How to calm my Pomeranians when they bark and get scared in the car?

Usually with time and training, your puppy will get used to car rides and won't be so worried in new and different situations. There are a few things you can try to help him. A Thundershirt is a specially designed harness that hugs them tight and calms them down. Adaptil is a calming pheromone for dogs and you can buy an Adaptil collar so they are constantly being exposed to it. Some dogs are afraid of riding in cars, while others can get motion sickness and so they feel anxious in the car because they are nauseous. If you are concerned that Leo might be getting motion sickness in the car, you should visit your family veterinarian for an exam and to discuss possible medication to treat motion sickness.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It sounds like you have been doing some one on one training and small groups, and that has been going well. If that is the case, I suppose I would try adding one dog at a time, and not moving to more dogs until the behavior is controlled. If 2 or 3 is going well, then add a 4th, and change who that 4th dog is. Perhaps you will find that there is one particular dog that is the instigator, and you can work more one on one with that dog. Make sure you are telling them what TO do (i.e. sit, lay down, stay, etc.) instead of what NOT to do. Give them a job, and reward them for doing that job. Have patience, and keep working at it! I hope that helps.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Tiffany. I would recommend starting very slow with her. If she does not get car sick, you can offer treats. Start by driving her around the block. Do this until she seems more comfortable. Then gradually increase the distance. You can give her a special treat or toy that she only gets in the car to create a positive association. You can also drive her somewhere she likes such as a park for her to play. Most puppies will adjust with time. Just be consistent with her and do short trips daily. I hope this information helps!

Many dogs suffer from anxiety when travelling, acclimatizing them to a safe crate now before the journey home, which can be used in the car can help as can calming supplements, pheromone sprays and magnetic collars. In severe cases, a vet may prescribe mild tranquilizer medications but these are not without risks outside of the supervision of trained veterinary staff, especially on a long journey and with an older pug. Keep safe and good luck

Since she’s young I don’t recommend any medication. I would go sit with her in the car several times a day, without turning it on. When she gets used to that then sit with her with the car running. When she’s used to that take her for a one or two minute ride only. Gradually she will get used to the movement and get over both the anxiety and car sickness that some dogs get. For small dogs I recommend a booster car seat so they can see out but are secured with a harness to prevent excess movement during the ride. Be patient, the time you spend now will pay off with a dog that enjoys going places in the future. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Honey.

Poor Hunter! It sounds like you've gone through a lot, and that fear may have manifested into new issues like you're seeing. I'd work on getting the part of the truck you want him to ride in to be "fun" again. Generally, this is done in steps with positive reinforcement. If Hunter has a favorite toy and treat, these are also helpful. You want to make the treat something special and not often given, such as pieces of hot dog, or lunch meat, and ONLY use them when training the association that truck = fun. You can start by just playing with him with his toy and giving treats nearby the truck for a few minutes at a time. From there, you can start trying to coax him to the truck by placing high value treats at the edge of where you want him to hop in, praising when he goes and eats them. You can then move the treats further back into the truck while asking him to hop in and get them, again, praising each time. From there you can move on to hooking him into any safety harnesses, and then taking short trips. This can be a long process, and if Hunter is scared by any step, going back to the previous and trying again from there is best. If he still is having trouble, or seems extra fearful of the situation, speaking with your vet and a local behaviorist/trainer is a good idea. They can both rule out any health issues such as joint pain, or monitor what is going on in person and recommend a tailored training plan to help get him comfortable again.

This is probably not related to the car itself but more to a growing anxiety of cars in general. Continue trying to coax him into the car. Alsways make it a positive experience with lots of treats and praise. When you do get him in the car take him somewhere fun like the dog park or to get a treat. If his anxieties are occurring in other areas of his life he may be developing generalized anxiety and may benefit from anti-anxiety medication. If you think this is a possibility I would recommend discussing it with your vet. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.