[Annamarie]

So lately I've been more dilligent about travelling with my dog in his crate. Honestly it was really annoying at first. He would whine for a good 20 minutes before finally giving up and settling in his crate, then every time the car slowed or stopped he would start up again. It's getting so that he does settle down faster though.

Today I stumbled on what I think is the key though. I noticed he would stare at us through his crate and cry, so I covered his crate with a blanket. Then he went to the front door to cry, so I covered that too. It seems that the more he's able to see us or see out the window the more upset he gets. Today we pulled into the driveway at home and he did a little whimpering but nowhere near the hissy fits we had before.

So from now on? Pup goes in the crate in the car, with a blanket over it! Peace at last! (so far)

[ChrissyBz]

Isn't it nice to find a relatively simple solution to a problem?

[Curbside Prophet]

Originally Posted by ChrissyBz

Isn't it nice to find a relatively simple solution to a problem?

Ain't that the truth. Here's what I think is happening... There are two cues that predict your pup will exit the vehicle. What do you think they are? You found one...visual contact. And the other? The car coming to a rest. Your dog may still whine when you come to a stop. If he does, solving that dilemma will take LOTS of work. But, understanding how the dog's environment effects his behavior is excellent.

[briteday]

One of our dogs has to have their crate facing forward to ride without crying. The other two want to be facing the back window of the station wagon as they seem to like watching the world go by!

[Annamarie]

visual is definately a factor! I think he's still going to throw a fit when we pull up to the parking lot at the beach because as soon as the truck starts driving over the gravel and pothole filled parking lot he knows exactly where we are.

the other things that trigger him is the sound of the seatbelt unclicking, and touching the door handle. but both seem to trigger him a lot less when he's in his crate.

it's nice to finally have a solution for this, for a while there I thought I was going to have permanent hearing loss from his loud high pitched yelping and whining.