Traveling with dogs can be a fun and enriching experience, but for some breeds, car rides are a source of stress and anxiety. Understanding which breeds struggle and how to address their concerns can make journeys smoother for everyone involved. Here’s a look at eleven dog breeds that often find car rides challenging, and tips to help them enjoy the journey.
Azawakh
An Azawakh is a sight to behold, with its elegant frame and keen gaze. However, these desert hounds can be apprehensive in confined spaces like cars. Their sensitive nature means they are easily stressed by unfamiliar settings. To help them, create a calm space with familiar scents. Introduce them to car rides gradually, ensuring they feel secure.
Rewarding them for calm behavior can also ease their worries. Patience and understanding are key to making car rides more enjoyable for these graceful companions.
Sloughi
The Sloughi, with its dignified bearing, can be uneasy about car travel. These aloof dogs appreciate familiarity and can be deeply unsettled by the motion and noise of vehicles.
Introducing a favorite blanket or toy can provide comfort. Short, positive experiences in the car can build their confidence.
Quiet reassurance from their owner helps them feel at ease, turning the journey into a bonding experience. Over time, these gentle hounds can learn to trust the ride.
Bergamasco Sheepdog
Bergamasco Sheepdogs, known for their striking coats, can find car rides disconcerting. Their herding instincts make them sensitive to movement and change.
Gradual exposure to the car, paired with positive reinforcement, can ease their discomfort. Playing calming music may also help them relax.
Their love for family means they thrive on reassurance, so keeping them company during rides can make a significant difference.
Mudi
With their bright eyes and energetic nature, Mudi dogs are always ready for action—except when it comes to car rides. Their active minds can lead to restlessness in confined spaces.
Engaging them with games or toys during the ride can provide distraction. Taking frequent breaks allows them to stretch and explore, reducing anxiety.
Creating a routine around car rides can turn apprehension into anticipation, making travel a new adventure.
Pumi
The Pumi’s spirited personality shines through in their lively expressions, but car rides may put a damper on their zest. Their inquisitive nature can turn to anxiety with unfamiliar motion.
Using their natural curiosity to distract them with treats or toys can help. Familiarizing them with car rides through short, enjoyable trips is beneficial.
Consistency and positive reinforcement can transform their car experiences from daunting to delightful.
Cirneco dell’Etna
The Cirneco dell’Etna, with its sleek form and ancient lineage, often finds car rides unsettling. Their independent spirit can clash with the confines of a vehicle.
To ease their stress, introduce them to the car environment gradually. Soft bedding and familiar scents can provide comfort.
Positive reinforcement and gentle encouragement turn car rides into a positive experience, allowing them to settle into the journey with ease.
Catalan Sheepdog
Catalan Sheepdogs, known for their adaptability, may still struggle with car rides. Their protective nature can make them wary of unfamiliar situations.
Creating a comfortable space in the car with their favorite items can help. Gradual exposure and reassurance from their owner ease their concerns.
The right balance of comfort and familiarity turns the car into a second home, making travel more enjoyable.
Pyrenean Shepherd
The Pyrenean Shepherd’s vibrant intelligence and energy can be at odds with the stillness of car rides. These dynamic dogs thrive on activity and interaction.
Engaging them with interactive toys or games during the ride can keep their minds occupied. Frequent stops allow them to burn off energy and stay calm.
Creating a consistent pre-travel routine helps them adapt to car journeys, turning them into a new form of play.
Dutch Smoushond
Dutch Smoushonds, with their charming whiskers and friendly demeanor, may still find car rides perplexing. Their sociable nature can lead to anxiety if they feel isolated.
Keeping them engaged with conversation or companionship during rides can alleviate worries. Introducing them to the car in a positive context makes the experience less daunting.
With patience and gentle guidance, car travel becomes another opportunity for interaction.
Karelian Bear Dog
The Karelian Bear Dog, with its bold spirit, may not always take to car rides naturally. Bred for courage, they can find the constraints of a vehicle limiting.
Familiar surroundings and gradual exposure to car environments help ease their transition. Positive reinforcement and the presence of a trusted companion make car rides less intimidating.
With the right approach, these brave dogs can learn to appreciate the confined adventure.
Thai Ridgeback
The Thai Ridgeback, with its unique ridge of hair and independent nature, may find car rides challenging. They thrive on autonomy, which can clash with the confines of a car.
Introducing them to car rides gradually, with familiar scents and positive reinforcement, eases their anxiety. Creating a comfortable and secure space helps them feel more at home.
With time and patience, these dignified dogs can come to view car travel as a shared journey.