How to Stop Dogs From Barking in the Car

Dogs bark for a number of reasons, including barking because it wants attention. However, it is difficult to give a dog attention when driving a car, if only because you can't reach back to soothe the animal. Your dog also may bark in the car because it sees another dog or other animal, like a cat or squirrel; it hears loud engine noises; or it just doesn't feel comfortable in the car's space. You probably can't make your dog stop barking completely in the car, but you can make it calm down, relax and get more comfortable in the car, which will result in much reduced barking.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog leash
  • Dog treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Practice sitting in the car with your dog. Attach a leash to your dog's collar and walk it to the car. If the dog refuses to get in the car, pick it up and place it inside. Sit inside the car for five minutes and let your dog get used to the feeling of being in the car. Increase the amount of time you spend in the car, which will help your dog start to feel comfortable in the space. Leave the leash on while you're in the car.

    • 2

      Wait for the dog to bark, then speak to it in a calming voice. Talk to the dog, just as you would inside your home, asking it questions and using a soothing voice. If the dog continues barking, switch to a commanding voice and tell the dog--in a firm tone--to be quiet.

    • 3

      Offer the dog a treat, but instead of giving it the treat, hold it in your hand for a few seconds. Let the dog view the treat and smell it, but keep the dog from taking it. The dog should stop barking and focus on getting the treat.

    • 4

      Take the dog for a short drive in the car, and ask someone else to ride along. Give that person the dog treats. When the dog starts barking, tell it to be quiet and then show it the dog treat. Once the dog stops barking, give it the treat and reward it with a soft pat or positive praise.

    • 5

      Increase the amount of time you spend in the car with the dog. Start out with a five- or 10-minute drive, then keep adding a few minutes to each trip. Each time, if the dog barks, tell the dog to stop barking and reward it with a treat when it does. Eventually the dog will associate the treat with the good behavior.