7-month old Schnauzer girl has been in the car regularly (several days a week) since we brought her home at 8 weeks. Was fine for a long time – she'd sometimes stand up on the console or whatever to look outside, but usually would just settle in and lay down. Didn't seem to bother her at all.
Maybe 5 or 6 weeks ago, she started to act real nervous in the car. She won't lay all the way down, but sort of hunches over (head ducked down, but body is off the seat). Only thing I can think of is that I drove over a bump pretty hard around that time – there was road construction and I didn't see it. I think that alarmed her, but I'm surprised she's still nervous.
Naturally, sometimes we are going to unpleasant places (vet, grooming), but far more often, we're going to fun places like daycare (which she loves), Grandma's (who spoils her), or walks/parks etc. I've also tried treats in the car to give some positive association, but she doesn't seem any more comfortable. Most recently, she's started going to the very back of her crate when she knows it's time to go in the morning.
I feel bad that's she's nervous about the car, and I don't know what to do. Any suggestions?
submitted by /u/MosquitoDeath
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