Doodle Car Rides

[Shelby and Kev]

Shelby is so so fun to be in the car with.  She comes most all places with me that she is safe.  I totally enjoy her fluffy face blowing in the wind in the sideview mirror.  Girl reminds me of Valcor in the Neverending Story!  How many of you Absoultely Must take your Doodle with you?

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Shelly, do you have a calming word for Tori? We use the word "settle" for Tara and she knows she needs to calm down when she hears it. Perhaps the calming needs to start BEFORE you go to or get into the car? Try NOT saying the word "car" or using her "car leash" etc. Change it up so that she doesn't go into that hyper state before she even gets out of the house. If you have a calming word then let her know that she will not be allowed out  of the house or into the car until she is calm.  If not, then if you can stay calm yourself and wait by the door or  outside the car  with her she will eventually calm too. Don't try this if you are in a hurry to get somewhere! LOL!

 

We have never used the words "car" or "ride" with Tara in an effort to avoid her getting over excited about it. If we put on our coats and get the car keys out she is well aware of what is going on.  We just calmly go without any discussion about it.

 

You've probably tried all this already but just a thought...

[shelly]

Ricki!!!  Great ideas!  No.. sometimes when you're too close to the situation your brain goes 'dumb' - LOL... we do use the word "settle" too.  But I like the idea of not using the car leash and waiting for her to become less excited about jumping into the car.  We do make sure on days that we know we are going to take her out, we use the Thundershirt, but although - I'm not sure how well this works either.. and we do put it on her from time to time in the house when we are not going in the car at all...I just have to really make a conscious effort to work on this - it's really 3/4 MY fault, for not taking the time to do this more often... darn kids' schedules and my work just keep getting in the way of what I REALLY want to do! Thanks for the suggestions!!!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

I hate how life interferes with us doing what we want  to do with our DOODLES!!

 

I had one other thought too. We had a dog in the past that became excited when we went on road trips ( I guess with the suitcases and what not she knew something more was up than just a ride around town). Anyhow we always had to stop at the FIRST rest stop for her to poop!!  Even though she had ample opportunity and usually DID poop before we left! home! Anyhow, I was wondering if you have somewhere not too far from home where you could stop for her to go before she goes in the car?

[shelly]

Hmmm... not really- once we get far enough - it's all highway an no where really -  without worrying about her pulling away b/c she's afraid of cars passing too... (I know... we really should have dealt with this long ago - we did - when we took her to a class, but she obviously didn't do well), and she does not eat before we go and she does poop every time before we get in the car... I think she just gets herself so worked up and it works on those stomach juices... guess she takes after me (oh wait... we're not blood related - LOL)

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

You're right, I'm sure it is a stress response.  And it is not uncommon for humans (who shall remain nameless!!) to have a similar response to stress ;). Well I wish you and Tori luck. It must be hard on her too to go through that experience. :(

[shelly]

Thanks... I should have really been a member of DK before all of these issues... I would now be a better Doodle Mommy ... ah!  Live and learn... just makes me more prepared for #2 (SH! don't tell DH! - lol)

[Kimberly Keenan]

Bindi loves riding in the car. She loves sticking her head out the window. It remides me more of the dog in Dr. Dolittle, where he has his head out the window & he says "this feels soo goood!"

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Rooney loves to ride in the car - strapped into his car seat.  As a mini it puts him at a level that he can see out the window but it also keeps him safe and secure in one spot.  He rides in the back seat because of front airbags that could harm him if they deployed.  He is a great traveler! 

[Shelby and Kev]

Rooney looks so comfy.. What a great rider!

[Camilla and Darwin]

CUTE!

[shelly]

He is just the most adorable mini!   We are contemplating another doodle.  My son wants a mini that he can hold.  Not that Tori's all that big, just can't pick her up and hold her in our arms.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Oh my goodness! Too cute!