young dog-travel sickness!
Discussion
Hi, we have a puppy jack russell that has just passed the 6 month stage.
Our last Jack could travel any distance from the day one that we got her but this one is another thing.
I know that it can be anxiety or that the ear hasn't fully developed, so could be that she just isn't ready yet physically.
We have tried calming spray that had zero difference. Reluctant to use medications at the moment and have tried small journeys to try and familiarise herself with the travelling with no progress to be had.
Anyone else had experiences and any tips other that just waiting, and what were your dogs like when young for travelling.
Our last Jack could travel any distance from the day one that we got her but this one is another thing.
I know that it can be anxiety or that the ear hasn't fully developed, so could be that she just isn't ready yet physically.
We have tried calming spray that had zero difference. Reluctant to use medications at the moment and have tried small journeys to try and familiarise herself with the travelling with no progress to be had.
Anyone else had experiences and any tips other that just waiting, and what were your dogs like when young for travelling.
I'm a general purpose dog handler who does a spot of training as a side thing. I've not got any experience with JRTs but generally a dog is a dog....
Calming sprays are a gimmick in my opinion. They're rarely effective and the ones that do work, don't last long enough to actually do any good. They're no replacement for exposure and training but I do understand why people try them.
Is it just sickness you are dealing with or is she stressed/having anxiety issues in the car too? What is her temperament like at home?
Also, how is she travelling? Is she on the seats or do you crate her? Some dogs prefer being crated, Some enjoy the seats more. I've got one that prefers being on the front passenger seat and one that prefers the crate. Each dog is different. Might be worth switching to see if there's improvement.
I've helped a few dogs with travelling issues and generally my go to method is exposure and rewards. Every opportunity you get, get her in the car. Every time she's in the car give her a small reward such as a treat or a favourite toy. Eventually she'll clock on that going in the car is a positive thing and the anxiety will slowly go away. Start off with not going anywhere, just sit on the drive and listen to a podcast. Ignore any anxiety related behaviours, reward relaxed/positive behaviours. Slowly build up the journeys, start off with a 5 minute drive and build the distances up. Its alot of work and hassle but that method has always worked for me.
It could be age, she might grow out of it. Some dogs travel well naturally, Some need a bit of help to get there.
Calming sprays are a gimmick in my opinion. They're rarely effective and the ones that do work, don't last long enough to actually do any good. They're no replacement for exposure and training but I do understand why people try them.
Is it just sickness you are dealing with or is she stressed/having anxiety issues in the car too? What is her temperament like at home?
Also, how is she travelling? Is she on the seats or do you crate her? Some dogs prefer being crated, Some enjoy the seats more. I've got one that prefers being on the front passenger seat and one that prefers the crate. Each dog is different. Might be worth switching to see if there's improvement.
I've helped a few dogs with travelling issues and generally my go to method is exposure and rewards. Every opportunity you get, get her in the car. Every time she's in the car give her a small reward such as a treat or a favourite toy. Eventually she'll clock on that going in the car is a positive thing and the anxiety will slowly go away. Start off with not going anywhere, just sit on the drive and listen to a podcast. Ignore any anxiety related behaviours, reward relaxed/positive behaviours. Slowly build up the journeys, start off with a 5 minute drive and build the distances up. Its alot of work and hassle but that method has always worked for me.
It could be age, she might grow out of it. Some dogs travel well naturally, Some need a bit of help to get there.
At 6 months our JRT was regularly (and fairly spectacularly) car sick. At that point she was travelling in a crate (estate car) but we started carrying her in the front, secured on the passenger's lap, so that we could see when it was about to happen and stop the car. Her car sickness promptly stopped.
Not sure if it whether it was the move to the front or she was just growing out of it but she hasn't vomited since. She's still not a big fan of the car though.
Not sure if it whether it was the move to the front or she was just growing out of it but she hasn't vomited since. She's still not a big fan of the car though.
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