Have your tried putting her in a doggy seat with a harness? She may feel safer knowing she can see you. You can pick up medication that will keep her relaxed while traveling. It will not hurt her but it will help. Ask you vet to see what he can recommend. Most importantly, good luck!
Frank and Joan, from MA & now TX
2 bloodhounds, 1 beagle/dachshund, 1 beagle and 2 cats
03 Damon Challenger 327-34' motorhome
I know it is safer to ride in a kennel, but would she ride better sitting just on a lap? or on the seat? When one of my GS was a puppy, she was scared to death and especially of semis that would go flying by. She was happier just laying on the floor of the truck where she couldn't see out. I know it isn't the best place if an accident would happen, but it might make an easier trip for all of you. There is a doggy "valium" out there that I think others have used - is it Rescue Remedy? Someone will let you know. Good Luck.
Chemisd's Joe,Jana,Jarod,Jansen
GS Allie and Sammi
See you at the bridge Maddey&Maicey 2005 Rockwood 8318SS
We have an Aussie that is extremely sound sensitive and nervous. We give her these all natural stress tablets-1 twice a day and if there are 4 wheelers or fireworks we give her an extra one-that we get from Springtime. It is a company that specializes in natural remedies for animals and people. We have two other dogs on the joint pills and fresh factor pills for arthritis. It works wonders for all of them. Without these the dogs would not be alive. They would be in too much pain or would have gone over the edge nerve wise to live. It might help the nervous ones travel easier.
Class C Coachman Santara
5 Dogs:3 Australian Shepherds, 1 Sheltie, 1 Border Collie
2 Cats:Just cats
Chrysler Town & Country Toad
You are doing the right things by doing short trips with your dog.
But, to fully understand a dog, you have to think like one, NOT A HUMAN.
To a dog, long periods kennelled are confinement. Make the confinement FUN. As humans we simply put up with confinement of many days on the road. Dogs need more reward than this, and the best reward is yummy food.
When the dog gets into the kennel (beyond the basics of good comfort), give s/he LOTS of high value TREATS like cheese or chicken as well as tons of praise. Repeat this for each and every kennelling even after bio breaks. They will quickly learn that kennels mean GOOD FOOD and will settle out pretty quickly. This does not mean so many treats that the dog gains weight, but more than normal.
We just finished 8 days on the road cross-country using exactly this method. Neither of our girls got stressed out.
1988 Ford F350 Crew Cab Long Box 4WD with 7.3L IDI Turbo diesel, 5 speed
1998 Fleetwood Wilderness Lite TT 24' with Heart Freedom 2500/12 inverter and Link 1000 remote, 4 6V batteries and a Honda eu2000i generator
Two ShibaInus
73 de VE6LK/VE3LKV
It sounds, from all that you have already tried, as if the problem is not the crate, it is the motion of the vehicle. I would go the tranquilizer route. See your vet, explain the issue, and follow his directions.
Samantha (the poster)
Tim, spouse and driver of the Corgi-Bus
Beth, Buddy, and Pippin - Pembroke Welsh Corgis
1988 Bounder Ford 460
Oscar was a nervous traveler, and then I started letting him sit on my lap. He got better, and now rides in the back seat very happily. I think he just didn't like being in the back seat all by himself.
Felix was terrified of the car. We got him used to it by chain-feeding him treats while we drove around the block. We tried one of those seat belt things and put him in the back seat, but he'd chewed through it before I got out of the parking lot. Since the treat trip, he LOVES to ride in the car!
Anyway, have you tried letting your dog sleep in your lap, or giving treats as the car is moving?
I hope something works out for you!
aka: turboladybug
Traveling with Poodles: Oscar the toy and Felix the mini
Tow Vehicle: Chevy 2500
Travel Trailer: Holiday Rambler Alumascape 29FKS
Chase Vehicles: VW GTI, Audi A3
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