He is okay for the first minute or so but then starts whining and trying to hide his face...hes very nervouse any suggestions??
thanks!
2007-01-31 01:49:09 · 7 answers · asked by ameeaiken31304 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Car rides can be very dramatic for dogs. Walk the dog around the car a few times. Give a command have the puppy go into the car. (you're teaching the puppy to get into the car on YOU word, not just because he feels like it). Leave the door open. Treat him, play with etc.
Do that a few times over a week or so. Then move onto closing the door after you command him to get in, give him his treat and play time, then enter the car yourself. Don't turn the engine on just yet. Take him out. Do that a few times over a week or so.
Next time ...repeat the above step and start the engine... leave it on for a bit then turn it off. ...do that for a few times...
Next step... take a short drive. Don't coax or sooth him if he starts getting upset. You're encouraging the behavior. Just ignore it. repeat a few times......
Last step... when you take him to the car make sure you take him to places he likes. Dog parks, petsmarts, petcos, petstores etc. Don't JUST take him to the vet or places that cause anxiety. That is what he'll assoicate with the car ride.
Each time you take him out of the car, don't make a big deal. Give him a command to exit - don't let him out till you give him the command to do so. If you treat him and make a big deal about the exit he'll show more relief about being out of the car than being in.
Good Luck
2007-01-31 02:02:25 · answer #1 · answered by sillybuttmunky 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with sillybutt, fall of those ideas will help with good levels of progression. If you find at any point it worsen slow down. A lot of dogs don't enjoy the feeling of moving inside the car.
The only other point I have is never under any circumstance should you place the dog on your lap regardless of the animals size; nor should the dog be in the front seat. If you are in an accident he will die. Just like you shouldn't hold your infant in your arms while in the car.
In Canada you will be charged with dangerous driving if a dog is unleashed in the car and you are in an accident. Many places have passed laws against having a dog unbuckled in the car. In Ontario many cops will charge you with or without an accident.
If you buy a harness and seat belt you can ensure the dog will most likely survive an accident, can't distract you and will feel more secure because he isn't falling over in the car when you take a sharp turn. My dog wears a harness anyways and his seat belt is in his backpack with him all the time.
You can buy them at most pet stores. I prefer the type that has a clip and attaches to any harness and will buckle straight into the female clip in your car. When looking for a harness try to find the widest straps appropriate. It provides more protection and comfort then thin straps.
http://www.canineauto.com/
I am only recommending the above web site for further info not their seat belt. It all depends on the size of the dog.
2007-01-31 02:25:28 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had this same problem at first. My puppy even went as far as to throw up and water at the mouth. My solution was to take him on short trips first. No more than 15 minutes at a time. He became more comfortable with each ride and now I do not have such a hard time getting him into the car! :)
2007-01-31 13:59:36 · answer #3 · answered by ugmo2000 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Okay-here are a few suggestions.
1) Try feeding him in the car a few times-putting his dinner bowl in there so he'll associate the car with a nice experience.
2)When he's in the car have him sitting on your lap (if he's small) or next to you so he's not isolated.3)
Do short trips little and often-he will get used to the car over time
4) Give him a favourite toy to play with when you go out.
5) Borrow another's dog to go out with you-one of course that has no fear of cars!!
2007-01-31 02:00:21 · answer #4 · answered by bearbrain 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Instead of just putting him in the car just to go to only the vet, take him to some places where he can run around and have fun! It might not be the car he's afraid of, it might just be the place he's going!
2007-01-31 01:59:58 · answer #5 · answered by Volleyball_girl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try taking him places that are fun, not just the vet. go to a park or the pet store, he might get used to the fact that most of the time, car rides are fun!! have someone sit in the back seat with him and make sure he has his blanket with him!
2007-01-31 01:57:11 · answer #6 · answered by Jen 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can put him in the car without going anywhere. (we actually do this when our dog is being extreamly bad, but she loves the car). when your dog is calm, praise him lavishly. when he's whining, dont do or say anything, you're only reinforcing that behavior.
2007-01-31 02:03:09 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋