Training Tips from Gizzy (and Cherie): Issue 7

🐾 Training Tips from Gizzy: The “Barf Box” Chronicles 🐾

OMG, friends. It’s me, Gizzy, and I’ve got something to tell you. You know how much I love life, right? Toys, treats, zoomies—I'm all about it. But do you know what I do not love? Car rides. Yuck. Ugh. No, thank you.

Last week, I had my first long ride in Cherie’s new car. It’s not our big van; it’s way smaller, bouncier, and—well, let’s just say I christened it twice…with my breakfast. I told Cherie I’d rather walk home (it was only 70 miles—what’s the big deal?), but she said that wasn’t happening.

Now, let me tell you, I’ve been pretty hesitant about getting in that car again. The van wasn’t my favorite, but I was getting used to it. This new “barf box” (as Auntie called it) is a whole other story. It’s all wobbly and shaky, and it makes my tummy do flips.

But Cherie says riding in the car without feeling sick is super important for me to live my best life. She explained that a lot of people stop taking their puppies on car rides when they get sick, but that’s actually the worst thing to do. Instead, she’s working on changing how I feel about the car, so it won’t make me feel so icky anymore.

Here’s the plan:

• Step 1: We’re going to eat in the car without it going anywhere. I’m not sure how that helps, but hey, I never turn down a meal.
• Step 2: Cherie’s putting me in a cozy, covered crate for our first few rides. She says it’ll help with all the motion and give me a safe little den.
• Step 3: The rides will be short and sweet—just long enough to feel good and leave me wanting more.
• Step 4: Once I’m feeling better about the car, we’ll slowly work up to longer trips.

Cherie says that by doing all of this, I’ll start wanting to get in the car instead of dreading it. She promises I’ll eventually be a pro at cruising to all kinds of fun places without my tummy turning upside down.

So, if your pup struggles with car rides like me, don’t give up! Help them feel good about the car by starting small, keeping it positive, and being patient. And if your dog doesn’t get car sick, practice anyway! The more they love the car, the more adventures you’ll get to go on together.

Cherie and I want to hear from YOU. Have you ever helped a pup conquer their “barf box” fears? Or do you have a training goal you’re working on this week? Share your stories and tips in the Facebook Group—we’re all in this together!

Until next week, keep wagging and cruising!

Love,
Gizzy