Car anxiety and bag training - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Kerryn915 · 10-23-2015, 07:16 AM

My little boy is just over 2 years old and he has some anxiety about riding in the car. I have tried the car seat and he hates it. I was wondering if it's possible to train him to go in a carrier bag. He seems to hate looking out the window and maybe if he's secure in a bag he will feel less anxious. Any tips on how to bag train? He's not very keen and I have been trying for a few days. Also is there maybe something to give him for anxiety?

Wylie's Mom · 10-23-2015, 07:30 AM

Sometimes, Benadryl or Melatonin is tried for anxiety...so may be worth a try at some point. Could also look into pheromone anti-anxiety products for dogs (collars, sprays etc). There are also prescription meds too.

Also try putting treats in the bag and praise like crazy if he goes and gets them. Treat him when he goes in the bag.

Otherwise, what about a car seat?

Kerryn915 · 10-23-2015, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

Sometimes, Benadryl or Melatonin is tried for anxiety...so may be worth a try at some point. Could also look into pheromone anti-anxiety products for dogs (collars, sprays etc). There are also prescription meds too.

Also try putting treats in the bag and praise like crazy if he goes and gets them. Treat him when he goes in the bag.

Otherwise, what about a car seat?

Thanks for the response! He hates the car seat. It's terrifying for him to look out the window. He prefers to cower in my lap which I don't allow for safety reasons. So he will shiver and shake on the seat next to me which I have to attach his harness to the seat belt otherwise he leaps back and forth onto my lap. He's so funny bc he will follow me and he wants to come with me but he's just too anxious once we are about 10 mins into a trip. My other older yorkie is the total opposite. He will lay right down in the back seat and is so calm in the car. I have even tried them together and the little one is still a wreck.

Zeus is Loved · 10-23-2015, 08:11 AM

I know this sounds silly, because I know it doesn't work for everyone, but my baby loves his Thundershirt. So much so that we bought him a Thundersweater for winter. When we go home to Alabama to visit family, it is 2 1/2 hours each way in one day. He is not too thrilled with the car. We tried the Thundershirt, and it miraculously worked for him. He also wears it when it is storming outside. He gets very nervous then, too.

Mayzoo · 10-23-2015, 08:55 AM

what about a soft sided crate? a cave/nest type feeling for security and safety?

yavenay · 10-23-2015, 09:03 AM

I am definitely going to try the thunder shirt. If that doesn't work will have to get something from the vet. I am driving to Nashville Tennessee for thanksgiving which is about 12 hours from where I live. I take her on car rides several times a week but she is just not comfortable with riding in the car. In fact if she seems to know when she is going a car ride. As much as she loves going outside, the minute it is time to go for a ride, she pulls a disappearing act and I have to search 3 floors to find her.

The only time she seems okay is after we leave the dog park. I guess because she is too tire to be anxious because she runs the whole time we are there.

Zeus is Loved · 10-23-2015, 09:26 AM

I know the feeling. Zeus would pant uncontrollably and "pace" as much has he could in the car. Put his paws on the window and there would be sweat marks. The baby was pitiful, but we can't leave his alone that long for the trip. I couldn't believe how well the shirt worked for him. He sees the Thundershirt now and gets excited to go -- before, he would run and hide also. Best of luck.

Zeus is Loved · 10-23-2015, 09:58 AM

Here is a picture of Zeus in his Thundersweater. He wears the XXS in their products.

joyce evans · 10-23-2015, 10:07 AM

Hannah's last car ride was a disaster even in my arms. She started shaking as soon as I put her harness and leash on inside the house! She was going for a dental so my nerves were shot that day and I'm sure she was feeding off of me. The ride home even after anesthesia was the same. She was very vocal the whole ride there and back up until we got into my driveway.
Definitely getting something to calm her nerves before her next ride!

Bambee · 10-23-2015, 12:01 PM

I am training my little girl in a dog purse carrier...she is not afraid of car rides she just doesnt stay still...the bag is working good...I put toys in there and feed her while I get to my destination...

Kerryn915 · 10-23-2015, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeus is Loved

I know this sounds silly, because I know it doesn't work for everyone, but my baby loves his Thundershirt. So much so that we bought him a Thundersweater for winter. When we go home to Alabama to visit family, it is 2 1/2 hours each way in one day. He is not too thrilled with the car. We tried the Thundershirt, and it miraculously worked for him. He also wears it when it is storming outside. He gets very nervous then, too.

I will have to try a thunder shirt! Thanks for the suggestion. Your boy looks adorable in his!!

Kerryn915 · 10-23-2015, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joyce evans

Hannah's last car ride was a disaster even in my arms. She started shaking as soon as I put her harness and leash on inside the house! She was going for a dental so my nerves were shot that day and I'm sure she was feeding off of me. The ride home even after anesthesia was the same. She was very vocal the whole ride there and back up until we got into my driveway.
Definitely getting something to calm her nerves before her next ride!

Sounds awful!! When I first got my boy he broke his leg and he had to go through surgery and also get check ups and X-rays every other week. So I think he associates a car ride with going to the vet. Im hoping that if I can get him settled in a bag and also hopefully the thunder shirt helps.

Kerryn915 · 10-23-2015, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bambee

I am training my little girl in a dog purse carrier...she is not afraid of car rides she just doesnt stay still...the bag is working good...I put toys in there and feed her while I get to my destination...

Good idea with the treats! The problem that mine would have with that is that his tongue is out and he's constantly panting in the car. I'll try very tiny pieces and see if that helps keep him distracted! What kind of bag do you use? Do you keep it closed the whole car ride?

Bambee · 10-23-2015, 01:28 PM

yes, initially before the purse...I had her loose in the car...but she pooped one day and I was driving! Very dangerous because I wanted to clean it while driving...so for now until she gets older (shes only 4 months) I will have her in the purse...I do keep it closed, but it has mesh on top and both sides...I got it on amazon...not sure how big your dog is...she is 3 pounds and fits fine for now with room....i dont use the booster seat for dogs because I heard that some dont work well...I notice with her that she will do anything for a treat, so once I arrive to my destination she gets a "good girl" treat!

buddybear · 10-23-2015, 02:56 PM

Buddybear always wants to go somewhere but he HATES the trip.

Vet suggested 1/4 teaspoon of Lecithin per day.....trick is to get him to eat it. He is 7#s. She also had capsules I bought from her...non rx....Zylkene 75 mg. One a day.....

I'm going for a thundershirt next. We've tried cages, car seats, bags over my shoulder.....Im getting unpatient over this but trying to stay calm for his sake.

Buddybear is 15 months.

10-23-2015, 07:16 AM	#1
Kerryn915 YT Addict Join Date: May 2014 Location: Fishkill, ny, USA Posts: 487	Car anxiety and bag training My little boy is just over 2 years old and he has some anxiety about riding in the car. I have tried the car seat and he hates it. I was wondering if it's possible to train him to go in a carrier bag. He seems to hate looking out the window and maybe if he's secure in a bag he will feel less anxious. Any tips on how to bag train? He's not very keen and I have been trying for a few days. Also is there maybe something to give him for anxiety?

10-23-2015, 07:30 AM	#2
Wylie's Mom Furbutts = LOVE Donating Member Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 35,889 Blog Entries: 2	Sometimes, Benadryl or Melatonin is tried for anxiety...so may be worth a try at some point. Could also look into pheromone anti-anxiety products for dogs (collars, sprays etc). There are also prescription meds too. Also try putting treats in the bag and praise like crazy if he goes and gets them. Treat him when he goes in the bag. Otherwise, what about a car seat? __________________ ~ A friend told me I was delusional. I nearly fell off my unicorn. ~ °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨° Ann \| Pfeiffer \| Marcel Verdel Purcell \| Wylie \| Artie °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨°

10-23-2015, 08:55 AM	#5
Mayzoo YT 500 Club Member Join Date: May 2015 Location: Texas Posts: 534	what about a soft sided crate? a cave/nest type feeling for security and safety? __________________ Mario was adopted May 2015. Now he is a service dog and brother to Bailey the Airdale mix

10-23-2015, 09:03 AM	#6
yavenay Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Delaware Posts: 2,663	I am definitely going to try the thunder shirt. If that doesn't work will have to get something from the vet. I am driving to Nashville Tennessee for thanksgiving which is about 12 hours from where I live. I take her on car rides several times a week but she is just not comfortable with riding in the car. In fact if she seems to know when she is going a car ride. As much as she loves going outside, the minute it is time to go for a ride, she pulls a disappearing act and I have to search 3 floors to find her. The only time she seems okay is after we leave the dog park. I guess because she is too tire to be anxious because she runs the whole time we are there. Last edited by yavenay; 10-23-2015 at 09:06 AM.

10-23-2015, 09:58 AM	#8
Zeus is Loved YT Addict Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Columbus, MS Posts: 361	Here is a picture of Zeus in his Thundersweater. He wears the XXS in their products. Attached Thumbnails

10-23-2015, 08:11 AM	#4
Zeus is Loved YT Addict Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Columbus, MS Posts: 361	I know this sounds silly, because I know it doesn't work for everyone, but my baby loves his Thundershirt. So much so that we bought him a Thundersweater for winter. When we go home to Alabama to visit family, it is 2 1/2 hours each way in one day. He is not too thrilled with the car. We tried the Thundershirt, and it miraculously worked for him. He also wears it when it is storming outside. He gets very nervous then, too.

10-23-2015, 09:26 AM	#7
Zeus is Loved YT Addict Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Columbus, MS Posts: 361	I know the feeling. Zeus would pant uncontrollably and "pace" as much has he could in the car. Put his paws on the window and there would be sweat marks. The baby was pitiful, but we can't leave his alone that long for the trip. I couldn't believe how well the shirt worked for him. He sees the Thundershirt now and gets excited to go -- before, he would run and hide also. Best of luck.

10-23-2015, 10:07 AM	#9
joyce evans YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: houston Posts: 1,519	Hannah's last car ride was a disaster even in my arms. She started shaking as soon as I put her harness and leash on inside the house! She was going for a dental so my nerves were shot that day and I'm sure she was feeding off of me. The ride home even after anesthesia was the same. She was very vocal the whole ride there and back up until we got into my driveway. Definitely getting something to calm her nerves before her next ride! __________________ Hannah's Mom

10-23-2015, 12:01 PM	#10
Bambee Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Covina, CA Posts: 154	I am training my little girl in a dog purse carrier...she is not afraid of car rides she just doesnt stay still...the bag is working good...I put toys in there and feed her while I get to my destination...

10-23-2015, 01:28 PM	#14
Bambee Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Covina, CA Posts: 154	yes, initially before the purse...I had her loose in the car...but she pooped one day and I was driving! Very dangerous because I wanted to clean it while driving...so for now until she gets older (shes only 4 months) I will have her in the purse...I do keep it closed, but it has mesh on top and both sides...I got it on amazon...not sure how big your dog is...she is 3 pounds and fits fine for now with room....i dont use the booster seat for dogs because I heard that some dont work well...I notice with her that she will do anything for a treat, so once I arrive to my destination she gets a "good girl" treat!

10-23-2015, 02:56 PM	#15
buddybear YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: prescott valley az usa Posts: 1,232	Buddybear always wants to go somewhere but he HATES the trip. Vet suggested 1/4 teaspoon of Lecithin per day.....trick is to get him to eat it. He is 7#s. She also had capsules I bought from her...non rx....Zylkene 75 mg. One a day..... I'm going for a thundershirt next. We've tried cages, car seats, bags over my shoulder.....Im getting unpatient over this but trying to stay calm for his sake. Buddybear is 15 months. __________________ Jennifer + Buddybear: