Just got back from our first camping trip with Dixie. She is not the same puppy I brought home a few days ago! She's really coming out of her shell already. Still a little timid, but social and happy now. But, our big problem now is how to combat car sickness?! She got sick 3/4 of the way there, and as we pulled in the driveway on the way back. Any ideas on how to help that?
Steph (the one who's always on here!) and Randy (the one who has to listen all about it!)
Alex (14) Duke & Dixie (The Terrier Terrors)
2002 Fleetwood Bounder 36U
We rescued a miniature schnauzer about 4 years ago and she was very timid and quiet at first. Just go slow and easy with your new buddy. She will come around if you just take your time and not force her out of her comfort zone to quickly. Her crate is he comfort zone and it will expand. She may always like the crate fro her time.
Ken
KE5DFR
Vintage 1979 Silver Streak Supreme Rocket toted by a 2002 F350, crewcab dually, 7.3L,4.10 axle,SCMT. Travel with two miniature Schnauzers and one African Gray parrot. Practicing for retirement!
We had a very, very bad day today but it had a happy ending. Little Dixie got spooked this morning and bolted out the door into the woods behind our house! Rt. 11 runs through the back (4 lane highway) and I thought she was a goner. We searched all day, cried, prayed, cried some more. Finally, almost 12 hrs. later, my husband found her walking along Rt. 11, and with the help of some passerbys (angels, I'm sure), he was able to get to her. Now, she's safe and sound on my lap with her nose on the keyboard. I will be much, much, MUCH more careful of her around open doors.
Oh my! I am so glad she is safe at home now.....What a scare!! You will need to keep a very good eye on your little escape artist.
Traffic used to scare the heck out of Pistol Pete AKA Petey, our former puppy mill breeder. He would completely shut down (lay flat on the ground and not move). Had it not been for the fact that he was on a 6 foot leash so we could pick him up if needed, I'm pretty sure he would have shut down just about anywhere, including the middle of the road if that is where he became overwhelmed.
During this process of acclimation to their new world, it's so difficult to predict what will cause them to be stressed. Now that you know she can be a "runner" I am sure you will be vigilant in keeping her contained.
Thank goodness she is OK, I am thankful you had a happy ending and I know you are as well! WHEW!!!
Cat
(Jim just reads the forum once in a while)
Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some sort of battle.... Live simply, love wholly, give generously, care deeply, speak kindly.
Steph, what an adorable new addition to the family! I'm not surprised to hear she is blossoming under your loving care.
As for the car sickness, have you checked with your vet? I had one dog that had motion sickness and after many suggestions (feed, don't feed, water, don't water, put crate on floor, put crate where dog can see out front window only, etc.) we decided the best solution was a nice nap during long car rides, and a reasonably empty stomach and washable towel for short ones. Many dogs do outgrow the problem and perhaps Dixie just needs to adjust. Hope you solve your problem and we get to see her at a rally soon!
Denise
It's Miller Time!
2006 Jayco Greyhawk 31SS Even the MH is a FORD.
States we have camped in...
Obedience training is an often overlooked but valuable tool in rehabbing a fearful dog. It cements the bond between dog and humans, lets the dog know that it is part of the pack, what its position is, and how to please its leaders... all in a positive setting. It builds confidence by teaching the dog what behavior is good and approved. It also gives the dog a fall-back position for scary situations, and finally, it can save your dog's life in a situation that might otherwise end badly.
I knew none of this when I trained my big spook... just that he was a big dog and manners were a necessity. But when I talked to someone who was into dogs, her remark that "it gives him a frame of reference" brought it all into focus. And it did, and it meant that even when he was scared he knew what stay and come and heel meant. He wasn't always perfect, but he wasn't completely rudderless, either, even in a situation that frightened him. And striding along at my heel, he was a dog who knew he was doing what he was supposed to do, and he was a proud dog because of it.
That being the case, I'd suggest you consider getting her into some kind of obedience training, either at home or in a group setting. Take your pick of approaches, I'd even buy off on click and treat here... but really you'll be doing her and yourselves a favor if you get that started sooner than later.
For the car sickness, the current unofficial winner of the cool stuff for that competition is Comfort Zone, which is a spray pheremone solution that calms the nerves and seems to help a lot of dogs with car sickness. Alternatively, you can train and condition her to be calm and not feel sick in the car. That would take you a couple weeks, probably, but easy to do if you're interested. With a spooky pup, Comfort Zone is probably not a bad idear anyhow... it could have other applications.
susan
What I want to know is, when are they going to start selling Comfort Zone for HUMANS????? 'Cause some days...
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