Quote:
Originally Posted by ree-Xi
This is obviously a psychological issue.
Drugging him is not the answer.
If he is afraid of the sound, put music on in the car and if you can, pipe it to his area.
If he is afraid of the sight of the vehicles, get those baby shades so he can't see out the window he is sitting at.
While you're at it, get a doggy seatbelt to keep him in one corner.
Keep his favorite toy or blanket with him to keep him feeling "safe".
I strongly suggest trying to figure out how you can keep him at home instead of taking on these terrifying trips for him. He is obviously scared to death. Fearful dogs can act out in odd ways - ocd chewing, biting or nipping, agitation, etc.
Can you get a pet walker once a day? Maybe a teenager who can take him on a 10 minute walk for $5? Why do you have your parents watch him anyway? Do they enjoy it or did you plop it on their laps? Just wondering if you are leaving him over there just bc you haven't worked on a solution to keep from having to cart him everywhere. It can turn into a serious issue for the dog, and if it means you might have to spend less on something "extra" and do something that will help your dog, then you might have to make that sacrifice.
Quick story about fear and dogs. My friend's dog was petrified of thunder storms. After a bad summer, this dog had chewed his leg down to bone, destroyed furniture, went on anxiety and depression pills, and had a heart attack. There wasn't anything they could do to prevent storms (he hid in the bathtub during them), but you have a situation that might have an alternate solution.
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I have to agree that drugging your dog is not the answer. There is obviously something wrong with your dog... if you're just going to mask the symptoms by drugging the dog, what's the point?
A lot of people here have given great advice --- trying to acclimate the dog, talking to a vet, talking to a dog trainer, finding alternate ways to care for your dog without having to take the poor dog on these terrifying rides.
If money is an issue, go to your local Petsmart and talk to the trainer there. Most of them I have spoke to are willing to give you some tips without making you sign up for a class.
Also, if money is an issue, I'm not sure why buying prescription drugs to sedate your dog is even an option...those cost money
Yelling at your dog or choking it with it's collar when it's obviously terrified is not going to help the situation.
Like someone else mentioned - maybe you can get someone to walk the dog... if you're worried he will have to hold his bladder for 10-11 hrs, take the time to train him on doggie pads to use while you are gone.
Alternatively, you can try Google to come up with some solutions... I'm not a dog trainingy professional, but it might be worth a try --
http://en.allexperts.com/q/German-Sh...truck-fear.htm
Note that is says punishing your dog while it's in a state of fear only makes the fear worse... so you might want to stop yelling at the dog or whatever else... not only does that make your dog's fear worse, but it is a distraction from your driving.
Additionally, Ceasar Milan came to my mind first too... dogs can sense your state of being. If you are freaking out while you're driving and yelling at him, you aren't making the situation any better. Dogs respond best when you're in a calm state.
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