Barking While Driving

Q: My dog has recently started barking uncontrollably in the car, when she senses that we're about to stop. I think she's just excited to get out of the car - but it's very loud and distracting. She's 6 years old, and has been going for car rides since she was a baby, so I'm not sure why she now barks so much. What should I be doing when she barks while I drive?

A: Heather Patz of Good Dog Training responds: Dogs misbehaving in the car can be dangerous and also hard to deal with, as you are generally too busy driving to train!



Make sure that your dog is getting enough exercise and mental stimulation (i.e.- obedience training, even at 6 years old!), firstly. Some dogs may be so pent up that the very thought of going to the off-leash dog park, a friend’s house or any other exciting destination may put them into an uncontrollable frenzy while on the way there!



Practice some obedience training in the car! It’s a great place to teach your dog manners, boundaries and patience. Do a few down commands and/or sit commands, as well as ‘stay’.



I highly recommend having your dog restrained in the car. You can do this with a doggy seatbelt, a crate or a dog barrier. It is safer for you and your dog - especially if you ever get into an accident. Also, restraining your dog will prevent them from being able to run around the car and build up excitement, which may lead to a barking episode.



In order to break your dog of a habit like this, you must do some conditioning work, which will take some practice! Bring some yummy treats with you and someone else to drive the car. Practice speeding up and slowing down – praise your dog BEFORE she barks by saying ‘Good Quiet!’ and giving a treat.



If you can interrupt your dog in a positive fashion like this, you will be desensitizing your dog to the feeling of the car slowing down.



If she begins barking, you can sharply say ‘Quiet!’ and when she stops, PRAISE her instantly with ‘Good Quiet!”. Repeat this sequence until you can slow down without her barking, and make sure you praise her for that.



Be careful how you are praising. If you are too loud or excited while praising, your dog may also go back to being loud and excited! Praise calmly – and never praise your dog while she is making noise!



Also, never let your dog get out of the car and do something fun while she is barking. If you come to a stop and your dog is barking, wait until she is quiet and then let her out of the car – do not positively reinforce the barking by rewarding her with leaving the car.



With practice and patience, this problem is a relatively easy fix!