ArcaMax

The Thundershirt will serve several purposes. One is to help ease Sadie's anxiety Fitting snuggly around the dog's body, somehow Thundershirts help relieve uneasiness in many dogs. Another purpose is to re-condition Sadie to car rides. When she's wearing a Thundershirt, car rides will no longer be associated with queasiness.

Here are your next steps:

Before Sadie goes anywhere near the car, first acclimate her to a Thundershirt in the house; whenever she has it on, she gets fed and played with. Now, take off the Thundershirt. It's important for Sadie to begin to associate the Thunderhirt with impending excitement. It may take a few weeks before your dog makes that association.

Now, ask your veterinarian about a nutritional supplement called Anxitane, which also helps sooth tattered nerves. Give your dog Cerenia about an hour before putting her in the car for her first behavior modification practice session.

Put on the Adaptil collar and leave it on throughout the training period (easier than putting it on and taking it off for every car ride). Spray Adaptil on the back seat of the car before departing (test on fabric first).

Return to fetch Sadie, put on her Thundershirt and take her to the car. Either using a toy or treats, play a new game by asking her to jump into the car, and then out. Surprise her with some treats on the back seat. That's it, then return to the house. Don't give Sadie any opportunity to not like the car.

After several days of these car play sessions, when Sadie is looking forward to the game, close the car door with her inside and start the engine, but don't go anywhere. Now, return to the house for Sadie's regular meal.

Next time, play with Sadie a little in the car, offer her treats on the back seat, and drive down the driveway 5 or 10 feet. Then go back in the house for another meal.

If Sadie continues to do fine with this routine - and I'm betting she will - drive down the block, always returning promptly for a meal, so the car ride is further associated with something good. If Sadie begins to drool, whine or act anxious in any way while riding in the car, you need to back things up a step.

Other tools, which help some dogs, include a soft kind of Elizabethan collar often used post-surgically so dogs can't scratch (brands include the Kong EZ Collar or Buster Collar). Also, some small dogs feel more secure in safety seats.

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