Dog whines while travelling

Posted by Samee
Oct 16, 2009
We have had Siree, a Lab/Spaniel X for 2 years. She is 7 1/2 yrs. old. We are third owners. As she was in the pet rescue for five months before we got her, we could be called FOURTH owners. She was very fond of the lady who runs it and stared mournfully out the back window of the truck as we were driving away. We are Border Collie lovers and she was advertised as a Border Collie X, has the typical tail and other than the ears, looks like our last Border....so we chose to believe that she was one. Her papers from the humane society she was placed as a new pup said she was Lab/Spaniel X.

One of TWO problems: She whines most of the time we are travelling in the truck. We live 50 miles from the nearest proper shopping area...a 100 mile round trip...so the dogs can't be left at home. We also live 200 miles from our family, which means our dogs must travel. Opening the window will distract her for a while. Tried toys and chewies but she only likes toys if we are on the other end.

It is probably a good idea to mention that she will not let anyone in the house but family. The last owner had a stroke and his wife brought her to the rescue place because she wasn't going to walk her. We also have a 10 lb. dog.
Posted by KOPsarah
Oct 24, 2009
Hi and thanks for your post,
I would recommend that you get your dog used to traveling my taking short trips regularly even just down the road. Make the trips fun, give your dog a treat when it gets in the car, make a very short trip and when you get back play with a toy before getting out. Regular short trips will change your dogs associations with the car. I would also recommend starting alpha training with your dog, when your dog sees you as leader of the pack she will know that only you take responsibility for guarding the territory and deciding who is and who is not a danger. For more information on alpha training refer to your secrets to dog training manual or access the extra book with full details from the premier members download area.

I hope this helps and if you have any further questions don't hesitate to ask.
Posted by Samee
Dec 3, 2009
I may have stopped my dog's whining in the car. One method our son had to use to teach his dog who was alpha in his house, was to crouch completely over her on the floor. My dog is too big for that but I wrapped my arms around her head one day when she was barking at our roofer, telling her that it wasn't necessary for her to bark at him - and she settled down. The next car trip, I put my arm around her neck and talked to her. The day before yesterday, we made the 200 mile trip home from Toronto with no whining except when she needed to go to the bathroom. She is a much happier dog now.
Posted by kjd
Dec 6, 2009
Congratulations, Samee. Sounds as if you've found a way to control whining! Let us know if it continues to work.
Posted by Samee
Dec 6, 2009
Yes, I will.....and if I can bottle it, my fortune is made....