Some dogs take to car and truck rides like a duck to water. With others, they may exhibit signs of fear and anxiety and even may become nauseous and vomit. You may never know exactly why your dog sees the car as his enemy. Perhaps, he remembers that a car ride equates to a trip to the vet's office for shots. Or maybe, if your dog was a stray, someone took him on a car ride to dump him off. Whatever the reason, you need to take steps to desensitize him so that eventually he will associate a car ride with positive things, like a trip to the park.
The first thing you need to do is have plenty of treats on hand. Then, go open your car doors before leashing your dog. Walk him around your car several times, allowing him to peer in or sniff if he so desires. If he does, give him a doggie treat and lots of love and praise. If he shows anxiety, continue to walk around your car slowly around the open doors until he calms down. When you notice that he relaxes noticeably, praise him and give him treats.
Next, after a few days of traversing the route around the car, you should notice that your dog no longer becomes agitated being in the vicinity of the car. Your next move is arming yourself with treats then leading your dog back to the car with its open doors. Coax your dog inside the car. Do not start the engine! Be advised that your dog may balk at entering your car, even with the engine off. You should not try to form him inside. Rather, offer him a bribe. Use a trail of treats to get him in your car. Play fetch and throw a toy inside in the hopes she will retrieve it. While your dog is on the leash, get in the vehicle yourself. Call your dog to you and present a treat to him.
Once you get your dog inside your car, praise him and show him lots of love. You want to make sure that you keep the doors open at all times so he can leave if the pressure becomes too much for him. Allow him to sniff around and inspect your car if he shows an inclination. Whatever you do, do not acknowledge his anxiety!
The next phase to getting your dog to ride is to close the doors with your dog inside. Make sure the windows are down for good air flow and again, do not start the car. Pet your dog and reassure him through the window. Again, if your dog shows signs of nervousness, ignore it as it will only reinforce that behavior. If your dog sits easily, give him a treat and praise him. Keep this first enclosed exposure to a few brief minutes and then get inside with her.
Once your dog is comfortable enough in the car, start the engine. Don't go anywhere. Just let the engine idle with both you and the dog inside. If your dog seems amendable, go for a quick drive around the block. Reward your dog for good behavior while in the car. If he shows signs of fear, ignore it and return home. This phase may take a few days until your dog is relaxed enough with a trip around the block.
After you dog is fully acclimated to the car and doesn't freak at the short car ride, take him someplace fun like the park or a nature trail where he can sniff and explore to his heart's content. By this time, your dog should start to associate, the car with pleasant feelings. And one day, your dog will be excited when you grab your car keys because he wants to go for a ride!
