>>Hi,
>>
>>We have a four month old springer/labrador cross, who is a joy - toilet training is making progress, he's great with the kids, funny, affectionate, will come when called etc, but poos in the car when we take him out. He did not do this when we brought him home from the breeder or to the first vet appointments for his jabs - he was on someones knee, but has ever since. We have tried him in the boot of our estate car, or in the footwell of our small car - we get a couple of minutes down the road, and are suddenly not able to breathe in the car! I have also tried sitting in the boot with him (we have a peugeot that has extra seats that can go in the boot) but this did not make a difference.
>>
>>Has anyone had a similar problem or any suggestions? I really want to get this sorted, as we live a 5-10 minute car ride from the woods and the beach, which would be great places to take him, but it is getting wearing.....
>>
>>Thanks,
>>Karen
>>>>>>>>>>
He would be only now beginning to get some bowel control. Be sure to take him out to potty before and after every car ride, without fail. Prompt him to "Go Potty," "Hurry Up," or whatever you want to say. Eventually he can probably learn to hold it, knowing he will get those chances, but his body is probably not able yet.
Also have a couple of windows open 2-3 inches to equalize air pressure in the car with the outside, and keep the car cool. Young dogs are very susceptible to motion sickness. It can help to position the dog where he can see out facing forward. A dog car seat can help.
Best bet to confine the mess in the meantime is to have him ride in a crate. You might use deep bedding such as shredded newspapers or other paper that can catch the mess and be discarded. It's also a good idea to tote paper towels and something wet to clean the dog with.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47
