barking in the car

Question
My 5 year old Border Collie loves to ride in the car; however, she barks non-
stop, and gets the manic glaze in her eyes so she cannot be told what to do.  
I feel that using a water bottle is dangerous for me to use while driving.  I put
her in a soft sided netted carrier which is big enough for her to
jump from side to side and look outside and bark.  What can I do so we both
(and my husband who refuses to sit in the car when she is in) can have a
happy ride?
Thanks so much.
Shabnam  

Answer
Hi Shabnam,

Restricting your dog's movement with a crate or even a safety harness is a good idea.

Training your dog to be still and quiet in the car will take some time, and plenty of patience. Teach your dog some obedience commands like down-stay. Sit in the car with your dog and practice there. Start out on a quiet street. Obviously do this with the car parked. You cannot drive and train the dog at the same time. Once the dog has mastered the down stay, then begin practicing in more distracting places. Make sure your dog can and will obey before giving the command in rush-hour traffic.
Even a dog that knows these commands in the house or obedience ring will have trouble performing in the car until they practice there. So take your dog to the car and practice this daily.

At five years old, it may be difficult to train your dog to be totally calm in the car. It can help to give her some intense exercise before a trip in the car, to tire her out before a trip. Another thing that can help, along with the training techniques I've mentioned, is to use a Dog Appeasing Pheromone spray (DAP) in the car.

Dog Appeasing Pheromones work by mimicking the properties of the natural pheromones of the lactating female. Within three to five days after giving birth, the female generates pheromones that give their puppies a sense of well-being and reassurance, known as appeasing pheromones. Even as adults, dogs are calmed by pheromones.
By replicating this signal of comfort, these pheromones help alleviate fear, over excitement and stress related signs in both puppies and adult dogs. DAP is odorless to humans. Look for Dog Appeasing Pheromones on line, through your vet's office and at pet stores.

Some dogs just never become ideal passengers in the car. For these dogs it can be necessary to get medication from your veterinarian to help your dog relax during the car ride. Not only will this reduce distractions while you drive, but it will also make the trip easier on your pet.

Best of luck,

Patti