How to move my dog?

Question

I am moving shortly and it will be about a 3 hr drive. I have 2 dogs but one does not do too well in the car...even a 10 min drive. So how do I keep him calm and stay seated without having to put him in a cage cause I refuse to do that. Please help ..thanks

he's a beagle..my girl dog..maltipoo does well. I don't want to put him in a harness cause I know he will freak out and in a crate too. He will go absolutely nuts..and I love him so much I hate to see him go through that. I think I will try the meds...thanks

I don't have time to crate train him.. I'm moving really soon. Please don't jugde me because it will break my heart to see my baby in a cage going nuts.

Answer 1

Get a sedative from your vet... mellow him out.

I agree... throwing a dog in crate is cruel. I'm appalled that so many "responsible" pet owners are so set that it's the "only" way. Dogs don't like being in cages... at least not any dogs I know. And just the psychological signal that would send to them is so heartbreaking... my dog enjoys car rides, and I'd prefer keeping it that way. As for harnesses... that can also freak dogs out. Likewise, harnesses aren't safe for dogs in car rides! I don't know why people think they are... but they aren't. Dogs' bodies move differently than humans' bodies... they're more prone to getting seriously hurt in a minor to moderate crash if wearing a harness than without. Likewise, without a harness, if they're in the backseat, they'll only hit the back of the front seat (ie: soft, padded), and most dogs are seated in a way/small enough that their entire body moves with the force, rather than just part (which is how humans get so injured... their upper body flings forward, but their legs can't, and... yeah). Much in a similar way that seatbelts aren't used on buses... because given the set-up of the bus (especially buses with sideways seats), they're more dangerous WITH seatbelts than without. However, DEFINITELY have them seated in the back (not the front... ever), so they can't smash into the windshield/dashboard if there's an accident.

To those who are afraid the dogs will fall out the window, um... close the window. ???

Answer 2

First, I'm sort of wondering what you really find wrong with putting your dog in a crate. I'd almost bet that you have more of a problem with that than your dog would -- dogs actually sort of like tight spaces because they feel more secure there. It might not be as bad of an idea as you think if you get beyond how it makes *you* feel.

A good alternative is to get a seat belt harness for him so that at least he stays safely out of your way and out of anything else in the car (if located properly) while you're trying to drive. (My dog seems to like being able to look around better than she can in a crate, although she's still upset since she really wants to be crawling all over me while I drive!) There are a lot of different types out there, so I'd look around and definitely try it out for a while with your dog before you really have to use it.

If you really have to (don't know how bad "not doing too well in the car" means for sure), there is always talking to your vet about some kind of sedative. I'd not be the biggest fan of that unless you feel you have to, though, because then your dog's probably going to be really out of it and suddenly be somewhere strange with no orientation other than that you and the other dog are there. Depending on his personality, that *might* get you an upset doggie with a short temper.

Answer 3

Talk to the vet about what you can do to keep him calm in the car.

The safest thing to do is to keep him in a crate.
All of my dogs are in a crate when traveling.
I know a number of people who have had dogs jump out of the windows of the car and get killed or injured.

Sorry but, safety comes first. What would happen if you were in an accident?? You dogs could be thrown from the car and they may be running lose. At least if they are in a crate they are somewhat protected.
This will also protect your car from being vomitted on as well if your dog was to get sick in the car.

Yes I read that you don't want the dog to be caged but, you have to think safety in the car.

Ginbark: amen. I have a dog who has flown on the underseat in cabin carriers. She did fine and that is ONE TINNNNYYY carrier!!! Just a little shaking because of the plane was rough but once we were steady in the air she was okay.
I wouldn't ever give shots to my dogs to make them calm.
I have a huge whiner here when we go for rides. You just turn your radio up louder and then soon they relax and get used to it.

Answer 4

I agree with the poster above, you may want to consider a tranquilizer. Some dogs are naturally afraid of cars and others have not been exposed to them enough to know any better. If you have a couple of weeks before you do move, try taking your dog with you everywhere you go. What does he do when he is in the car? Keep a look out for warning signs that your dog is stressed. At the first sign of stress, stop and give him a ten minute break to calm down, cool off, and understand that you are listening to what he is telling you. He will begin to trust your judgment about the "big scary car" sooner than you'd expect.

Answer 5

I have two dogs too and one does fine in the car and I bring her everywhere (she is a Therapy dog.) My other one, however, gets so nervous and is miserable and throws up even if I drive him a little ways--like 20 mins-- for a nice hike in the woods. I finally found a solution that works. I get this stuff called "Calm" at my vets. You can buy the equivalent at your local Pet store. It has chamomile and Valerian in it which are natural herbs and non toxic for your dog. It is not a sedative, just a nerve tonic. These herbs calm them down and make them very relaxed. I give this to Scoot (my dog) and he can even travel up to 4 hours now to my family in LI. I just give him one dose before and 3 hours later another. give this a try and see if it helps. good luck to you and good luck with your move!

Answer 6

If your dog is really bad about being in the car you can get a sedative for him. Thats the best way to go. A little doggie Valium from your vets will do the trick.

Answer 7

Crate training the dog would be a good option, then let the dog ride in the crate. It's more for his safety than yours, but you do benefit. Why exactly do you refuse to put him in a cage? If you must, talk to your vet about sedation, but please reconsider crating your dog.

Answer 8

Would you travel without putting your child in a car seat or having them buckled up in a seat belt? And yet you would care so little about your dogs that you wouldn't put them in a proper restraint to protect them?? I always crate my dogs for travel for THEIR safety. I have known people who have had dogs unrestrained/uncrated in their vehicles when they are in accidents, even minor ones, and lived to regret it -- but the dogs didn't. Ever seen a dog that has flown through a windshield and slid along the pavement at 30 - 50 mph? It isn't pretty and it is pretty well neglegence...

If the dog isn't comfortable being crated, I would personally crate train them -- canines are den animals and if given the option prefer to be in a den situation -- I have to keep crates closed to keep my dogs out of them since they feel very comfortable in them... Too bad you 'refuse' to be nice and responsible with your dogs...

Once they are crate trained you can easily transport them for whatever distance as they feel comfortable and protected in their crates... I have never owned a dog that doesn't 'do to well in the car' -- all of mine have always been thrilled to travel. I suppose since yours is afraid of it and his training and comfort isn't important that you could get a tranquilizer from the vet and hope that works and doesn't have a bad reaction but personally, crate training and protecting the dog responsibly just seems easier and less dangerous to me.. how do you get the dog to the vet for regular check ups and care?

BTW, my dogs have always had not problem traveling in planes -- I can't imagine that someone thinks crate/den training is somehow worse than drugging a dog!

Answer 9

Get him a pet-designed seat belt harness. Not only will it keep him seated, it'll keep him safe in the unfortunate event you're in an accident.

Answer 10

Ask your vet for some Ace. It is a sedative.