Frightened in car

Well, after a long search, I finally found the perfect companion for me.....a year and a half year old female. My whole family has fallen madly in love with her (even hubby who swore we would never get another dog...he kisses her head and holds her like a baby!) She truly is a delight. However, one problem has not been resolved and I don't know if this is common to the breed or just due to circumstances peculiar to GiGi. She is terrified of rid- ing in the car. I take her at least once a day for a short ride, (usually taking one of the kids to school). I am hoping that she will get used to it, but for two weeks now she hasn't gotten any more relaxed. Her previous owner did not take her in the car too often, and from what it sounded like, it was mostly for unpleasant trips, i.e: the vet, groomers or boarding. So I understand why she is so scared, I just don't know how to help her. Any advise, suggestions or experiences would be very much appreciated. Thanks!
Lorene

• I have a Yorkie mix that was afraid of riding in the car. I think because whoever threw him in the Dumpster drove down the alley, and merely hung their hand out the window and dumped him. Putting a dog in a dumpster is not something one does in their own neighborhood.

  How I solve it was to take rides to do fun things. We would go to visit people and he loves visiting people. We would also get into the car to go to the park, even though it was only 3 blocks away. We would also always go to places like Wendies or KFC, some place that he would get a treat. I know I shouldn't be feeding them people food, but occasionally, is okay as far as I am concerned.

  In other words try to do things that your dog will associate good things with the car -- that something good or fun is going to happen at the end of the trip. Be patient. She will get used to it as soon as she sees there is nothing bad associated with the car. It took a very long time for my yorkie to relax. Even after about two years, you could tell my yorkie was still apprehensive about it by the way he totally was glued to one of the other dogs. But now after 4 years, you can tell he is just as comfortable as the others.
  Rebecca

• My Lucas loves to ride in the car. I have been taking him with me since I got him, so I think he is used to it. He seems to fall asleep very easily in the car, almost like a little baby. I don't know about most dogs in this breed, but my puppy in fact seems fearless.... Good luck
  Missy

• Interesting about your dog "knowing" where it's going. Lucy seems to know too--the vet's, the groomer's, and home for sure. Also she knows when I pull drive into the mall where our local PetSmart is. Because she gets to go inside she thinks it's "her" store, I guess. She gets so excited and barks and sits and waits for her leash and when I let her out drags me toward the door. I also get a hit out of her when we are going somewhere new. She sniff and looks out the window and generally is quite inauisitive about the ride. I guess they are smart!
  Cathy Brown

• My little Mika was 12 weeks old when she came home. On the ride home she was extremely scared. After a few more rides in the car she was just fine. Now she sits in the seat by herself with her doggy seatbelt. Just keep taking her in the car. Try going somewhere fun. Like a park to play at.
  Jackie