bradpattison.com

Hello to all of you.
Thanks for all the suggestions.
Kobe has become so much better in the car.Yay! On a scale of 1-10-about an 8.
Worked hard -taking him everywhere after a short walk then different places -some more fun then others and some walking.
He still does not like the movement of the car.
Stands the whole time and some pacing but not carrying on as he was.

Its not long trips to where we go. A half hour at most. The radio can play now.
He did get more excited when he saw the river cause thats close to granddads-where he can run and visit with neighbors dogs.
What worked was exercise and taking some of his stuff- like a blanket from home.
Took 2 of his toys -- I pack a bag (got a free purina bag from vet) with bottled water and his food along with anything I think we may need.

He kept bopping me in the back of the head with squeaky toy so I took away and just left him his kong bone with frozen water inside.
He also has a flatter nose so once in awhile he would prod me with that or drape his head over my shoulder-(that was new)
He can't get in front seat and he doesn't try to. Every once in awhile I would look at him and his eyes would widen -like "are we there yet?'
well,you had to be there.
We are having a better time of it thks to your ideas. No one was helping me at home. I have been looking all around the forum and slowly learning how to use it.

Debi - glad to know things are going a little better in the car.

When we first git Keymo, we used a dog seat belt to keep him in place, it worked great.
As he got larger we had to get a new seat belt. Bought a different kind and not sure if THAT was the reason, or simply because he was getting fussier, but he could then reach the back of our heads. NOT too impressed with that when he'd bark RIGHT BEHIND our ears !
But there's something I noticed about his behaviour in the car (we have a Jeep Grand Cherokee) - he seemed uncomfortable sitting on the seat.
The way seats are styled, they angle down towards the back and Keymo kept re-placing his feet.
We bought a car barrier on Ebay (way cheaper than in the store) and since then, his place is in the rear section of the Jeep. He can stand, sit, he evn lays down and falls asleep !
He's also been better behaved back there!

I know, that a company also makes an angled seat "cushion" thing (except it's hard) that levels off a human car seat, so that the dog has a flat surface to sit on.
I remember reading on a link about someone else who uses a car barrier in their car and loves it too!

Just more suggestions to make the voyage easier, safer and more pleasant for everyone involved

Debi,

I use a car barrier in my car (I have a pontiac G6) and it's wonderful! Abby's a big dog, so the last thing I need (or want) is a big lick in the ear, or a cold nose in my neck. There's also the safety factor: if you ever get hit from behind, your dog has nowhere to go ... whereas without the barrier, the windshield is the only other option.

If Kobe is still stressing out you could try using rescue remedy. It's a natural homeopathic recipie to lower stress (it's made from Bach Flowers). Make sure you read the instructions carefully b/c most places sell it in concentrate, so you'll have to add water as per the weight of your dog!

Take care and good luck!

Marion

Yes,I was looking at dog seatbelts .Glad to know that they work. I saw the flat seat they can seat in and look out the window-could be why Kobe stands all the time. I would mind if he barked in my ear but I don't mind the resting of the chin. The toy was noisy and he does it all the time at home -he still has a quiet toy. Thanks so much for input!

Hi, I was thinking of the seatbelt for that reason. I think for safety sake I will look into something for safety. He seems to be getting better and better. I take him everywhere possible so now we have to work on manners-he needs a few. Thank you

Another item I was looking at was a kinda hammock that blocks the hole between the bucket seats.And the dog is elevated but not sure-if he already does not like the movement and then cannot see me. The wire barrier or a sealtbelt is what i will consider.Kobe has reached 30 lbs. I have a 4 door saturn.

Abby is 85 pounds, and I have a 4 door G6 ... I wouldn't trust the rope ... not enough resistance ... just my humble opinion!

Good luck