Car Rides

Today we are taking Finn on his first big car ride. In the past he has been great about going in the car. We don't let him stick his whole head out the window, that's unsafe along with riding in the bed of a pickup, but he loves poking his nose out the window. Until now the longest ride he has been on was about 30 minutes. Those rides were 1) when we first took him home; and 2) When I took him to Will Rogers to go hiking.Yes this picture has nothing to do with the car ride, but I like it so it's here.

Today's trip is going to be around 5 hours, assuming the traffic isn't terrible (big assumption). Typically when I do this drive it is a non-stop event unless I get some drive thru food along the way. Today, however, we know we will need to make a stop to let the kid relieve his bladder. He may be able to make it but we don't want to test that theory. We've got his bag all packed (treats, food, stain cleaner and he is ready to go.

To help I've collected a few articles with tips on making a car trip with a pet a positive experience. I do not anticipate any problems, but you never know. At least at the end of the trip Finn will get loads of love and attention from my family and tomorrow will be filled with turkey scraps and a nice long walk (to work off the turkey scraps). Happy Thanksgivning to everyone.


Help my Dog is afraid of the car.

Medical information on pet car sickness and stress

General tips on making a car ride less stressful

First time car trip tips (this doesn't apply but any first time tips should apply to subsequent trips as well)

Remember to aclimate your dog to the car. It shakes and bumps and is probably very confusing for someone who poops on the lawn.

What NOT to do when traveling with a pet. Espically if you plan to run for president, PETA does not like this sort of stuff.

Poop in public

Yesterday I took the lawn pooper down to visit Julia for lunch. She had found a nice little cafe (North End Cafe in El Segundo) which served great food and was very dog friendly. They had a big canister of free biscuits for puppy customers and a few dog bowls outside for public use. Finn was so polite and well behaved while eating that we decided to take him to Petsmart and get him some toys as a reward. He was good in the store, walking around and sniffing everything but not biting, (although anytime something squeaked he got a bit rowdy) until we were about to check out. With no warning Finn squatted down and dropped a smelly number 2. Now it was Petsmart, who is prepared for this sort of thing, but it still is embarrassing. Julia got some towels and spray and cleaned everything up. Unfortunatly we had no $6000 designer dresses, but the baggie/towel/spray combo worked just as well.

Finn had relieved himself before we left and was only about an 1.5 hours removed from his last go and he hadn't eaten in a few hours. The whole thing is a big mystery.

On the way home however, he was much better. No longer does he just sit scared in the backseat of the car, trying not to fall over. Now he tests the limits of his harness and even tries to poke his head out the window. This action is highly discouraged, due to chance of injury. His favorite position though is directly in the middle of the back seat, peering forward between the chairs right up at me. I enjoy this becuase any time I hit a stop sign or stop light and I turn around to check on him this is what I see.