My dog HATES traveling, or being in vehicles! What to do?

[travel]

OK, so I'm all pumped about vandwelling. I'm getting my van ready right now and have already bought quite a few things to make it comfortable and livable. I plan to hit the road this summer, go out west and be a snowbird, traveling as the seasons change so I'm always in a place where it's not too hot and not too cold. This is partly for me, and partly for my dog. I'd like to be able to leave him in the van for an hour or two sometimes, if temperatures permit. I'd partially open some windows, or use my remote starter to run the engine and air conditioner or heater, if needed.<br><br>But the bigger problem is that my dog HATES any sort of car ride. In fact, he starts&nbsp;whimpering&nbsp; crying, panting and whining as soon he gets in (sometimes even before). He used to refuse to get into any car or van, but now he hops in if it's low enough (my Astro is too tall, so I have to lift him up, although he can jump up on my bed in the house just fine and it's just as tall, if not more). During the drive, he usually remains standing, with his mouth open, panting HARD, sometimes whining and crying (especially when I stop at lights, a stop sign, or pull into a parking lot). I've taken him on 6 hour road trips, and he keeps this up the ENTIRE time! On longer trips, I stop, give him some water and take him for a quick walk. But then he's right back at it as soon as I start driving.<br><br>If I park and go into a store, I hear him making noises that are a cross between barking and crying. It sounds like he's being physically tortured and he's crying out in pain. I have to keep walking or he'll keep doing that. I make sure I park far away from other people so they don't think he's in dire distress. When I come back to the parked van, if he doesn't hear me approaching, he will be curled up on the back seat sleeping, or stretched out resting. So at some point, in a PARKED van, he settles down when he knows I won't hear him protesting. And don't worry, I would never leave him in the van if it was too hot or too cold. Just in nice temps like 60F or 15C. I will crack open some windows for ventilation in needed. And I also have an alarm with remote starter that runs the engine for 15 minutes. So I can have the air conditioner or heater on for him. But I plan on being a snowbird and migrating up and down the west coast to always be in a climate that's not too hot or not too cold.<br><br><strong>Some background information:</strong> he's a 30 pound Boston Terrier/Boxer mix. He's a rescue dog. He was abandoned when he was 10 months old and I adopted him then. He's just about to turn 4 years old now. He's a sweet, friendly dog (usually, about 10% of the time he won't get along with another dog). I've tried dog obedience classes, but he still pulls on the leash when I walk him, especially if he sees another dog, rabbit, squirrel, skunk (yikes!), etc. He had separation anxiety when I first got him, and he got very upset when I had to go to work and leave him alone at home. He never really destroyed anything in anger, luckily. And I tried to come home at lunch time to see him and take him for a quick walk. I'm just really worried about what he will be like once we start vandwelling. Has anyone else experienced a dog that hates being a car or van? And pants to the point of almost dehydrating himself when the vehicle in in motion? Or gets an anxiety attack when you stop at a stop sign, red light or pull into a parking lot? I love my dog and could never get rid of him, but I have to move, and the only thing I can afford (and am actually looking forward to) is vandwelling.<br><br><br>

 

[Wild_E]

My first thought was&nbsp;Rescue&nbsp;Dog.&nbsp;<br>try putting a step stool in front of the van door or a ramp, put his dog bed in there, water bowl and food bowl, give him treats every time he gets in, emotional treats are the best.&nbsp;<br>Treat is like a big Dog House, mine does!!<br>At first I even left her with the chain on, side door open and with the open side facing away from the Sun, she soon turned it into her moving dog house. <br>In the&nbsp;beginning, she acted similar because she was rejected so much and considered the vehicle like an enemy barking at things on the move and violently throwing herself from side to side..&nbsp;<br>Yours has anxiety, maybe because he was abandoned from the vehicle, or thrown from the vehicle.&nbsp;<br>put yourself in the way of the other dog or animal, make him sit, block his view, that should help,<br>go to&nbsp;Caesar&nbsp;Millan's website for tips.&nbsp;<br><br>Best of luck and congrats on the Rescue.&nbsp;

 

[mockturtle]

My dog was adopted at two years old and had never been in a vehicle.&nbsp; He whimpers and even <em>shrieks</em> while traveling, riding in a soft crate which is secured on the sofa.&nbsp; I have even tried tranquilizers obtained from the vet.&nbsp; But the 'Thundershirt' has worked better than anything else.&nbsp; It's about $40 and worth a try.&nbsp; Available online and at most pet supply stores.&nbsp;

 

[StarEcho]

"<span style="line-height: 18.18181800842285px;">But the 'Thundershirt' has worked better than anything else. "<br><br>I second this! &nbsp;My little toy poodle was very high strung and did exactly what you describe when in the car. &nbsp;We ended up never taking him anywhere because of it. &nbsp;But with the Thundershirt he calmed down and was the dog we always wanted. &nbsp;The key though is to follow the instructions and put it on the dog at home when he is calm and letting him wear it for about a half hour or so... do that a couple times before you ever need it and then when you DO need to use it, he is used to it and wearing it when he is calm, so he can hopefully transfer those feelings to the thundershirt and be calm in the car when he is wearing it. &nbsp;We tried to use it on our dog right out of the box and it did nothing. &nbsp;But after having him wear it at home a couple of times, the next time we went out he was calm. &nbsp;It was like a switch! &nbsp;I think the rationale on the whole thing is like many babies like swaddling and are often calmer when swaddled (and I worked with babies a lot so I know), this thundershirt swaddles the dog (sort of) and helps him feel more comfortable. Or maybe it's the transference thing...whatever. &nbsp;It worked for my dog and that was great. &nbsp;YMMV.&nbsp;</span>

 

[travel]

Wow, the Thundershirt looks like a great idea! I've heard of it before, but now I actually found their website and watched some of the videos, especially the one on car travel. I won't have room for a crate in my van, but if I need to isolate him, I can close my (soon to be made) blackout curtains over the rear windows and pull the (also soon to be made) divider blackout curtain that will separate the front cab area from the back. Although I don't think the issue is so much with preventing him from seeing out the windows, as it is is just being in a car, especially when it's being driven. Another benefit of Thundershirt is that it can be used to calm a dog during thunderstorms, which scares my dog. I hope my dog is part of the 80% that responds favorably to Thundershirt!<br><br>I was told he was abandoned by his owner, but either his previous owner brought him to the SPCA, or they picked him up, as he came with some vaccination and vet's paper from when he was a puppy. So I'm guessing he had been in a car at least a few times as a puppy, but maybe it was only to go to the vet's office and not a positive experience. When I adopted him at 10 months old, he was already at the end of being in his puppy stage of life and may have built up his thoughts on car travel by then. Though I thought that after 3 years with me, and somewhat frequent car trips, with a positive experience, he would have become accustomed to it. He's getting better though... when I first got him, he would resist getting into the car. Now, he will (usually) jump into a car willingly once we open the back door. He won't jump into my Astro van. Maybe it's too high, though I don't think it's any higher than my bed, which he has no trouble jumping on!<img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img"><br><br>I have some of Cesar Millan's books. I've scanned through them, but maybe it's time for me to actually read them. I've been spending a lot of time reading about vandwelling and getting my van ready though! Here's a couple of pictures of my dog, Zak. The indoor pic is recent, almost 4 years old. The outdoor pic is when I first got him, at 10 months old.

 

[my_vantasy]

My chi-wow-wow doesn't like to be loose in a vehicle, but rides great in her Pet Taxi. I put her on the passenger seat with the Taxi door facing me. That's a plus to having a "travel - size" pooch, I guess.

I have heard good reports about Thundershirts, too. Your travel buddy is adorable--I hope you can work through this wrinkle in your plans!!

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Bindi (a little min pin) used to ride just fine in our van or suv...she would get excited when we got ready to go somewhere.
She doesn't really like it when I fire up the motorhome tho. Its taking some time, but as the weeks go by she doesn't freak as bad. She seems to find comfort at Margie's feet while I drive. Sometimes Margie will let her Bindi sit in her lap and look out the window...I think that helps.
In time I believe our little gal will get the hang of travel and be ok with it.

Bindi is also a rescue who spent the first 5 yrs of her life caged in a puppy mill. She has come a long way in the 2 yrs she has been with us. We love her a whole bunch.

 

[travel]

Well, I went to Petsmart and got a Thundershirt for my dog. I was pleasantly surprised they had them in the store so I wouldn't have to order online. My mother had to go to a few stores too, so all three of us went in my Astro van. Normally I had the middle row bench seat for my dog, but now that I'm getting my van ready for vandwelling, I've removed all of the bench seats. It's a two-seater now. I put my dog's plush doggie bed and a plush blanket on the floor, just behind the front bucket seats, centered with the empty space between the bucket seats.<br><br>On the way to those stores, and eventually Petsmart, my dog was being especially apprehensive. There was the usual whining, crying, panting and even a bit of shaking. But this time, perhaps because he didn't have his back seat, he kept jumping up on my mother's lap (she was in the passenger seat, I was driving). That's not something he normally does. Anyways, we got to Petsmart and figured out which size of Thundershirt fit him and left it on him (the store manager actually assisted us), then we headed home - about a 30 minute highway drive. With the Thundershirt on, my dog did not jump on my mother's lap this time, but he was still whining, panting and crying with the Thundershirt on. <br><br>So, little to no change really. But I recall on the Thundershirt website it mentioned that it could take a few hours, days or even weeks to see a noticeable improvement. I hope this works! Then again, they also mention that the Thundershirt works on about 80% of dogs. So there's always the possibility that my dog is part of the 20% who are immune to the Thundershirt. Oh well, at least Petsmart said we have 60 days to try it out, and it if not, we can return it for a full refund - in which case I will need to find another solution. Or maybe, once I'm vandwelling with him, and we're always in the van at night, and traveling during the day a bit more often than usual, he will adapt. I sure hope so!&nbsp;<img src="/images/boards/smilies/rolleyes.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img">

 

[cyndi]

As noted earlier, you would have been wise to acclimate your dog to the thundershirt before putting it on him/her for the ride in the car.

 

[mockturtle]

As noted earlier, you would have been wise to acclimate your dog to the thundershirt before putting it on him/her for the ride in the car.

<br><br>Exactly!&nbsp; This is so important and is clearly written in the instructions.&nbsp; Leave the shirt on him at home during comfortable times, feeling secure.&nbsp; You don't want him to associate the shirt with what he already perceives as unpleasant.&nbsp;&nbsp;

 

[travel]

OK, good point. I guess in my haste and excitement to put the Thundershirt on him, so far the only time he's had it on was for about 10 minutes inside Petsmart, then for the 30 minute ride home. I left it on him for another hour or so, even taking him for a walk. It was a bit chilly and windy that evening, so I thought if anything, the Thundershirt would keep him warm.<br><br>Since I had read a bunch of information on the Thundershirt website, and watched some of their videos, I thought I knew enough. How hard can it be to put a shirt on your dog, right?&nbsp;<img src="/images/boards/smilies/tongue.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img">&nbsp;I guess there's more to it. Sorry I missed that important point earlier, about putting it on him during calm times, to get him used to it. I'll be sure to read the instructions this time. I want to give the Thundershirt a fair chance since I have 60 days to return it to Petsmart if it still doesn't work out.

 

[highdesertranger]

well can't really give any advice on this one.&nbsp; I have totally the opposite problem. &nbsp;just try to keep my dog out of the truck and once he's in give it up.&nbsp; highdesertranger

 

[travel]

Haha, I wish I had that problem! As soon as I park, and open the door, my dog is out as fast as he can!<br><br>Yesterday I put on his Thundershirt for a few minutes, giving him a treat just before (served ON the shirt, as per the instructions), and a treat after. Then I had to do some work in the house making noises that normally freak out my dog. This time I put the Thundershirt on him first. He still panted and panicked, but it seems not as much. And when I was finished working and making noise, he kept wearing the Thundershirt. He seemed to LIKE wearing it! In fact, I had a hard time getting him to come over to me so I could take it off him. He enjoyed sitting outside in on the grass, in the shade wearing his Thundershirt. I hope this is a positive sign!

 

[rabiesandpeewee]

I third (fourth?) the Thundershirt. I hope it's working out for you! I've noticed that my dog doesn't want to MOVE a whole lot while she's wearing the shirt. It's like she gets the message that this is time to sit, and relax. I think she likes it, too, but it is weird that often when I'll try to call her she'll be hesitant to come up to me when she's wearing the shirt. It don't much matter, because it's the only thing that will keep her from yipping and complaining when she's riding in the van!!

 

[travel]

I've noticed similar behavior with my dog too. I try to put the Thundershirt on him randomly, when there's nothing for him to be afraid of, as well as times when he gets nervous. I hope it works out. If not, I can return the Thundershirt to Petsmart within 60 days for a full refund, but I'd rather get the benefit of what the shirt was meant to do, and keep it, than get my money back. Otherwise I don't know what to do. My poor dog will either need to get used to traveling and being in the van a lot, or he'll be a nervous wreck all the time!

 

[angeli]

I don't mean to ruffle any feathers, but as a long term dog owner and rescue volunteer worker, I'd not follow Ceasar Milan's advice for the most part. &nbsp;Any good book on clicker training, or anything from the Monks of New Skete would help with this. &nbsp;I know he is popular, but many dog trainers consider his methods borderline abusive, and many have complained to the networks about him, to no avail because he's a money maker.<br><br>Clicker training works to change the dog's Pavlovian response to stimuli, by distraction and changing the result of the stimuli. &nbsp;You can even find some good YouTube vids on clicker training. &nbsp;I highly recommend it, especially if the dog is showing hesitation when he shouldn't. &nbsp;He's already telling you he's not completely happy with the situation, not relaxed and trusting.<br><br>As an herbalist, I'd also recommend a tincture of Valerian Root, a few drops in the mouth, to relax the dog before the trip. &nbsp;It's not a substitute for training, and there are many herbs that are OK for people, but not dogs, I know. &nbsp;I've had good luck with Valerian, however. &nbsp;A good reference for a natural relaxer and other herbals for pets could be found in Dr. Pitcairn's works.

 

[travel]

Thanks Angeli, I'll check out some YouTube videos on clicker training. Somewhere I should have a clicker. Never really used it much. I bought it shortly after I got my dog over 3 years ago. Being a new dog owner, I guess I just got overwhelmed at everything out there. I may read Cesar Millan's books for reference and to see his point of view. There's always another way to train a dog, I've discovered. I've never heard of Valerian Root, and I'm into alternative remedies too, but I guess not as knowledgeable as I hoped to be. It's worth a try for my dog. I really want him to feel relaxed being in the van. Most dogs love car rides! My dog is certainly not one of them.<br><br>I'm seeing limited (to no) improvement with the Thundershirt. I've been putting it on him when he's relaxed, as well as when he's in a situation that gets him nervous. If I don't see a noticeable improvement, I'm returning it to Petsmart near the end of the 60 day return period.

 

[angeli]

Valerian Root is just your basic sedative. &nbsp;Effective in humans, and I've had good luck with my own pooches.<br><br>As for Cesar, you are right. &nbsp;Every dog has his method. &nbsp;however you might want to take a look at this page:<br><br><a href="http://www.urbandawgs.com/divided_profession.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.urbandawgs.com/divided_profession.html</a><br><br>If the ASPCA, the Humane society, Purdue university's Animal Behavioral Clinic, American Veterinary Society, etc etc etc all care enough about this particular guy and his 'training' and intimidation methods to make a point of publishing article after article and letter after letter about him, if his own producer is suing him, and dog behavioral experts are claiming that he's set the training profession back 20 years.... it's probably a good idea to check it out before giving any credence whatsoever to whatever he says. &nbsp;He makes money, tho. &nbsp;Good luck with it.