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All,
I have
a question for the group. My family got our 9-month old pyr, Ella, roughly 3
months ago from a breeder in upstate New York. In her first 3 months with us,
she went from getting sick on the ride home to New Jersey and refusing to climb
the stairs to the bedrooms, to being wonderfully adjusted and the star of our
neighborhood. One problem, however, we just can't seem to shake - she absolutely
hates the car.
We
tried food (she won't touch it in the car), taking her on short rides to
pleasant places (the park, grandma's (who always has some food), etc.), but
nothing has worked. When she knows its time to go in the car she begins to
pull, and the second she is in the car, begins to have what can only be
characterized as an anxiety attack (pants and drools, and if the ride lasts too
long, gets sick). Although she has gotten somewhat better, i.e., I no longer
have to pick her up and put her in the car, she still gets
anxious.
I
ordered the pheromone spray that was earlier discussed by the group and plan to
test it on our next car ride. Any other suggestions?
Also,
although Ella loves other dogs and children, I notice that she frequently is shy
around/backs away from strange adults who try to pet her (a problem, since
everyone stops us). Aside from having her interact with adults at dog runs and
other controlled environments, any other thoughts?
Your
advice is much appreciated,
Lee
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