Help needed - Jonah and car travel

Every time we take Jonah anywhere in the car he thinks he is going on his daily country park walk. If we are in the car for longer than say 15 minutes he starts whingeing and whimpering - obviously saying hurry up lets get there! So this summer holiday we are driving to Wales (a good 4 hour drive) and I'm dreading the moaning and groaning for that long. He is only happy sitting on the passenger's lap which is not the best or most safest way of travelling. Even then after half an hour or so he becomes restless and won't settle.

Has anyone got any suggestions - has anyone tried any homeopathic sedatives that would make him sleep or anything like that?

Thanks for your help!

Jan
:smt115

Hello Kiwijan the problem is no doubt caused by excitement /anticipation of a walk . One answer is to put Jonah in a crate and cover it so he can't see out of the windows .

The other thing is desensitisation ..to gradually get your dog used to going in the car, but not going to the park or anywhere for that matter .

To do this you start by putting your dog in the car preferably after he has been for a walk..put his bed in or a familiar blanket, windows down if it is hot. You can sit in the car and read or listen to the radio. Stay in there for just a few moments at a time to begin with ignoring any sound and praising your dog if he is quiet. Gradually extend the time as he gets used to it.

You can feed him in there too if you wish so he gets the idea going in the car is no big thing and does not always lead to a walk. You need to do this a few times each day .As he gets used to it progress to going for a five minute drives but not to the park...a quick drive then home again .All this may take a time and more than a little patience .

Many thanks for your tips. I fear 6 weeks will not be enough time for him to get used to the car before the longhaul trip but we will try - the other thing we will do is to be all packed ready to go, then call into the country park for a good hour's walk and then into the car and on to M25 - hopefully he will be worn out and sleep!

Jan

PS: I went to your home page and read your Tales - fantastic - you must have some great memories. Thanks again.