When it comes to car rides, many pet parents focus on getting from point A to point B—but how your dog travels matters just as much as where you’re going.
A crate in the car isn’t just about safety in case of an accident (though that’s reason enough). It also plays a key role in your dog’s emotional regulation.
When dogs ride loose in the car, they often start getting overexcited or overstimulated before you even arrive at class, the park, or the vet. The combination of movement, passing cars, people, and even seeing other dogs builds emotional intensity—and if this happens regularly, it becomes a habit.
Soon, car rides = instant excitement.
Which means by the time you reach your destination, your dog is already overloaded and less able to focus, learn, or stay calm.
Using a crate helps your dog associate the car with calmness and safety. It becomes their place to settle, not to scan the world or build tension.
And the more they practice being calm in the crate, the easier it becomes for them to stay calm in other situations too, like walking into class ready to learn, not explode.
Crating your dog in the car:
- Keeps them physically safe
- Encourages emotional stability
- Builds a habit of calm travel
- Makes transitions into new environments much smoother
The calmer your dog rehearses being, the more predictable and enjoyable life becomes for both of you.
Bottom line? The crate is more than a safety tool, it’s a mindset shifter.
Start today, and help your dog build the habit of calm from the moment the car door closes.
Make sure to take your dog’s measurements and check that the crate fits in your car 😉. Here are a two crate options:
Crate training doesn’t have to be stressful for you or your dog.
If you’d like guidance on helping your dog feel calm and happy in their crate, I’m just an email away! Contact me at marly@mydogsessence.com.
Dog Training 