My 13week puppy hasn't liked the car since his 1st journey from the breeder. He was initially in a crate (which he is more than happy in at home) but as he was so distressed I started doing short journeys with him on the front seat with a seat belt attachment. He gradually became happier with this but it isn't practical for him to travel here. I put him back in the crate yesterday with a filled Kong but he was howling and yapping. My plan is to do daily short (5min) journeys in the crate with something tasty. Does thisseem OK or any other suggestions? Many thanks Carolyn (& Carrick)
Molly also hated the car at first and it sounded as if I was murdering her! I did very short trips (2 minutes) twice a day with an off-lead amble in the recreation ground or on the beach as the destination. ( I just ignored her howls as reassuring words didn't seem to help in that situation.) She then came to associate the car with a pleasant outcome and stopped howling. I can't remember how long it took, but I think not more than a couple of weeks. I realise I'm lucky in having two off-lead spots so near. Within a month I was able to take her on a four hour car trip, with several breaks en route, and she just went to sleep.
Annie didn't like the car at first, so did lots of short journeys every day. Now she can travel all the way to France no trouble So keep at it Carolyn it does work.
Thank you, I'll persevere! I did a 5 min journey this afternoon with a wee walk before heading back. I put lots of wee bits of chicken in the crate and a kong (which he didn't touch ) but he wasn't too noisy so fingers crossed. Thanks again
