Guest Anonymous Posted April 6, 2003 Posted April 6, 2003 I adopted a 5 year old beagle mix from a rescue group about 1 month ago. She's an angel! She is absolutely terrified in cars... When I put her in her crate in the car, she shakes uncontrollably. If I put her in someone's lap in the car, she shakes and whimpers. For now, I put her in a crate (I heard thats safer anyways), and try to put her favorite blanket and treats in with her for car rides, but she gets really stressed out. Anyone have any suggestions for making her car rides less stressful for her? I don't need to take her places all the time, but sometimes it isn't avoidable... Quote
courtnek Posted April 6, 2003 Posted April 6, 2003 As backwards as this may sound, put her in her crate, with her toys, and then ignore her. Dont talk to her, coax her or try to get her to be calm when she cries. When you pet her while she cries you are actually reinforcing the behavior. The same as you would pet her for being good or coming when called, she sees this as reinforcement of her fear. She will then use it against you. Realizing that you will pay atention to her when she's afraid, she'll act afraid every time she wants something.... Sometimes putting a blanket over the crate will calm then. or a sheet if it's very warm out. Makes them feel "denned". My golden never got over his dislike of the car - but he eventually learned to be calm when he was in there. :D Quote
mouseatthebusstop Posted April 6, 2003 Posted April 6, 2003 could you try short car rides to somewhere nice -the park to get a walk on nice grass - car rides don't always go somewhere nice- the vets- the rescue centre. She does not know where shes going when shes put in the car- it could be her past Quote
Malamum Posted April 6, 2003 Posted April 6, 2003 Make a few very short fun trips. Just go as far as the corner shop buy your dog a treat, give it to her and then go back home again. Indy was scared of the car the first few times and boy can those Malamutes howl I thought I would be deaf before we got where we were going. I just ignored him and after a while he stopped, I guess because he figured it wasn't doing any good. He now just LOVES the car. Yesterday my boyfriends dad let Indy out the front and the naughty little boy was running down the street, I just went to the car that was in the driveway opened the door and yelled "I'm going without you" he turned on his ass and ran back to me as quick as his little legs would take him :roll: (though I did feel guilty about tricking him and taking him straight back inside) PS - Mouse, love your new avatar Quote
Rosebud Posted April 7, 2003 Posted April 7, 2003 :D Malamum's right. Try taking your new baby to the pet store and let her pick out a treat of toy to take home with her. Take her with you anytime your just going to the gas station, never leave her unattended in a hot or cold vehicle without the air or heat on. Take her for fun rides and just drive around the block, then give her a cookie when you get home. Malamum you should be ashamed of yourself, you could at least took that baby for a ride around the block. :angel: Quote
Malamum Posted April 7, 2003 Posted April 7, 2003 :oops: I know - I felt so mean but it wasn't my car so couldn't really take him anywhere at that time. I do normally take him everywhere with me. Quote
mouseatthebusstop Posted April 7, 2003 Posted April 7, 2003 PS - Mouse, love your new avatar THANKS Malamum :D Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.