I went from a Toyota Camry to the Prius (2005). My schauzer was comfortable with the Camry, but now she's in the Prius, she shakes and pants until the seat is covered with her saliva. What is different with the Prius -- why she gets panicked in the Prius??? Do any Prius owners have this problem? Now I drive with one hand, with the other hand I put on her halter, to try to calm her. But -- she shakes and trembles and pants.
My dog is sensitive to the ride comfort due to tire pressue and vibration caused by the low profile tires. She is ok with stock wheel and tires but get nervous and shake with the 17" rims.
I'm guessing that it is just that it is a different car, not a problem with the Prius itself. I would suggest giving her "positive time" in the Prius. Sit with her in the garage in the car, petting her and talking to her, maybe bring along a favorite toy or a treat. Then, take her back in the house. Make several short trips to your favorite park together. Build up a positive association between her and the Prius. Good luck
Dogs hate change. Dogs don't understand why the car looks feels rides and smells different. The sound being different will be making the dog nervous, waiting for the slight jolt of a gear shift that never comes. I think Sonny Jim's advice is spot on!! Could it be that she is excited to be riding on the cutting edge? Could it be that she is plotting to kill the Prius which she can see is a strong competitor for your affection?
The subject is "Dog vs. Prius". I would think the Prius would win in the unfortunate event of an accident.
http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=32456&hl=dogs http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=33272&hl=dogs
Sonny Jim's advice may be correct. Another item to consider: While the dog is having some "quiet time" w/ the Prius, watch for different responses between with car OFF and ON ("running"). As you may know, dogs have extremely sensitive hearing and can hear higher frequencies than we can. The different sounds due the DC/DC converters, etc. could be making her nervous / uncomfortable. Also, see if there is any problem w/ her just being beside the car while it's ON. As far as Dog vs. Prius, is depends on the dog. Schnauzer vs Prius, Prius wins. Great Dane, Shepard, Mastiff, Rott, etc. Prius will be in shop while the dogs won't even feel it. :lol:
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(2005silverprius @ Sep 2 2007, 05:57 PM) [snapback]506040[/snapback]</div> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(John Smith @ Sep 2 2007, 08:31 PM) [snapback]506096[/snapback]</div> Thank you. I know she gets nervous when my carbon monoxide alert buzzer comes on, and when repetitive other "alerts" come on. I figure the Prius makes some higher frequencies that makes her nervous. I've had this car for several years now and it happens all the time -- even when I try to take her to places that she enjoys. I'll try your suggestion, placing her in the Prius with the engine ON. june <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(usbseawolf2000 @ Sep 2 2007, 06:14 PM) [snapback]506045[/snapback]</div> I still have the OEM tires, the standard Goodyear Integrity. Hmmm -- when I get new tires, I'll see if it makes a difference. Thank you. june <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(patsparks @ Sep 2 2007, 06:30 PM) [snapback]506056[/snapback]</div> Ha ha. But now my vet has given me Valium (not for me, but for my mini schnauzer). Hate to give her medication for this problem, but maybe it will get her over "the edge".... june
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(2005silverprius @ Sep 2 2007, 05:57 PM) [snapback]506040[/snapback]</div> I have four dogs and often take in fosters. None of them have ever objected to my Prius. I agree with the comment that quiet time and positive experience in the car are the solution.
See if it's some high-frequency noise coming off the hybrid energy system. Test drive a Camry hybrid and see if she still freaks out. Of course, this only works if she's ok in Camrys in general: Try renting or test driving a new Camry, non-hybrid. Maybe the dealer has a service loaner you could take out -- that way the new-car smell is mostly gone. This way you'll see if she's ok with Camry's in general or if the new-environment thing means your old Camry in particular i the only car she's ok with. If the HES in general isn't the issue, see if it's yours in particular: borrow or test drive a different Prius. If she's ok with other Priuses, maybe yours has a problem that is generating excess or unusual high-frequency noise that humans just can't hear. If it turns out she's uncovered some flaw in your HES, she might make a great little "diagnostic service"!
