Car rides

[Kaitee and Orwell]

Hi,

My name is Kaitee and I just got my first labradoodle on Monday. I had a yellow lab that lived to 13.5 years and died in January. It was time to get another dog... I got him from my old high school English teacher and he is a sweetheart. However, he was very nervous (crying, restlessness) on the way home in the car and on Saturday when we took him to get his 9 week shots. Will this behavior wane in time, or should I be doing something to make him more comfortable? I have always held him in the car, but he still freaks out. 

I would like him to get used to the car because I'll be taking him almost wherever I go as long as he is allowed. 

[Judy, Meg & Polly Wolly Doodle]

He is young and not used to the motion of a car, imagine yourself on the deck of a boat in turbulent water, so he is feeling insecure every time the movement of the car throws his balance off.  I think they do outgrow this with repetitive car rides but you can help him get there faster.  Give him a snug place to ride so there is not a lot to throw off his balance.  There are some great harnesses for cars, securely around their chest and then snapped into a seatbelt buckle should limit his movement.  My girls have never been upset about riding (although my youngest gets carsick) but they ride in the back of my suv so we are not using a harness.  You should get plenty of feedback here to help you out.

Congratulations on your new baby!

 

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I wonder if he could have motion sickness.  My Guinness had motion sickness in the car as a young puppy and so he was restless and panted or drooled every time.  My vet prescribed cerenia which we gave him before car rides and it solved the problem.  He outgrew this when he was a year old.  Has your Doodle ever vomited in the car or acted like he had nausea?

[Jen W]

It will get better.  When I first got my puppy I pretty much had to force her into the car carrier and she'd cry the entire trip to the vet or to the trainer or wherever.  (I cried the entire time listening to her, too).  I'd load the carrier up with treats first, to try to make her like it, but she still hated it.  I started taking her out for 10 minute trips and then 15, etc. until she was used to things and we managed a 6 hour car trip with no tears two months later.  Now she has no issues and jumps right in when it's time to go.  This did not happen overnight of course, but I can assure you it will get better. 

[F, Calla & Luca]

Welcome to DK.

[Kaitee and Orwell]

Thanks guys.

He hasn't shown any sign of nausea, so I think he is okay on that front. I think I will put him in the back of the car for now, but eventually I would like him to be in the seat behind me like my lab did. I can't remember if she had a problem when she was little... it's been so long, and I was only 7.

[Cora and Trudy]

All of my puppies outgrew car sickness. Our newest puppy is 21 weeks and she now rides in the car for short trips without any problems. In fact, I took her for a ride yesterday and she was excited to get in the car.

[Emily, Bentley, & Maserati]

Welcome to DK! Congratulations on your puppy!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Congratulations on your puppy and welcome to dk.  Most dogs do get better at riding in cars with more experience.

[Debbie and Bentley]

My 13 week old, Bentley, gets car sick. The vet said to give him half of a 25 mg. Dramamine. I did that last time we went out....he didn't throw up, but peed in the crate that we have hooked in the back of our SUV. He has never gone potty in his regular crate. I think I need to get a harness. I hope your little buddy gets used to the car very soon. It is hard knowing they are so stressed out.

[Kaitee and Orwell]

I think I'm going to take him on a small ride to the river today (I live by the Columbian). Hopefully he does better.

He just got over not wanting to go for a walk. I found out that he likes to be trained while walking, so it's mental stimulation for this guy all the way... such a smart boy.