Fear of riding in cars

[Luvapup]

Lacey is a 7 mo old American Cocker female. She's sweet and smart and eager to please. It breaks my heart that she's frightened to death to ride in the car. She hops in obediently but lays there trembling with her head so firmly mashed into the seat that I can't lift it when I put my hand under it. It's worse when the window is rolled down even slightly. As soon as the car stops she sits up and looks around just fine. How can I help her to not be so traumatized?

[Luba]

The car has to be a happy place for her to go to!

Start off slowly by not even going for rides in the car but make it a fun and rewarding place to be.

Feed her in the car, even one of her meals or some really yummie treats.

Do this over the course of a couple of weeks to see how she reacts. Leave the door open at first then close it and roll the window down.

Over time graduate up to a drive around the block.

When you return you fuss her up and give her a reward as well.

As time goes by, she will come to associate the car with positive reinforcement. Never shout at her or scold her around or in the car as it will only aggrivate the situation.