Mayfly continues to become more social with people (she walked into Petco like she owned the place today, said hello to 2 salespeople ).  And Mitzy saw Pokie, the ridgeback/lab mix at the stable, for the second time in 2 weeks today and she was complete relaxed with her despite Pokie's comparatively large size.

However, Skipper has an issue.  He whines in the car.  Now, usually we just go around the city area here so I just tolerate his whining....and to be honest the first few times I thought he just was whining because he had to poop.  But I tried taking him to the stable with me today and I didn't get but 3 miles down the road before the whining was loud and quite annoying.  I turned around and took him home.  So he missed out on a walk on the horse trails and a visit to Petco (ok, we did Starbucks too but they didn't get any lattes...). 

I don't have a clue what his problem is.  It seems to be getting worse though.  He's always anxious to get into the car and go someplace....doesn't get carsick....so I don't know why he gets so stressed.  I do know he seems to be getting more hyper lately (little dude really gets wound up) but I put that down to not getting as many walks with the bad weather.  We're starting to remedy that with the time change and warmer weather.

I've tried giving treats in the car but that only distracts him for a second.  And he always enjoys wherever we go because it involves a walk (unless it's the vet).  So - any ideas on what could be the problem? Or how to make him more relaxed and just enjoy the ride?  He does a little better when Bill is driving because he sits in his lap and sniffs out the window (open only a little, not enough for him to jump out).

Maybe he has found his VOCAL CORDS,,,,MB, Sassie never really barked only at squirrles and the past 4 mths she now barks at the neighbors 4 doors down....she thinks that no one belongs outside unless shes out there...I haven't got a clue to why she is doing this...except a few months back 2 kids broke into homes and I think she was home alone and it scared her... that's just my opinion....

Just keep working on him maybe you and him have to go alone on some rides to get him back to  his self...

Oh gosh, Mari, I hope he hasn't found MORE vocal cords!  He's always been The Mouth of the South since we got him a year ago.  He barks at people outside, random noises in the street, the cat, etc. and that's inside the house....outside in the yard he barks at any one and any animal that passes by.  And he barks constantly while playing!  

I suppose if I took him on rides alone he maybe wouldn't whine as much....I don't remember him whining so much when I took him to the vet alone.  Maybe he just wants to sit on my lap when I'm driving? 

It could very well be that Skipper is stressed by riding in the car. I would (1) give him bully stick which should occupy him for more than "few minutes" or... (2) try crating him AND giving him a bully stick or... (3) get some meds to give him to help calm him down (you can also try "Rescue Remedy" from a healthl food store... a holistic stress reliever I give Bailey when I take him to trials...).

Just a suggestion? I wouldn't let him sit in Bill's lap while Bill is driving... it isn't safe, Mary Beth. Either crate him or secure him by tieing a halter to the seat belt.

HI,

I'm new here but read your posting and so understand we have to rats Andy who is 4 and Amos who is 6 months and we are training Amos to ride. My husband and I go together and one drives while the other sooths Amos so he knows he is safe. Andy loves riding and after a bit Amos seems to want to do what Andy is doing he calms and rides fairly well.

betty