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Originally Posted by yorkiemini  Have you tried just having some fun toys and treats in the car when it is just sitting there and slowly moving very short distances when it is decided that the car can be fun and OK Would take some time, of course but in the long run might be the fix. |
It might be better for the pup not to learn to run free in the car. I speak from previous bad experience, where my pup spazzed out in the car and hurt himself. He reached a nice calm state in the car much quicker with the car seat. They'll come to expect it and confinement might come as an unpleasant surprise. If they learn to see the carrier as a place to lay down and rest, things might go smoother in the car which reminds me, tire your puppy out! Long walk, vigorous game of fecth, long game of tug.... Make sure the pup is tired and is comfortable when in the crate/carrier/car seat.
I wanted to add, the car was not even on when my pup hurt himself. We were playing in the car hoping to get him use to it. Not a good plan. They're much smaller than us, and can maneuver in all small spaces of a car. It was hard to catch him.