Doglet Posted March 1, 2010 Share Posted March 1, 2010 Hi all, My Pooch is usually quite good in cars, he loves ‘em! But lately, he’s been so nervous that sometimes, he actually poops in the car I can’t really explain it. He used to LOVE going for drives. It really made his day, but now, he gladly walks to the car, and hops in, but he is stiff as a board from there on… Has anyone else experienced unusual behaviour like this before? If so, how did you fix it? This is really starting to concern me, any information would be greatly appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jigsaw Posted March 1, 2010 Share Posted March 1, 2010 How old is your dog? Can you remember if anything happened while you were in the car - eg car horns, loud trucks, that might have triggered it. Sometimes it's not obvious to us what is setting the dog off either. Is he fine approaching the car, it's just when he's in it and the car is moving that there's a problem? Is he harnessed or crated in the car? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doglet Posted March 1, 2010 Author Share Posted March 1, 2010 Hi Jigsaw, He isn't crated or harnessed, but he is on his usual seat. He is 2 years old now, and has never before exhibited any problems around vehicles. I dont recall any unusual noises while in the car; sirens, trucks, horns etc... I had a thought today: I recently took the car to the mechanics for a tune up, and he has only behaved strangely since then. Perhaps there is something... wrong, or off about the car now that he doesn't like? Suspension? a high pitched noise I cant hear? But I find it hard to believe something like that would practically spook him... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sticks1977 Posted March 1, 2010 Share Posted March 1, 2010 Are trips in the car usually for a fair distance? Perhaps try and mix it up a little if not... Try and have him in the car and only go for a very short drive and see how he handles that - if he goes well and does not poop in the car give him heaps of praise. Even maybe practice going in and out of the car a few times without going anywhere and maybe even try someone elses car to see if it is a problem limited to your specific car (since you mentioned it has been serviced). The only other advice I could also offer is perhaps go for a drive in a car and have someone holding him or in the back seat with him.... best of luck and hope it all turns out ok! Regards, Shaun (Sticks1977) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmoothieGirl Posted March 1, 2010 Share Posted March 1, 2010 Hi Jigsaw,He isn't crated or harnessed, but he is on his usual seat. He is 2 years old now, and has never before exhibited any problems around vehicles. I dont recall any unusual noises while in the car; sirens, trucks, horns etc... I had a thought today: I recently took the car to the mechanics for a tune up, and he has only behaved strangely since then. Perhaps there is something... wrong, or off about the car now that he doesn't like? Suspension? a high pitched noise I cant hear? But I find it hard to believe something like that would practically spook him... You may have just nailed it. I was going to ask if you have changed your car at all. Some dogs are highly reactive to engine and road noise. My dog was a terrible terrible traveller and I put it down to a bad experience when she was tiny. The breeder brought the pups down from country and all were car sick. But she slowly got better, but never good and drooled to the point of dehydration everytime we went anywhere, even if only on a five minute drive. I noticed two things though. I borrowed my dad's car one day - no drooling! Then, as she had basically destroyed the back of my car with her drooling I bought a new car so I could have her travel in the cargo area. The very day I got that car - no drooling! She is now a very very good traveller, hops into the car of her own accord and the weekend before last spent 3 hours on a return journey very happily snoozing. Basically I put it down to engine or road noise as my last car was quite loud and a little high pitched. Collies are known for being very noise sensitive and reactive and I think this exactly what was happening. She was uncomfortable and anxious and it made her get ill. Perhaps the mechanic has tweaked the engine and its resulted in an engine pitch that is really worrying him. I have heard some people try putting a snood over the dogs ears or head to muffle the noise. Perhaps try this first (assuming you can get it to stay on) and see if it makes a difference. Another option, if you can find a friend or family member that is willing, try taking him for a drive it there car - try something like a bigger car, like a 4WD or something. They generally have a lower pitched engine and the big wheels reduce road noise. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whippets Posted March 1, 2010 Share Posted March 1, 2010 Hi Jigsaw,He isn't crated or harnessed, but he is on his usual seat. He is 2 years old now, and has never before exhibited any problems around vehicles. I dont recall any unusual noises while in the car; sirens, trucks, horns etc... I had a thought today: I recently took the car to the mechanics for a tune up, and he has only behaved strangely since then. Perhaps there is something... wrong, or off about the car now that he doesn't like? Suspension? a high pitched noise I cant hear? But I find it hard to believe something like that would practically spook him... Is there anything about ultra nervous dogs in the link, that is in your signature? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swiss Girl Posted March 1, 2010 Share Posted March 1, 2010 Have you thought of trying desensitization, take him back to the basics and slowly build back up again. If he is happy walking to the car, just start with that, in the car, a couple of treats and out again, Then start the engine, but not moving. Then back down the drive and back up again, Finally, around the block If something did happn and upset him this may help. Just remember to ignore any stress behaviour and reward calm behaviour. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doglet Posted March 2, 2010 Author Share Posted March 2, 2010 Hi guys, thanks for all the good ideas. Our trips can be quite varied. For example, on Mondays and Fridays, I drive my wife to work, and often take him with me, and there are other, longer trips, some lasting a bit over three hours, where he usually sleeps (except for when he's having a ball, taking in the sights -- like the people in the car next to us at the lights). I dont think completely retraining him is an issue, as he is still for the most part, fine around cars. I will have to try Smoothiegirls suggestion, and try other cars. Hopefully by Friday I will have accomplished this (what, with working and all). I will let you know how it pans out, til then, I will keep him out of my car - just incase something is hurting him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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