Why is my dog reactive to cars? Here’s What to Expect

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Managing Your Dog’s Reactions

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    1 Put your dog in a separate room. If you know people are coming over and your dog typically reacts badly to guests

    Train your Dog to STOP CHASING & LUNGING at CARS: Where to Start

    Many dogs bark at things they see through the car window — most commonly people and other dogs, but also sometimes cars, trucks, motorcycles, kids on bikes, cats, skateboarders, and scooters. Some dogs bark when they see these same things in a different context — perhaps from home or while out on walks — but others only react like this when they’re in the car. And dogs who react in multiple contexts often bark especially vigorously when in a car.

    There’s something about the confined space of a vehicle that tends to make this behavior more likely — and more intense. It could be that the dog feels trapped, and, therefore, is more reactive. Or, maybe they feel more secure, and that confidence makes them more reactive.Â

    Whatever the reason, it’s common for dogs to struggle to remain calm at the sight of various triggers on the other side of the car window. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do about it.Â

    The first step toward improving your dog’s behavior is to figure out the specific triggers that cause them to bark. Do they bark at all people, or just big men? Is it all dogs, or only small white ones, or only those who are barking? Does every motorcycle cause your dog to go nuts, or is it only those that pass the car? Is it every vehicle, or only trucks?

    Once you’ve that figured out, determine what your dog loves that can feasibly and safely be given to them while in the car. Is a new toy the top option? Or maybe a stuffed Kong? If they like treats, which treats make them the happiest: chicken, steak or a specific training treat?

    Once you’ve determined what sets your dog off and what they love, the next step is to repeatedly pair them up so that every time they’re exposed to a trigger, they get that thing, along with lots of praise. Praise is very important, particularly since it can be given even when you’re driving by yourself.Â

    When a trigger is present, give your dog lots of happy talk and then, as soon as you safely can — at a stoplight or by pulling over — provide the treat. (Try practicing this when you have two people in the car so your dog learns that praise means treats are coming soon.)

    Success requires considerable attention to the many details involved in this type of pairing, including: presenting the trigger in a low-intensity way so your dog doesn’t react, safely delivering the treat and praise as soon as possible (immediately is ideal), and gradually increasing the intensity of the trigger over many training sessions.