Hello, I have just been to fetch two Lhasa Apso's from a rescue we have adopted them from and on the way home, the youngest, a four year old, cried all the way. The eldest, a six year old was fine. We were told in advance that this was what usually happened, so we havent been put off but wondered if there was anything we could do to make journeys more pleasant for him and for us in the future? As many suggestions possible please as I want to make his new life with us a happy one.Thanks
lazcops@hotmail.com

Firstly is the four year used to travelling in a car ?
How did he travel whilst in the car with you- was it by doggy harness/crate /back seat or on your knee ?
I know some people recommend travelling in a covered crate.
He may get travel sickness which may account for the crying and if so I think there are tablets available for this .
I would try sitting in the car for a short period each day - just for a few minutes and gradually extend the time and maybe offer a treat . Dont actually go anywhere and then work up to very short journeys and see if it makes a difference. Some dogs never like travelling.
Good luck :)

I expect he/she will get used to the car in time, quicker if you do as Lel has suggested. Just wanted to add NOT to try and comfort the crier in anyway as this may make him/her even more anxious. Just drive along acting as if everything is honky dory completely ignoring the crying.

I think it helps to use a crate. The dog can't see out too well and that is better for as long as they're anxious, plus it's safer. It's like putting blinders on a horse to keep him from seeing things that may frighten him...moving things may worry the dog. Also, the small quarters of the crate may help with motion sickness if that's what is bothering him. Maybe give a really special toy that he doesn't get all the time or a kong with peanut butter to keep him busy. Yes, I agree with not fussing about the whining and little short trips to someplace super duper fun for the dog. My dogs absolutely love going in the car because every day when they go in the car, it's to some neat place for a fun off leash walk through the woods and/or swim. That makes them very glad to get in the car. They all travel very well when I take a six hour trip to see my kids. We stop once or twice for a drink of water, a Big Mac (just kidding, but they get a snack) a pee break and a stretching of the legs and then they're just great.

Carrie

We always seem to have the radio on in the car,maybe this would help.Sometimes in traffic I turn it off,to concentrate more and Spice our border collie now 7months,will howl for it to be put on again! so she obviously enjoys the music.She just either settles down in the boot or will sit up looking about her depending on the route we are taking :D
Jacqueline

you might want to try taking them seperately out in the car if they have always been together and do as lel suggested.
Personally im not too keen on the crate in the car anymore but thats because Leo didnt like it and started being sick and having accidents on nearly every journey. We have changed him to a harness now and hes 100% better so you could always try different methods of travel and see which one works out best. Leo also doesnt like travelling on laps, he shakes the whole time.