Fear of Car Rides

16 years ago

My dog is so well behaved and perfect around the house but I cannot take her anywhere in the car because she practically goes into fits. We have her trained to be my husbands hearing dog and she does all the things we need. Now, we were hoping to be able to take a car trip (we would be thrown off the plane), and can't get passed the fear. The Vet gave us some Homeopathic drops and they do not work.

Regards, Kathleen Kendall

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Comments (5)

quirkyquercus
16 years ago
This takes lots and lots of practice with frequent brief positive associations with the car. A few times a day for the next few weeks just go have your dog go near the car and sit/lay and give lots of praise and tons of treats, hot dog pieces, whatever she goes nuts for. Then gradually work your way up to sitting right next to the car. Then two paws up on the back seat. Then laying on the back seat. All the while and remaining calm, praise, lots of the best treats then end it and go back inside. Once you get the the point she will sit in the car, then work on driving to the end of the driveway, praise/reward/end it. Then work on to the end of the street, praise/reward/end it. Then work on a trip to the bank or other short trip and reward/praise and go back home.
Reward only for remaining calm. Do not end the exercise because of unwanted behaviors as they will be used in the future because it leads to you giving up.
Once you're done with the practice, immediately go do something the dog loves to do. Fetch, tug whatever.
joepyeweed
16 years ago
My Sister had a Rottwieler(sp?) that never did get used to the car. Eventually she resorted to sedating the dog for trips that couldn't be avoided. Otherwise he would pace, drool and practically go into convulsions while going down the road.
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mazer415
16 years ago
I agree with qq - take your time, play around the car for a bit. put her in, dont take her out when she is in a panic, wait for her to settle, then take her out. sit with her, give her treats while the car door is open and you ar parked. Just hang out. Little bit by little bit you can desensitize your dog to the car. It will take patience. Make certain you take her out of the car when she is in a calm submissive state. Be creative, take out a bed or favorite toy or better yet another dog she likes to play with....good luck
Bumblebeez SC Zone 7
16 years ago
You need to take her places that are really fun, like a trip to the park for a long walk, and then come home. I would hide a little treat in the car to. She will begin to associate the car with fun and not going to the vet. I am assuming that you are not crating her in the car either.

This is controversial but I don't use a crate in the car. However, I live in a very small town with little traffic.
I have one dog who used to dislike the car but now I have a hard time keeping her out of it.
If I leave the car door open at all she will jump in and not come out.
davidandkasie
16 years ago
my mom has a dog that is not afraid of the car ride itself, he gets motion sickness from trying to look all around him. he never threw up or used the bathroom in the car, just drooled real bad and got antsy. we solved the problem by putting him inthe rear cargo area of the tahoe and putting up sheets so tha the could not see out. never had an issue with him again as long as the sheets were up.

my black lab used to get scared when he went for a drive, but he rarely was ever taken anywhere. i started taking him for short drives a few times a week, and now every time we pass by my truck he wants to get in and go. although sometimes getting him back OUT can be a hassle!

Fear of Car Rides

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quirkyquercus

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