car trip

[LandSmom]

My husband and I are taking our little ones with us when we go to see my family in Memphis for Labor Day. It's about a 14-16hr drive. We are planning on switching off driving and taking a nap if we have to. Of course, we'll be stopping at a lot of rest stops.

The problem is, Sukoshi HATES riding in the car, she gets all ansy, wether she's in her crate or not. If she is in the crate, she barks and whines to the complete distraction of the driver and seems totally miserable.

The only time Lex has ridden in the car it was when we got him from the breeder. He did ok, it was a 4 1/2 hr ride then. However, being the softies we are, and him being so little we just let him sit in my lap the whole time. He also hated being put in his crate in the back.

What on earth can we do with them and also keep them safe? I don't want them getting hurt cause we were too stupid to make sure they were riding safely if there is an accident, but other the the crates, I'm not sure what to do for them.

Suggestions?

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x60/snicklfritz8/PICT0526.jpg

[nmgirl98]

I'd talk with your vet about the trip. Since it's a long one, they might prescribe something to take th eedge off for them.

[HawaiiDoxieLover]

E? Sukoshi mo hitotsu no? We have another Sukoshi on the board?

Is there a way you can get them really tired before the trip? Like kids, priority is keep them safe in the car, even if they cry. That means saying "no" to being on laps while driving (not just because of airbags, but if there is an accident, the dog could go flying through the windshield or ??)

Mine love their carrier tote bags, so I use them to safely transport them-leaving them on the floor of the car in the bag.

[Schatz's Mom]

My guys love their carsears! It enables them to be up where they can see out the windows and they are extremely comfy!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v691/cwharriman/100_0513.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v691/cwharriman/100_1077.jpg

[kpm_tex]

If they get along well I would put them in the same crate. Merry was a pain in the butt in the the car crate by herself.. but when I started putting her in with Bart she was happy and now rides quietly in the back seat in the crate.
Start out by taking them on short rides to fun places like the park on a regular basis so they associate rides with good stuff.. mine all get a small treat everytime they go in their crates.

I believe that riding in a crate is the safest way to transport especially with a puppy.

[maddoxies]

"Practice" rides now, crated together?, BioCalm (from Centaur, available from vet, "natural" calmative - it is a supplement so no vet appointment needed for prescription), Rescue Remedy (Bach flowers available at health food stores), a couple of frozen Kongs. Car seat or seat belt harnesses. (As a trial to see if this works, you could fasten their leashes to a seat belt, before you invest in the proper seat belt harnesses)

What is it they object to? Some dogs like to see out and others are bothered by things blurring by.
Good luck

[LandSmom]

Ah,
All good suggestions, I'm thinking some of the calming supplements might help Sukoshi especially. Putting them together might also help. Where did you guys get the carseats? I haven't seen anything like that at our PetSmart, they only have huge dog houses and all.

And yep, we have our own Sukoshi, and here I thought it was a unique name. She's out older pup, black and tan.



http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x60/snicklfritz8/PICT0526.jpg

[Suzanne R]

My crew LOVE their rides, so I don't have any suggestions, but it sounds like you got some great advice. Let us know how it goes!! Happy trails. :wavesmile:

[Ruthi]

Here are a few.:hearts:


http://www.petstreetmall.com/categories.aspx?id=616
http://www.hunterk9.com/site/870877/page/343883
http://www.dog-car-seats.com/?=AW&AG=dog-car-seat
http://www.bizrate.com/dogsupplies/products__keyword--dog+car+seat.html