Separation Anxiety in the Van

[anya]

Fiona is the first dog I have had who goes bonkers when left in the van while I run errands. Any advice to help her overcome this?

When I leave the dogs home, I do put Fiona in a crate. I gave her freedom a couple of times and both times was not good. So, it is just safest to crate her.

I take Fiona with me whenever I can. I'll make quick stops at a store. She'll bark and howl as I walk away. She appears to quiet down with the barking but then she paces frantically from the front to the back.

So, I am just wondering if anyone has any recommendations to help calm her down. I should also mention, Eden doesn't always come with us as it is difficult for her to get in the van and when given the choice, Eden prefers to stay home. While she can be a calming influence, it's not often she comes with us.

 

[victoria1140]

I would work on while at home putting her in the crate in the van and shutting the door,immediately take her out and keep repeating the process until she learns to relax. Then the same again with small journeys .
Also try to exercise her before you go out,also rescue remedy may help.

 

[Brandie&Maggie]

I would work on while at home putting her in the crate in the van and shutting the door,immediately take her out and keep repeating the process until she learns to relax. Then the same again with small journeys .
Also try to exercise her before you go out,also rescue remedy may help.

Pretty much this. I'd do it basically exactly the way you crate train or work on separation anxiety at home. If you can fit her crate in the van, or a favorite bed that may help too.

Although there are some dogs that just do not like the car at all. My neighbor's dog HATES going in the car.

Hopefully you can help her get over her issue!

 

[Angela]

How about giving her a few drops of Rescue Remedy just before you leave her?

 

[anya]

Thank you for the suggestions. I had to look up the Rescue Remedy...haven't heard of it before. I could try putting a crate in the van. She loves going in the van and loves riding...just doesn't like it when I leave her in the van when I run into a store.

 

[Angela]

Another thing you could try is putting a radio on whilst you are gone.

 

[Murphy]

Thank you for the suggestions. I had to look up the Rescue Remedy...haven't heard of it before. I could try putting a crate in the van. She loves going in the van and loves riding...just doesn't like it when I leave her in the van when I run into a store.

Rescue Remedy worked pretty good with My Murphy and his stress with thunder and fireworks... :hug:

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

Putting a crate in the car is a good idea and may make her feel more secure.

 

[Thor's Dad]

When we leave the house Thor goes into his kennel with something to do that distracts from us leaving. Most times it's a Kong filled with kibble and the end sealed with peanut butter. This keeps him busy and distracted from our leaving. Read this a while ago, the point is to have him busy so he does not get separation anxiety. It seems to work so far. While a kibble and peanut butte kong may not be ideal in a car, how about one of those bones with a hollow center and a treat tucked into it so she has to "work" at getting the treat out of the center of the bone. Hopefully this keeps her busy while you run errands and she doesn't know you left.

 

[R Taft]

I would work on while at home putting her in the crate in the van and shutting the door,immediately take her out and keep repeating the process until she learns to relax. Then the same again with small journeys .
Also try to exercise her before you go out,also rescue remedy may help.

I agree and also withthe rescue remedy.I love that stuff.


But also when you do come back completely ignore her. Just go into the car or let her out (wichever).pretend you do not even see her.....A little later when she is calm talk to her and make a fuss. many of us fuss over a dog who is anxious and that makes the dog behavior worse.......they think you are worried too, so things escalate. if you pretent nothing is happening (don't say anything) and just get on with things, she will get calmer. Sometimes having a very calm dog along will help. i use my katy -bear with some clients, i just bring her along.she snores almost instantly she hits the car and is great with stranger dogs, so they feel her calmness.............