In the car

[theshrew]

I have Missy who loves the car will do anything to get in it which is fine. However Candy doesnt like it and is a pain in the backside.

Ive tried only taking her in the car when we go for a walk even if its a 2 min trip  or a 1hr one ( thinking that she might think the car will be good as im going to be having a walk when we stop )  

Taking her fav toys in the car, Taking her bed to the car she doesnt bother with them.

She's the same if she is on her own or even sitting on Mrs Shrew's knee.

What else can i do to help her be less stressed ? Her hair seems to just fall out when shes in the car.  TBH shes a bit of a nut job dog anyway very warey of anything and everything ( even a leaf blowing accross the path scared her yesterday )

I hate the idea of a crate in the car but im even thinking about trying one. However ive got a feeling she will be even worse. What size crate do you fello cockers owners use ?

Has anyone got any ideas or tips please ?

[Sula]

I know a lot of COLers use crates successfully in the car and if it makes her feel safe and secure that would be worth it.

Another possible answer is Rescue Remedy, a couple of drops straight on the tongue about 15- 30 mins before going out. You can get this on line and I know that Amazon sell it - link below. I hope you find something that works and if she is a nervous dog then a thundershirt might also work- link for that too below. You do not need to use Amazon but just showing them online.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=resue+remedy

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Petlife-Thundershirt-Anxiety-Coat-Heather/dp/B0029PYC3K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1348568357&sr=8-1

[theshrew]

Thanks for the links.

Do those drops work for dogs then ? It might be worth a try certainly with the Fireworks coming soon.

How does the coat thing work ?

[Sula]

The drops do work for dogs, but there are animal specific ones to. As far as I know the coats work by touch, being wrapped up reassures the dog. There is also Tellington Touch - TTouch, which I have no experience of but some others have used it and there are books you can get to. That also is a touch method of relaxing your dog and I think there are sometimes workshops that you can go on for practical hands on teaching.

If you do a search you will find other posts on all of these and can see what you thinks will work best for you and Missy 

[theshrew]

Thanks for the advice

[supergirl]

You could try feeding her meals in the car, probably start  outside the car on the ground, put her food bowl down and let her eat there undisturbed for a few times, then try putting her food bowl  into the car and see if she will get in to eat her meals once she's confidently eating in the crate on the ground outside the car.

[RegalRustyCharm]

Our Lucy LOVES the car and I'm convinced its because I always drive to different places to takes her for various walks. She never knows where we are going to end up so I'm sure its an adventure for her every time we go for a drive.

[theshrew]

Our Lucy LOVES the car and I'm convinced its because I always drive to different places to takes her for various walks. She never knows where we are going to end up so I'm sure its an adventure for her every time we go for a drive.

Missy is the same she would be in there all day if she could. However Candy is the total opporsite.

She has got a little better over time but shes still a mere. Think she leaves half her hair over my seats each trip  it just seems to come off real easy i presume because shes stressed.

Ive got some of the drops to try and see how we go

[MaggieR]

Our Lucy LOVES the car and I'm convinced its because I always drive to different places to takes her for various walks. She never knows where we are going to end up so I'm sure its an adventure for her every time we go for a drive.

Missy is the same she would be in there all day if she could. However Candy is the total opporsite.

She has got a little better over time but shes still a mere. Think she leaves half her hair over my seats each trip  it just seems to come off real easy i presume because shes stressed.

Ive got some of the drops to try and see how we go

I'd be surprised if going in the car is making her coat drop out more... it may be that you just notice it more because of the colour of your seats?  Maybe give her a quick brush over before taking her in the car.  And if its still a problem then a crate is probably the way to go.... will stop the coat shedding being an issue for you at least. 

[theshrew]

I just presumed it could be because she was a bit stressed. Her hair just falls out with the slightest touch. I've just got a new car last week so I'm looking for a good seat cover. Think my mum has a crate that I could try her in if required the one I have is to small for her now.