience motion-triggered stress responses, including nausea, vomiting, or hyperactivity (AKC, 2021).

Other signs of car anxiety include:

• Heavy panting

• Excessive drooling

• Shaking or trembling

• Barking or howling

• Trying to escape the car or refusing to enter

• Pacing or restlessness

Indigo’s Journey: From Vomiting to Calm Car Companion

When Indigo’s car anxiety became impossible to ignore, I made the decision to approach the problem with the same principles we teach at Hustle Up Dog Training: structure, consistency, leadership—and no treats. I started with short, no-pressure drives: gas stations, coffee runs, and loops around the block.

I didn’t coddle her or bribe her. I gave her calm leadership.

Over time, I built her confidence and tolerance. We went from 20-minute drives with stress vomiting to 4.5-hour road trips to Kelowna with zero issues. That transformation wasn’t magic—it was methodical training.

Treat-Free Training Works for Travel Anxiety Too

At Hustle Up, we don’t rely on treats to mask anxiety. Instead, we help you train the dog in front of you—with real-world exposure, patience, and trust-based handling.

Bribing a dog with food might get them into the car temporarily, but it doesn’t teach them to feel safe. And when that treat runs out, the anxiety comes right back. Real behaviour change comes from desensitization, leadership, and repetition.

Step-by-Step: How to Help Your Dog Overcome Car Travel Anxiety

1. Start Without Moving

Begin by simply sitting in the car with your dog, engine off. Stay calm. No baby talk. Let them sniff, explore, or sit quietly. Aim for 2–5 minutes at a time, and gradually increase the duration.

2. Add Calm Movement

Once your dog is relaxed in a parked car, start the engine. Don’t go anywhere yet. Let them adjust to the sound and vibration. Then, try driving around the block and returning home.

Repeat this step daily if possible. Routine builds confidence.

3. Use Structure, Not Bribes

Use a secure setup: crate, dog seatbelt harness, or designated area. Avoid giving treats or food before or during rides. Instead, focus on calm praise and quiet presence.

If your dog whines or barks, correct with a firm leash pop and cue like, “No noise.” Your tone should be calm and assertive—not frantic or pleading.

4. Establish a Load-Up Routine

If your dog refuses to get in the car, teach a reliable command like “Load up!” Use a standard 6-foot leash and a martingale collar. Apply gentle pressure up and forward to guide them in. Don’t yank. Don’t beg.

Do this calmly, repeatedly, and consistently.

For small dogs or seniors with mobility issues, lifting or using a ramp is perfectly acceptable.

5. Break the Negative Association

If your dog only experiences car rides when going to the vet, they’ll associate the car with stress. Make car rides part of the fun. Take quick trips to a park, a friend’s house, or just a drive with no destination.

Beyond Vomiting: Other Signs of Travel Stress

Some dogs won’t throw up—but that doesn’t mean they’re okay. If your dog displays any of the following, they may be suffering from unaddressed anxiety:

• Reluctance to enter the vehicle

• Drooling heavily before the engine starts

• Barking or whining the entire ride

• Refusing to lie down or settle

• Scratching at windows or doors

If left unchecked, this anxiety can escalate. That’s why early intervention matters—especially for puppies and rescues.

The Hidden Benefits of Tackling Car Anxiety

Once Indigo could confidently ride in the car, our world opened up. We visited more trails, explored beaches, and made spontaneous road trips that built our bond even deeper.

For dogs living in urban environments like Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, and New Westminster, the car is essential to accessing nature, socialization, and enrichment. Helping your dog overcome their anxiety is one of the greatest gifts you can give them—and yourself.

Why Treat-Free Dog Training Is Better for Travel and Beyond

At Hustle Up Dog Training, we focus on helping your dog think, not react. Treat-based training creates dependency. Our method builds confidence and clarity.

Science backs this up. A 2020 study in Frontiers in Veterinary Science found that aversive-based training (like yelling or leash-popping without context) increases cortisol levels, but structured, non-food-based training using positive reinforcement and leadership keeps stress levels balanced (Vieira de Castro et al., 2020).

We use real-world training in real-life scenarios to help dogs make lasting behavioural changes—not just perform tricks for snacks.

Join a Hustle Up Group or Book Private Coaching

Whether you're in downtown Vancouver or suburban Surrey, we’ve got a class for you:

📍 Vancouver & Burnaby:

• Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.

• Saturdays at 8:00 a.m.

📍 Surrey & New Westminster:

• Mondays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.

We offer real-world group classes at coffee shops and parks so your dog learns where it matters—not just in a sterile training hall. Our sessions include car loading practice, public manners, and anxiety reduction techniques.

Prefer one-on-one help? Book a private session where we’ll customize a training plan for your dog’s specific needs.

Don’t Let Anxiety Limit Your Dog’s Life

You deserve to take your dog anywhere—with confidence and ease. Whether it’s the dog beach in Kitsilano, a hike in Lynn Canyon, or a trip to Grandma’s in Kelowna, don’t let vehicle anxiety be the reason your dog misses out.

Hustle Up Dog Training is here to help—with no bribes, no gimmicks, and no treats. Just honest training that works.

Start your dog’s journey today.🚗💪🐾