[PenelopeDJ]

Hello All,

I'm soon to be the owner of little IG (named Penelope). On the weekends(1-2 times a month) I will be traveling back and forth to charlotte (i live in DC), this is about a 6 hour drive. Any thoughts, tips, ideas, reccommendations you all can provide would be great!

I plan to have a nice good play session before we get into the car to tire the pup out.

1. When should I feed the Dog and how much? (I'm aware some dogs can get motion sickness, wondering if the food will contribute to this).

2. How often should I take the dog out of the car for walk? I plan on mapping out the rest stops

3. Any recommendations on carriers or some type of car restraint system for the dog? I know some people drive with the dog on their lap or let them have free reign on the back of the car but I am not sure that's a good idea.

 

[AmandaNola]

Hello All,

I'm soon to be the owner of little IG (named Penelope). On the weekends(1-2 times a month) I will be traveling back and forth to charlotte (i live in DC), this is about a 6 hour drive. Any thoughts, tips, ideas, reccommendations you all can provide would be great!

I plan to have a nice good play session before we get into the car to tire the pup out.

1. When should I feed the Dog and how much? (I'm aware some dogs can get motion sickness, wondering if the food will contribute to this).

I'm assuming you're asking prior to driving? I can't help you there, none of my dogs get motion sickness and I feed them their normal food and amount before a trip.

2. How often should I take the dog out of the car for walk? I plan on mapping out the rest stops

For dogs over 8 months old, I take them for a potty and quick walk each time I stop.

3. Any recommendations on carriers or some type of car restraint system for the dog? I know some people drive with the dog on their lap or let them have free reign on the back of the car but I am not sure that's a good idea.
I use harnesses and car restraints/leashes looped and buckled in.

My answers are in bold.

 

[Sundog]

When Calypso was *very* little, I used a crate. Right now I am acquiring a better harness and then will get a mini-leash to attach her to the seatbelt.

As far as carsickness goes--for dogs, carsickness can often be the result of anxiety rather than, well, motion sickness. If you have the chance to practice in smaller increments first, that can both get the dog used to the car in terms of nausea, and in terms of anxiety. Start slow. First have the dog in the car. Then next time start the car. Then drive to the end of the driveway and back. Etc. Feed Penelope little treats in the car so she likes it.

Like AmandaNola, each time I stop on a long drive, Calypso gets a walk and sniff. The idea is that she would pee, but she rarely does. Between my house and my parents' (8 hrs), there is a *perfectly* placed Petsmart that I have stopped at to give her a chance to go entirely nuts for a little while. Your dog might not need something like that, but it's an option to consider.

 

[TheLauren]

I use a harness and seatbelt attachment for Kenzie and that works out really well.

 

[PenelopeDJ]

Thanks guys!!!