Gracie's Car Ride Progress

As you know from reading my many posts on the subject, Gracie has an ongoing issue with riding in the car. I have continued to take her for car rides, short and long, as I try to desensitize her. I have abandoned my search for a “miracle” homeopathic remedy. I think desensitization and positive training/reinforcement is the only approach that will work for her.

She is getting better. She hangs her head out the car window as we head down the driveway. If we turn right, she knows she is going to Grandma’s house and gets very excited. If we turn left, she slumps down into the seat. We could be going anywhere. She shakes for awhile but eventually settles down.

If we are going to the Biltmore Estate, she cautiously raises her head when she realizes where we are. At the Estate, they have lots of trails she loves to explore. By the time we are ready to go, she is well exercised and content. When we visited on Saturday, she was brave enough to hang her head out the car window as we drove slowly through the Estate.

That may sound like no big deal to you. It is HUGE for Gracie. I am thrilled at the small victory.

I snapped some pictures of her enjoying a car ride to Grandma’s house on Sunday:

Now, before you call me a hypocrite, let me say this. She is secured with a safety strap and harness. The air bag is off. The car is literally going 5 miles per hour in an extremely controlled situation. I would not allow her to ride like this if we were in a typical travel situation. It would be unsafe.

This situation is a lesson in patience. Sometimes, it takes a REALLY long time to see progress with the behavioral challenges our buddies face. Be patient – and celebrate the little victories along the way.

Rescue Mommy