I guess he's just not a traveler - YorkieTalk.com Forums

izzy816 · 01-06-2009, 04:36 PM

I have taken Izzy on several plane rides, tried benadryl and even the vet gave me a pill that supposedly was calming. Well none of it worked. Benadryl made him crazy and the other pill from the vet did the same thing. We flew twice over the holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Both trips were miserable for me. When we flew from DC to NAshville for christmas, he ripped a hole in his carrier so big that he could crawl through it. He cried, yelped and barked like someone was killing him. On the trip back to DC I had to buy a new carrier and he still did the same thing. The funny thing is, he will jump in the carrier and play in it all day long, but when its time to close him up, he freaks out. Its like he turns into this crazy dog! I almost cried because it was so frustrating!

I am at my wits end on what I should do to make the trip enjoyable for the both of us. I love taking him along, the family enjoys having him. I am flying to Detroit this weekend but I am leaving him behind because I dont want to go through the drama. I want a peaceful flight. Sorry Im rambling, but I just had to get this off my chest. It really upsets me that he is just not a traveler. I love being around him naturally and enjoy the fact that I can take him with me but I cant take him anywhere if he gets stress out every time we are flying.

Any suggestions, thoughts?

LuvmyYorkies2 · 01-06-2009, 06:07 PM

So sorry you're going thru that. I thought you were going to say he was just throwing up or something. I've never heard of a yorkie actually tearing a hole thru his carrier. Is it a plastic travel crate? That's not a pleasant traveling experince for you or him.

Hopefully bumping this will get some more answers/suggestions for you.

Yapper · 01-06-2009, 08:20 PM

What was the med the vet gave you? And, when did you administer it? Rudy and I just took our first trip together and he did wonderful. He freaks out in a cage or a carrier as well if I just put him in it. Does the same thing of crying and digging at the sides. I used a hard plastic cat carrier but he couldn't escape. I gave him the med as my sister was taking us to airport. I kept him out of the cage until I boarded the plane. He started to get groggy while I was waiting to board. Minutes before I got on, I placed him in the carrier. He didn't like it and started to whine and scratch but I just said, "You're alright, good boy" and ignored it. Do not fuss over them or say anything. When I got on the plane and placed him under the seat he konked out.

My vet told me that the meds won't work if the dog is hyper/senses something's up. It's almost like a reverse affect so he suggested I give the sedative to him about 1 hour before leaving. I also put a blanket in the carrier that I had wrapped around my shoulders the night before we left that had my scent on it. I put his soft teddy in there with him as well. Since your little one scratchs at the sides (another dog on the plane did the same thing and escaped her carrier) get one of those molded plastic carriers. I also have a PetFlys carrier that is made of leather and has a wire screen. (They're expensive but cute!) He can't get out of that either. I hope this helps. Don't give up on your lil' traveler.

izzy816 · 01-07-2009, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yapper

What was the med the vet gave you? And, when did you administer it? Rudy and I just took our first trip together and he did wonderful. He freaks out in a cage or a carrier as well if I just put him in it. Does the same thing of crying and digging at the sides. I used a hard plastic cat carrier but he couldn't escape. I gave him the med as my sister was taking us to airport. I kept him out of the cage until I boarded the plane. He started to get groggy while I was waiting to board. Minutes before I got on, I placed him in the carrier. He didn't like it and started to whine and scratch but I just said, "You're alright, good boy" and ignored it. Do not fuss over them or say anything. When I got on the plane and placed him under the seat he konked out.

My vet told me that the meds won't work if the dog is hyper/senses something's up. It's almost like a reverse affect so he suggested I give the sedative to him about 1 hour before leaving. I also put a blanket in the carrier that I had wrapped around my shoulders the night before we left that had my scent on it. I put his soft teddy in there with him as well. Since your little one scratchs at the sides (another dog on the plane did the same thing and escaped her carrier) get one of those molded plastic carriers. I also have a PetFlys carrier that is made of leather and has a wire screen. (They're expensive but cute!) He can't get out of that either. I hope this helps. Don't give up on your lil' traveler.

I dont remember the name off hand...I will have to look at the bottle when I get home. I gave it to him an hour before we left the house, he started to get groggy but like you said it did the reverse effect because once I started putting the suitcase in the car he got all anxious. On the ride to the airport he was anxious too...he is not fond of car rides either.

Thanks for the tips, I thought about getting a Pet Flys carrier. I might just invest in one soon. Im trying not to give up on him. He is a sweet dog and everyone loves him so leaving him behind makes me sad. He's a part of me now, when people see me they are like "Where's Izzy?" LOL

Yapper · 01-09-2009, 04:18 PM

Rudy was given Acepromazine, 10mg, but due to his size I was told to only give him a 1/4 the tablet and no more than half. It instructs to give it to the dog 1/2 hour to one hour before the trip. About a week before we left I put his carrier in the hallway where he had to at least walk past it. I even tried putting some toys and some treats in it but he's too smart and wasn't getting near it. He would sniff it and whine at me to get that toy or treat out of there but I told him he was on his own. He got closer to it and smelled it and even pulled the toys and treats out but wanted nothing to do with it. When he would "brave" pulling a toy or treat out I'd get all excited and say, "Yeah!" like it was a game; something fun, not scrarey.

I think you mentioned your little one enjoys his carrier until it's closed. I left that carrier out so Rudy would know early on that something was up. I even pulled out my suitcase a few days before.

I read somewhere that you should try to acclimate the dog to the carrier slowly. Since your little one likes it otherwise, I'd try putting the pup in the carrier and closing it. Tell the little one, "good dog!" Be excited and happy and then open it and treat. Gradually increase the time it spends in the closed carrier and maybe over time it won't seem so scarey to your baby. Don't react or get upset, stay calm. Hopefully when your baby realizes you aren't giving in there will be nothing left to do but lay down and take a nap. There was another suggestion for putting the pup in the carrier at night and then placing it on your bed so the dog could see it's owner. I like my sleep too much to try that one! LOL!

Last but not least, wear 'em out! I took Rudy for a walk and played with him 2 or 3 hours before I left. By the time I gave him the sedative I think he was just too worn out to fight it much.

Oh, I'm also told dogs feed off our energy so if he whines and upsets me, he senses this and continues the behavoir. It was really hard to ignore it but when I didn't react, give in or even acknowledge his behavior, he realized he wasn't getting out or winning.

Hope that helps!

MIZBROWN · 01-09-2009, 04:58 PM

I dont know... I think some of them just dont like to travel regardless of car or plane. I think my Meka is the same way. We've taken her on several car rides and its always the same. Doesnt matter if I hold her, she's in a carseat or a carrier... she doesnt like it and she's almost 2 yrs. So, needless to say, she stays with grandma when I need to travel

Tiger's Mom · 01-12-2009, 03:09 PM

I am so sorry to hear about your travelling experience with your furbaby . .I travelled over the holidays with 3 furbabies with me, 2 of which have never flown and they were all well behaved . . .Tiger was supposedly going to be taken to a containment area that has the same cabin temperature but somehow he sensed he was going to be separated from his family so he was angsty and whiney on the drive to the airport up to the counter . . .I begged the lady if I could just take him with me to the cabin and he and Parker can share a bag and she okay'd it and I tell you Tiger was completely quiet from them on.

Perhaps you might want to bring a favorite treat that will take him a while to finish like bully sticks so he will be preoccupied with it . .also, maybe you can take him out of the carrier until before boarding so he knows you are always right there with him . . .don't give up on the little guy . . . he probably just does not know what is going on. . .

amandawash · 01-12-2009, 03:25 PM

Aww, I'm so sorry you've had a rough time. I have travelled with Ranger on plane and loved it, and I am taking Ryder to AZ with me next month and can't wait!

I would start by doing little trips in the car. Put him in his carrier then go out to the car and drive down the street. Reward him when he's good, but don't take him out when he's being naughty. Make these trips super short then gradually increase the time as he gets better. That's about all the suggestion I have for you. I also like the idea of getting him worn out prior to leaving.

Good luck! I know Izzy has an inner traveler that's waiting to bust out!!

WoodyMorgan · 02-11-2009, 08:10 AM

Sorry you had such a tough trip! I have the same trouble with one of my babies. Woody is 6 and has always been an anxeity case. He has flown twice, I have given him baby benedryl, 1/4 tab an hour before leaving home and another on the way to the airport. Due to the amount of luggage, he was in his carrier until security and then at the gate.

One post suggested having some of his favorite toys and treats. I think that's a great idea! The only thing we figured out, soooo horrible, McDonald's french fries! It was about the only thing that would keep him quieted and not barking and whining.

I plan to travel within the US and internationally with my boys this year, hopefully it goes better. My other baby by the way is quiet and calm the entire trip!!!

WoodyMorgan · 02-11-2009, 08:15 AM

Good info to know!! My husband suggested getting another furbaby, I said no because of airline issues not wanting one to fly as "cargo". I assume Tiger and Parker are on the smaller side? We just talked about it agian, I will have to keep this tip in mind and work on persuasive begging . . .

Woofiexxx · 02-24-2009, 02:32 PM

Hey izzy816, I just got Cesar Milans new book entitled 'a member of the family' as a present and there is a chapter in it on traveling with pets. I have not got that far yet but it would be worth consulting for advice.

izzy816 · 02-24-2009, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woofiexxx

Hey izzy816, I just got Cesar Milans new book entitled 'a member of the family' as a present and there is a chapter in it on traveling with pets. I have not got that far yet but it would be worth consulting for advice.

Thanks Woofiexxx. I will definitely look into it.

01-06-2009, 04:36 PM	#1
izzy816 YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Washington, D.C. Posts: 922	I guess he's just not a traveler I have taken Izzy on several plane rides, tried benadryl and even the vet gave me a pill that supposedly was calming. Well none of it worked. Benadryl made him crazy and the other pill from the vet did the same thing. We flew twice over the holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Both trips were miserable for me. When we flew from DC to NAshville for christmas, he ripped a hole in his carrier so big that he could crawl through it. He cried, yelped and barked like someone was killing him. On the trip back to DC I had to buy a new carrier and he still did the same thing. The funny thing is, he will jump in the carrier and play in it all day long, but when its time to close him up, he freaks out. Its like he turns into this crazy dog! I almost cried because it was so frustrating! I am at my wits end on what I should do to make the trip enjoyable for the both of us. I love taking him along, the family enjoys having him. I am flying to Detroit this weekend but I am leaving him behind because I dont want to go through the drama. I want a peaceful flight. Sorry Im rambling, but I just had to get this off my chest. It really upsets me that he is just not a traveler. I love being around him naturally and enjoy the fact that I can take him with me but I cant take him anywhere if he gets stress out every time we are flying. Any suggestions, thoughts? __________________ Peace and Love, Karla and Izzy! Check out Izzy on Dogster: http://www.dogster.com/dogs/433985

01-06-2009, 06:07 PM	#2
LuvmyYorkies2 Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Southern Maryland Posts: 1,739	So sorry you're going thru that. I thought you were going to say he was just throwing up or something. I've never heard of a yorkie actually tearing a hole thru his carrier. Is it a plastic travel crate? That's not a pleasant traveling experince for you or him. Hopefully bumping this will get some more answers/suggestions for you. __________________ Yolanda I Love My Girls Diva & Foxxy & Lexi

01-09-2009, 04:18 PM	#5
Yapper Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 64	some more tips for travel Rudy was given Acepromazine, 10mg, but due to his size I was told to only give him a 1/4 the tablet and no more than half. It instructs to give it to the dog 1/2 hour to one hour before the trip. About a week before we left I put his carrier in the hallway where he had to at least walk past it. I even tried putting some toys and some treats in it but he's too smart and wasn't getting near it. He would sniff it and whine at me to get that toy or treat out of there but I told him he was on his own. He got closer to it and smelled it and even pulled the toys and treats out but wanted nothing to do with it. When he would "brave" pulling a toy or treat out I'd get all excited and say, "Yeah!" like it was a game; something fun, not scrarey. I think you mentioned your little one enjoys his carrier until it's closed. I left that carrier out so Rudy would know early on that something was up. I even pulled out my suitcase a few days before. I read somewhere that you should try to acclimate the dog to the carrier slowly. Since your little one likes it otherwise, I'd try putting the pup in the carrier and closing it. Tell the little one, "good dog!" Be excited and happy and then open it and treat. Gradually increase the time it spends in the closed carrier and maybe over time it won't seem so scarey to your baby. Don't react or get upset, stay calm. Hopefully when your baby realizes you aren't giving in there will be nothing left to do but lay down and take a nap. There was another suggestion for putting the pup in the carrier at night and then placing it on your bed so the dog could see it's owner. I like my sleep too much to try that one! LOL! Last but not least, wear 'em out! I took Rudy for a walk and played with him 2 or 3 hours before I left. By the time I gave him the sedative I think he was just too worn out to fight it much. Oh, I'm also told dogs feed off our energy so if he whines and upsets me, he senses this and continues the behavoir. It was really hard to ignore it but when I didn't react, give in or even acknowledge his behavior, he realized he wasn't getting out or winning. Hope that helps!

01-09-2009, 04:58 PM	#6
MIZBROWN Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: California Posts: 2,293	I dont know... I think some of them just dont like to travel regardless of car or plane. I think my Meka is the same way. We've taken her on several car rides and its always the same. Doesnt matter if I hold her, she's in a carseat or a carrier... she doesnt like it and she's almost 2 yrs. So, needless to say, she stays with grandma when I need to travel __________________ Mommy to Meka "MeMe" Brown aka Meka the Diva Member of the Spoiled Rotten Club & CA Yorkies www.dogster.com/dogs/567943

01-12-2009, 03:25 PM	#8
amandawash Lovin' my R & R Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Middleton, Idaho Posts: 2,152	Aww, I'm so sorry you've had a rough time. I have travelled with Ranger on plane and loved it, and I am taking Ryder to AZ with me next month and can't wait! I would start by doing little trips in the car. Put him in his carrier then go out to the car and drive down the street. Reward him when he's good, but don't take him out when he's being naughty. Make these trips super short then gradually increase the time as he gets better. That's about all the suggestion I have for you. I also like the idea of getting him worn out prior to leaving. Good luck! I know Izzy has an inner traveler that's waiting to bust out!! __________________ Amanda 's Ranger & Ryder

01-06-2009, 08:20 PM	#3
Yapper Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 64	What was the med the vet gave you? And, when did you administer it? Rudy and I just took our first trip together and he did wonderful. He freaks out in a cage or a carrier as well if I just put him in it. Does the same thing of crying and digging at the sides. I used a hard plastic cat carrier but he couldn't escape. I gave him the med as my sister was taking us to airport. I kept him out of the cage until I boarded the plane. He started to get groggy while I was waiting to board. Minutes before I got on, I placed him in the carrier. He didn't like it and started to whine and scratch but I just said, "You're alright, good boy" and ignored it. Do not fuss over them or say anything. When I got on the plane and placed him under the seat he konked out. My vet told me that the meds won't work if the dog is hyper/senses something's up. It's almost like a reverse affect so he suggested I give the sedative to him about 1 hour before leaving. I also put a blanket in the carrier that I had wrapped around my shoulders the night before we left that had my scent on it. I put his soft teddy in there with him as well. Since your little one scratchs at the sides (another dog on the plane did the same thing and escaped her carrier) get one of those molded plastic carriers. I also have a PetFlys carrier that is made of leather and has a wire screen. (They're expensive but cute!) He can't get out of that either. I hope this helps. Don't give up on your lil' traveler.

01-12-2009, 03:09 PM	#7
Tiger's Mom Donating YT 8000 Club Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 9,339	I am so sorry to hear about your travelling experience with your furbaby . .I travelled over the holidays with 3 furbabies with me, 2 of which have never flown and they were all well behaved . . .Tiger was supposedly going to be taken to a containment area that has the same cabin temperature but somehow he sensed he was going to be separated from his family so he was angsty and whiney on the drive to the airport up to the counter . . .I begged the lady if I could just take him with me to the cabin and he and Parker can share a bag and she okay'd it and I tell you Tiger was completely quiet from them on. Perhaps you might want to bring a favorite treat that will take him a while to finish like bully sticks so he will be preoccupied with it . .also, maybe you can take him out of the carrier until before boarding so he knows you are always right there with him . . .don't give up on the little guy . . . he probably just does not know what is going on. . .

02-11-2009, 08:10 AM	#9
WoodyMorgan Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: St Francis, MN Posts: 66	Sorry you had such a tough trip! I have the same trouble with one of my babies. Woody is 6 and has always been an anxeity case. He has flown twice, I have given him baby benedryl, 1/4 tab an hour before leaving home and another on the way to the airport. Due to the amount of luggage, he was in his carrier until security and then at the gate. One post suggested having some of his favorite toys and treats. I think that's a great idea! The only thing we figured out, soooo horrible, McDonald's french fries! It was about the only thing that would keep him quieted and not barking and whining. I plan to travel within the US and internationally with my boys this year, hopefully it goes better. My other baby by the way is quiet and calm the entire trip!!!

02-11-2009, 08:15 AM	#10
WoodyMorgan Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: St Francis, MN Posts: 66	Good info to know!! My husband suggested getting another furbaby, I said no because of airline issues not wanting one to fly as "cargo". I assume Tiger and Parker are on the smaller side? We just talked about it agian, I will have to keep this tip in mind and work on persuasive begging . . .

02-24-2009, 02:32 PM	#11
Woofiexxx YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: new York Posts: 1	Hey izzy816, I just got Cesar Milans new book entitled 'a member of the family' as a present and there is a chapter in it on traveling with pets. I have not got that far yet but it would be worth consulting for advice.