New dog not a happy camper in the van

[davevickery]

My new puppy is not a good traveller. He is 4 mo old now and whined the first time and every time since that I havee taken him for a ride. It starts within about 5 minutes of driving and he squirms all around and finally settles down on my lap. Still whines though and gets up and turns around and generally is driving me nuts. After an hour he seems to give up and lays on my lap quietly for thte most part. But in another month or so he will be too big for that to work.

Anyone have any ideas on how I can make this work out. I built a little platform that fits between the front seats that helps a little but he still isn't comfortable unless he is sitting on my lap. He is not crate trained and I tried sticking him in one today and he fought it to the point that I gave up,

He spend the trip back from skiing behind my back in the front seat of all places. Very uncomfortable for me but it was the only place he would sit and shutup. And this is only highway driving, I can only imagine how the dirt roads and trails are goinng to be. Suggestions would be appreciated.

[vw7266]

easy...city pound

[djkeev]

He is only four months old!

He's a baby in need of training.
Put him in the vehicle where you want him and drive, sure he will make your life miserable but will soon come to accept his spot and actually look forward to going for drives with you.

If you desire a good dog tomorrow, you've got to put in the work and accompanying aggravation today.
Let him win now, you'll wind up with a less than enjoyable grown dog.

Dave
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[Corwyn]

My dog does the same thing. After a while he's too tired to fidget and falls asleep. Be patient and stop frequently, until it's used to the ride.
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[dhaavers]

^^^ x2

Get the dog off your lap & use ear plugs for the whining.

He'll be better in a few weeks/months...
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"The WonderVan"
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[2BOLLOX]

He is i charge, and knows it!
There can only be one Alfa DOG!
Take him to the van when not moving and show him his place.
If he moves correct him.
Short times in his spot, with positive enforcement!
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[davevickery]

[djkeev]

[Steelhead]

lots of treats?
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[FNGRUVN]

Let him sit in the van as much as possible when you're at home, preferably in the back seat. Maybe he'll warm up to the van. What kind of dog?
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[2BOLLOX]

you have no idea, how much I know about this!
But its not about me.
Sit in the van with him and the engine running, radio loud etc.
When he is good praise him! Look up clicker trainer!
You will have to do your part>
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VANAGON 1.9 SEA TURTAL
R32
R1100RS
NORTHERN MARINE 55

[Gauche1968]

Its not really safe for you, the dog or other drivers that the dog is making it uncomfortable for you to drive. You are going to have to invest some money in a trainer. Absent that, you can probably find a vet to write a prescription for a doggie sedative--but, that probably isn't very good for the pup.
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1984 Vanagon GL
1984 Vanagon Westy

[danbar]

I'm thinking I would hang out with him in the van at home. Play with him in there and get him used to it. Give him treats for being in the van when it's not moving and build up from there. My dog will do anything for treats. He was terrified of my dune buggy and wouldn't even sit in it in the driveway. Once I started it he was having nothing to do with it. I forced him to sit in there and fed him treats while I let it idle for a while. Once he calmed down a little I went for a drive around the block while shoving treats in his mouth. By the end of the day he LOVED the dune buggy. Now he rides around shotgun happily. Having a food motivated dog helps a lot in training.
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[theDrew]

I got a older lab from the Humane Society a few years ago and she was a "special needs" dog -- poor thing was a neuritic mess from her piece of shit previous owners.

I had my van and wanted to get her to be road trip friendly, but she was completely terrified of being in it.

So we started "van training". I first opened up all the doors and we'd just sit in the van, doors still open, and have dinner together.

Few days of that and we graduated to having dinner with the doors closed.

Few more days of that, then we'd take it around the block and then have dinner.

Then we'd move to driving to the park and have dinner.

Now she loves the van -- she'll even hang out in it while I"m doing yard work.

Slow baby steps and you'll get there!
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[joseph928]

Some good ideas here. All I can say is mine did that, now at 2 years he loves to go 4 wheeling . Even on Samba there is a video of him hanging out the window on Hells Revenge ! Just have patience all will get better.
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1987 syncro westy tin top sun roof , GW2.3, rear locker, decoupler, Gary Lee tire rack & winch mount, lift, south african grill, big brakes , rhein alloy ,15 BFG AT, Fiamma 10 foot awning ,140 watt rear 85 watt front solar , mppt, truckfridge, automatic fire extinguishing system, tencent oil cooler, And a RMW SS exhaust! - 1971 bug convertible 1776 engine- 2010 Subaru turbo - 1993 Toyota 4x4 truck - 1999 Harley 95 CI, big bore, Andrews cams . Also 80-84- vans. Stock 65 sunroof bug.

[debbiej]

I am a believer of crates in vans. It is safer traveling for both you and the dog, in so many ways. And if the crate is it's sleeping place at home too, they feel an extra bit of security if they can travel in it. My dogs prefer their crate to being tied up at a campsite too. My dogs are big, they need to be where they are safely out of the way while traveling. Neither do I worry about them accidentally getting out of the van.

[davevickery]

[debbiej]

Also, could he be getting carsick?

[danbar]

Good point on the carsick. It took my dog a few months to fully outgrow getting sick on any ride over 30 min. He puked all over me on the way home when we first got him. I was really worried that he wouldn't be a road trip dog but that's not a concern anymore.
_________________
'88 SCA High/Pop-top Syncro camper
'61 Meyers Manx

[joseph928]

Thats one good looking dog. Here is mine and boy does he love to go camping.

So you will have lot's of years together to go camping, just will take some time. Did I say it is all worth the time!
_________________
1987 syncro westy tin top sun roof , GW2.3, rear locker, decoupler, Gary Lee tire rack & winch mount, lift, south african grill, big brakes , rhein alloy ,15 BFG AT, Fiamma 10 foot awning ,140 watt rear 85 watt front solar , mppt, truckfridge, automatic fire extinguishing system, tencent oil cooler, And a RMW SS exhaust! - 1971 bug convertible 1776 engine- 2010 Subaru turbo - 1993 Toyota 4x4 truck - 1999 Harley 95 CI, big bore, Andrews cams . Also 80-84- vans. Stock 65 sunroof bug.