Packing up the car with your dog sounds like pure fun, but not every pup loves the open road right away. Some breeds get anxious, overheated, bored, or grumpy when stuck in a moving car for hours.
With a little planning and practice, even these dogs can learn to relax and enjoy the ride. Here are the breeds that might need some extra help before your next big adventure.
Akita
Loyal to the bone, the Akita treats its family like treasure and strangers like suspects. That guarded streak can make gas stations and busy rest stops stressful for everyone.
Start with short drives to quiet places, then slowly add busier stops. Reward calm behavior with treats and praise.
A sturdy crate gives your Akita a safe den on wheels. Fun fact: in Japan, Akitas were once guardians for royalty and nobility.
Shiba Inu
Ever heard a Shiba scream? Owners call it the Shiba scream, and it can happen when this fiery little dog decides the car is not its idea.
Independence runs deep in the breed, so forcing things backfires. Let your Shiba sniff the parked car first, with the engine off.
Toss treats inside and keep early trips super short. Always use a secure harness, since these escape artists love bolting through open doors.
Chow Chow
Picture wearing a heavy lion costume in a warm car. That is life for a Chow Chow, whose thick double coat and short snout make heat a real danger.
Keep the air conditioning running and pack a cooling mat. Plan stops in shady spots, and never leave your Chow alone in a parked car.
Aloof by nature, this breed also prefers routine, so bring its own bed and bowls for comfort.
Great Pyrenees
Size is the first puzzle with a Great Pyrenees. Weighing over 100 pounds, this fluffy giant needs a roomy vehicle and maybe a ramp to climb in safely.
Bred to guard sheep in the mountains, Pyrs like to watch everything and may bark at every passing truck.
Cover windows with sunshades to reduce distractions. Bring lots of water, a lint roller, and patience, because the shedding will follow you home.
Siberian Husky
Born to pull sleds for miles, Huskies hold energy that does not switch off just because you are driving. A bored Husky may howl, chew seatbelts, or try to sing along loudly.
Before hitting the road, take a long run or hike. Tired dogs travel better.
Pack chew toys and plan stops every two hours. Keep windows mostly closed, since Huskies are clever escape artists.
Alaskan Malamute
Think of the Malamute as the Husky’s bigger, stronger cousin. Built for hauling heavy loads across Alaska, this powerhouse can overheat fast in a stuffy car.
A crash-tested harness or large crate is a must. Keep the cabin cool and shaded.
Malamutes are also food-obsessed, so lock snacks away tightly. Practice car rides in cooler seasons first, and your fluffy freight train will learn that trips mean adventure.
Chihuahua
Tiny body, giant attitude. Chihuahuas often shiver in cars from both nerves and chilly air conditioning, and many get carsick easily.
A raised booster seat lets your little buddy see out the window, which can calm an upset tummy. Add a soft blanket that smells like home.
Skip big meals before leaving. Small breaks help too, because a pup this size needs potty stops more often than you might expect.
Dachshund
That famous hot dog shape comes with a hidden risk. Dachshunds have long backs that can be injured by jumping or sudden bumps.
Lift your wiener dog into the car instead of letting it leap. A padded, supportive travel bed keeps the spine safe on rough roads.
Fun fact: the name means badger dog in German. Stubborn hunters at heart, they respond best to treats and gentle, steady training.
Jack Russell Terrier
If a pogo stick could bark, it would be a Jack Russell. These tiny hunters notice every squirrel, bird, and bicycle outside the window.
All that excitement can turn into nonstop barking or bouncing between seats. A secure crate or tether keeps the chaos contained.
Burn off energy with a game of fetch before driving. Puzzle toys stuffed with treats give that busy brain something useful to chew on.
German Shepherd
Smart, alert, and eager to protect, German Shepherds sometimes treat the car like a castle to defend. Some also struggle with travel anxiety and pace or pant nonstop.
Practice with calm, rewarding drives to fun places like parks, not just the vet.
A large crate helps them feel secure. Keep a leash handy at every stop, since strange sights and smells can trigger that strong watchdog instinct.
Australian Cattle Dog
Here is a dog that wants a job, even at 60 miles per hour. Australian Cattle Dogs may try to herd passing cars, barking and lunging at the window.
Covering the crate or windows can cut down on that urge.
Give your heeler a mental workout with training games at rest stops. Sit, stay, and find-it games tire them out fast.
A worn-out heeler naps happily between stops.
Cane Corso
Ancient Romans used the Cane Corso as a guard dog, and that protective instinct still runs strong. Traveling with over 100 pounds of muscle takes careful planning.
Invest in a heavy-duty crate and a vehicle with lots of room. Socialize your Corso early so new places feel less threatening.
Choose pet-friendly hotels ahead of time, since some ban large breeds. Calm confidence from you helps this big guardian stay relaxed.
Shar-Pei
Those adorable wrinkles hide some travel troubles. Shar-Peis can overheat quickly, and moisture trapped in skin folds may cause itchy irritation on long, warm rides.
Keep the car cool and wipe their folds dry during breaks. A spill-proof water bowl is a smart buy.
Reserved with strangers, this Chinese breed likes a quiet corner. Bring a familiar blanket, and your wrinkly pal will settle in more easily.