It wasn't to bad when we had the other car a saloon Sheba would just fall asleep on the back seat.
But since we've changed cars to an estate things are different, Sheba loves having her own space in the back but instead of sleeping she will spend the whole journey sat up looking out of the back window, which is fine on the motorway but a nuisance around town where she barks at every dog she sees.
Our new car.
Sheba's quite happy in the back.
Sheba's even happy when surrounded by holiday stuff.
Sheba even thought on holiday this year she would share the driving.
I've tried using an anti bark collar on her, but I think I've got the only dog that likes the smell of citronella.
Another solution I'm looking at is a ThunderShirt or ThunderCap, US store.
ThunderShirt or ThunderCap, UK store.
I would try her in a dog crate with a towell or sheet over it, but she's never been crate trained so could end up stressing her out more.
Another solution was blacking out the rear windows but she would probably scratch it of.
I might give the Thunder Shirt a try as it will help calm her when the fireworks start hopefully.
If I'm driving fast enough I've drove passed the dog before she has time to react, but if I'm stuck at traffic lights she will just keep barking untill the dog is out of sight.
On a positive note her training with Ryan is going great and she has really took to him.
Sheba making friends instead of enemies on holiday.
She's calmed down a lot around other dogs depending on there energy if there calm Sheba's calm but if there all boisterous and get in her face to much she will still put them in there place.
This is the WOOF Support Blog Hop, where reactive dogs and their owners can come together to share similar experiences. Are you a reactive/fearful dog or its owner? Then please join us and share your story. The Blog Hop is open through Sunday.
Sounds like lots of progress and lots of travel fun!
ReplyDeleteI struggle with Ruby's reactivity in the car as well. She barks at dogs, pedestrians, bikes and motorcycles. I tried putting her in a crate (and she is crate trained) but it made her car sick. I have also tried the Thunder Cap or Calming Cap but we have much more work to do before she is comfortable wearing it and not just shut down.
ReplyDeleteI just got a new car myself - one I was considering would have enabled the dogs to ride in the back and the floor was low enough that Ruby would not have been able to see out. I was excited about that prospect, but I ended up with a different car.
Keep us posted!
Very very impawtant post. Thank you for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
It's great to see Sheba out there playing with those other dogs! I'm glad her training with Ryan is coming along well. I have heard that the Thunder Cap can be great for riding in cars, and also possibly giving her treats to distract her from barking (if you can). Thanks for joining the hop again, Ian!
ReplyDeleteOh wow, Ian...Sheba is making great progress in the "making friends" department! Well done! I actually use the Thundershirt on Oz when it is storming because he loves to bark (like a crazy dog) at the thunder. Once the thundershirt goes on, he settles right down and stops barking completely. Maybe it will have the same effect on Sheba in the car?!? I say give it a try...the worst that could happen is that it doesn't work.
ReplyDeleteThe ThunderCap has worked very well for Leo. Introduce it very slowly. Hold a treat at one end, so she has to put her head through it to get the treat. Leave it on for just a second, then two seconds... then five... If Sheba is muzzle trained, it might be easier than if she's never had anything over her face before. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteWell done to Sheba. What great progress. Onwards and upwards we say. Have a serene easy Sunday.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes Molly
Looks like you're enjoying that new car, Sheba! Keep up the good work through socialization. Mr. K's temperament has improved with time, too. Happy Sunday to you! Much love, The Scottie Mom.
ReplyDeleteWe are so glad to hear that Sheba is making such good progress! It's a testament to all of your efforts and consistency. :) It's so much more fun making friends on holiday, isn't it, Sheba? :)
ReplyDelete