When Your Dog Loses the Plot in the Car: Why It Happens and How to Help

Some dogs treat the car like a moving bed. Others? They treat it like a battleground. If your dog goes wild at every sheep in a field, barks the roof off at drive-thru staff, or loses it whenever someone walks by the car window, you are most definitely not alone.

Reactivity in the car is one of those problems that can feel a bit embarrassing—and totally exhausting. Even dogs who behave beautifully on walks or in the house can fall to bits once you close that car door. The good news? There are things you can do to help.

Why Do Some Dogs Lose Their Cool in the Car?

The car is a sensory minefield. It moves, vibrates, and gives your dog a constantly changing view of the world. Add a dog who is visually triggered or sound-sensitive, and it’s easy to see why reactivity can quickly spiral.

Common car triggers include:

• Sheep and livestock in fields

• People walking near the car

• Cyclists, runners or prams

• Other dogs on the street

• Drive-thru speakers and hand-to-hand interactions

For dogs, especially those already prone to reactivity, the car can feel like one long test of their coping skills. They can’t choose to walk away, and they often have no way to self-regulate. So the barking, lunging or spinning becomes their outlet.

Why Training Is Harder in the Car

Normally, when we work on reactivity, we focus on marking and rewarding the exact moment our dogs make a good choice—like staying calm or looking away from a trigger. But in the car, you’re often driving. Even if you’re parked, the pace of events makes it tough to catch the moment and reward in time.

And when you miss the moment, your dog doesn’t get clear feedback. This is why management becomes your best friend in the car. It’s not a forever solution—but it’s a very smart place to start.

Meet Susie: From Drive-By Barking to Calm and Crated

Susie is a four-year-old Jack Russell with a big personality and an even bigger voice. Her guardian, Aisling, reached out to us after struggling for months with Susie’s explosive car behaviour.

“She’d bark like mad every time we passed a field of sheep or saw someone walking a dog. And don’t even talk to me about drive-thrus,” Aisling told us. “It got to the point where I dreaded taking her anywhere.”

Susie was riding in the back seat with a harness and seatbelt clip. She had a full view out of every window—and made full use of it. Every sheep, cyclist and passer-by triggered an eruption. Aisling tried treats, talking calmly, and even classical music, but nothing stuck.

Our Solution: We introduced a covered crate in the boot of Aisling’s estate car. The crate gave Susie a clear, predictable space and blocked most visual triggers. We made sure Susie had positive experiences being in the crate at home before transitioning her into the car.

At first, Aisling kept car journeys very short—just around the block—with Susie enjoying a stuffed Kong in her crate. Over time, they built up to longer trips, always reinforcing the calm behaviour she was now able to offer.

“She’s like a different dog,” Aisling said a few weeks later. “It’s not perfect yet, but now she’s quiet. I can think. And she’s not stressed out the whole time.”

Management Strategies That Work (Like They Did for Susie)

Susie’s story isn’t a one-off. These strategies are simple but effective, and can make the difference between chaos and calm.

Use a covered crate in the boot

If your dog is riding in the back seat and reacting to everything they see, try moving them to a crate in the boot. Choose one that’s covered with a lightweight sheet or crate cover, allowing airflow but limiting visibility. For many dogs, this immediately lowers arousal levels and creates a sense of security.

Try window shades or privacy film

If a crate isn’t an option for your car or your dog, consider covering the back windows with stick-on sunshades or window film. This helps block visual triggers without making the car too dark.

Avoid intense situations like drive-thrus for now

Drive-thrus can be overloading: strangers leaning into the car, new smells, the sound of the speaker. If this is a trigger for your dog, consider parking and walking in instead—or planning trips that don’t involve a pit stop.

Use enrichment for calming focus

Give your dog something to do in the car that encourages calmness. A frozen Kong, natural chew, or treat-dispensing toy can help occupy them and take the edge off.

Start small with short journeys

You don’t need to head straight for a motorway. Begin with short, quiet drives to places your dog enjoys. Build trust in the new routine, and keep the crate or setup consistent.

Can You Train Your Dog to Be Calm in the Car?

Yes—but only when the situation is manageable. Training is most effective when your dog is under threshold. That means they’re aware of their surroundings but not reacting. Once a dog is barking, lunging or spinning, they’re not in a learning mindset.

Instead, training in the car should begin in a parked vehicle. Sit with your dog while the car is still. If they’re in a crate, reward them for lying down or staying calm. Gradually work up to short drives in low-distraction areas. Keep your expectations realistic and always prioritise safety—yours and theirs.

Get Help Sooner, Not Later

The longer a reactive behaviour is practised, the more ingrained it becomes. If your dog is consistently over-aroused in the car, it’s time to get help.

At Paws Academy, we’ve worked with dozens of dogs like Susie who needed practical, down-to-earth solutions that work in the real world. We’ll help you understand what’s behind your dog’s reactivity and give you a clear plan that includes both management and training—tailored to your situation.

We’re based in Ireland but work globally through virtual consultations, as well as in-person sessions where available.

It’s Not Hopeless—You Can Change the Ride

If your dog turns into a tornado in the car, it’s not a life sentence. With the right tools and support, you can turn car journeys from a nightmare into something far more manageable.

Ready to get started? Reach out to us at Paws Academy today. We’d love to help you figure out what your dog needs to feel calmer, safer and less reactive—on the road and beyond.