How do I stop my dog being scared of traffic? A Step-by-Step Guide

Why is my dog scared of cars and traffic?

When determining why a dog is scared of cars, we need to determine whether the dog is scared of vehicles in particular or they are generally fearful animals. For dogs which are scared of cars and traffic, but are otherwise calm animals, we can suggest the vehicles themselves are causing the fear. For dogs which are scared in general, we need to look at why the roads exacerbate this problem.

Below are the main reasons why a dog is scared of cars and traffic:

Sound and size of vehicles: dogs are animals with their own type of communication. Although wild dogs will prey on smaller (and sometimes larger) animals, they are not usually the top of the food pyramid. We often refer to big cars as ‘beasts’, so it should be no surprise some dogs are be scared of them. In particular, their loud engine can sound like a roar, so some dogs can be frightened by them, especially when they are moving fast.

Poor socialization: fear often comes from the unknown. We often think of socialization as integration with other living animals, especially people and other dogs. Socialization also means getting used to their environment. Many dogs may be scared of a car at first, but eventually come to tolerate them. If your dog was raised in the country and moved to a city, they may be scared of cars because they arent familiar with them.

Trauma: if a dog has had a traumatic experience in the past with cars or traffic, they may be scared of them in the present. When we adopt a dog from a shelter, it is often difficult to know their history. They may have been lost and become scared of cars, or even be knocked down by one. Even traveling in cars can be traumatic if the journey was rough or they were taken somewhere they were to be abused.

Poor education: another reason our dog might be scared of cars can be related to our level of care. If we have not properly educated them, our dog might have more reason to fear cars. Even when we dont intend to, we often make mistakes when walking our dog which can lead to fears developing.

Generalized fear or anxiety: finally, if your dog is suddenly scared of everything or if they have always been that way, cars and traffic can exacerbate general fear. It is also possible the dog is shy or timid and doesnt usually show signs of fear. They may be perfectly comfortable in the home, but when they go outside, their phobias become evident. In these cases, cars and traffic are a trigger for their general fears.

We should also point out that a certain amount of fear of cars and traffic is healthy for your dog. We walk dogs on leashes both to keep them under control and to protect them. Many dogs each year run out into oncoming traffic because they do not realize the danger. Many of them die from their injuries. We should not only use a leash to prevent dogs running into traffic. Training and education are also important to maintain their safety near roads.

Some dogs are not scared of cars. In fact, some can seem to be antagonistic towards them, something which can cause its own set of problems. Take a look at our article on why dogs chase cars and other vehicles to learn more.

Why does my dog get aggressive in the car?

The three main reasons for dogs barking in the car are anxiety, barrier aggression, and excitement. If your dog’s barking is distracting you from keeping your eyes on the road, follow these tips for how to combat it and cerate a safer driving environment for everyone.

What can I give my dog for anxiety in the car?

Dramamine, Bonine, and Antivert are over-the-counter human antihistamines that can be purchased in many stores, and even some gas stations. Not only will they stop motion sickness, but they can also sedate your pup to help ease their anxiety while in the car. Benadryl is another human antihistamine that does it all!

Desensitising a Dog to Traffic

Instead, try using a cheerful and playful tone when crossing the street or passing traffic. Positively reinforce your dog after he has calmed down and shows signs of improvement. Do not negatively reinforce or scold your dog for being scared, as this will only intensify the fear.