posted 01-29-2004 08:24 AM         

We used to always put her in a crate, but not her usual crate. Her "car crate" is a smaller, plastic crate than the one she sleeps in (which is wire). It is plenty big enough to lie down in, but it's getting a little cramped for her now. I don't want to use that one for a trip this long.

So, I can probably fit her regular crate in the car if I put the seat down (which I can do since the kids will not be with me). I have a hatchback. I want her crate with me anyway for the two nights in the motel, but I will have to collapse it to carry it by myself (36" wire crate).

The other thing we have done is to use a harness and seatbelt. She sits very nicely next to me up front, but I always get the idea she is not very comfortable (even though I LOVE to have her with me - makes me feel less lonely while driving). She is not really a dog that sits a lot. She either stands, runs, or lies down. She can still lie down on the passenger seat, but she has to curl up to do it and I think the seatbelt makes it tricky for her as well. Also, the radio is louder up front and I worry that it bothers her (naturally I keep it at a reasonable volume).

I also just bought a barrier for the back of my car, and we rode with her to visit doggies in the shelter with her just loose in the hatchback. Do you think this is unsafe?

I will probably rotate her while we drive - getting out to let her go potty and then putting her in a different place when we get back in the car.

Do you think any of those things sound more safe or less safe?

Also, has anyone personally noticed soothing music having a relaxing effect on their dog?

posted 01-29-2004 09:22 AM         

She and I used to watch Animal Planet in the mornings when she was a little puppy. I would like to leave her crated in the family room while we are at work, with Animal Planet on, but I have always been afraid she would go nuts and hurt herself if the cats decided to tease her.

posted 01-29-2004 09:43 AM         

I always have a tv or radio on in the house as the dogs seem to love it i think it must be abit confusing for them at times as they can hear the voices but wonder where the people are that are talking lol

posted 01-29-2004 09:47 AM         

Mike, I like the idea of letting Nala roam in the hatch with her comfy bed and toys, but if I get into an accident do you think that would be more harmful to her than being in a crate? And I saw a poster on the hairdresser's door from people whose dog got scared and ran off when they had an accident and they were still looking for her.

I have thought about somehow stuffing the floor on the passenger side in front with things to make it the same height as the seat so she has more room to lie down. But I don't know if the seatbelt would still be uncomfortable for her.

posted 01-29-2004 10:54 PM         

Is this trip business or pleasure? is it just you and Nala? and the music, Casey loves it as long as it's not hard rock or something like that. Not a chance with me though, it's classical or soft Christian music. You gotta sing!!! or what else can you do to pass the long hours....