Golden Retreiver Afraid of Prius

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Seagull @ Apr 28 2007, 06:52 PM) [snapback]431870[/snapback]</div>

There is a very high pitch tone every time the battery is being charged. That may be more audible to a dog, louder, etc.

Dave

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(DaveLeePrius @ Apr 28 2007, 08:04 PM) [snapback]431873[/snapback]</div>

We have a mini Schnauzer and he loves to ride with us. Doesn't matter what vehicle. Prius, Dakota or Grand Caravan...

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(parprius @ Apr 28 2007, 06:22 PM) [snapback]431879[/snapback]</div>

My dogs also love the Prius. They don't have the acreage to run that they did in the suburban, but the windows are much more convenient for the jack russel. The only problem I ever run into is my boxer/beagle (boggle?) triggering the passenger seatbelt warning. It usually just stays buckled.

 

Sounds like a job for Cesar!
http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/dogwhisperer/

 

Your dog is probably hearing the high pitch mosfet transistor sound being emitted from the inverter high voltage circuitry. In EV mode, current flow through transistors "squeal" when under load. The Prii flows (I've read) up to & more than 50 amps, that's huge. I'm used to it but I think the average joe might not even realise it's there. It's probably painful to the animal. No harm to a adult. It goes on into EMF subject...

 

How new is your car? It might not be a sound but a smell. That "new car smell" is gases being released. Even after a year they can probably still be smelled by a dog.

I'm with the other that report the Prius as being a dog favorite. Mine enjoys taking a ride. And on the way back from my parents' house he takes a nap.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Seagull @ Apr 28 2007, 07:52 PM) [snapback]431870[/snapback]</div>

My two Border Collies acted all wierd around my new (2005) Prius for over a week. My female was very skiddish and afraid. My male acted like he didn't want me to get in the car at all.

 

Yes, it's probably the ultrasonic squeal from the electric drive circuitry. It appears dogs will get used to it eventually, from the above reports.

 

Both of my dogs seem to be ok with the Prius, no different than our other cars.

My Kelpie refuses to walk into either bathroom in our house, but loves riding in the car.

 

Our Dog prefers the Prius to the Lexus, but she doesn't like riding in cars in general.

 

I went and picked up my labrador puppy (my first dog) in springs, It was his first car ride ever and he did great, jumped right in and sat on the floor, two months later he cant help but jump in when i open the door.

 

I can't keep my dog out of the car. Open a door or the hatch just a crack and she'll shove her way in.

There is a high-pitched noise from the regen brakes, but it sounds like your dog won't get in even when the car is sitting there powered off and perfectly quiet, right? Did he get in gladly the first time and balk after that? If he hated it before ever hearing it, a smell is the more likely culprit.

Try coaxing him in with a juicy treat or a favorite toy while all the windows and doors are wide open. Try a different door, or the hatch, or fold the seats down to see if any of that matters. Throw his bed or a towel in - maybe he doesn't like the upholstery.

Oh, and have you seen the auto parts commercial where the dog howls whenever the car's brakes squeal? The owner puts a set of headphones on the dog rather than fixing the brakes. You could try that.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Seagull @ Apr 28 2007, 04:52 PM) [snapback]431870[/snapback]</div>

Even after you explained the many safety features and favourable crash-test results?

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Acelin @ Apr 30 2007, 02:13 PM) [snapback]432643[/snapback]</div>

My 3 lb Chihuahua is black. She was car shopping with me during the entire process. She was not afraid of the Prius and likes the quiet ride. She just insisted that I get a Black Prius, so she could "go Stealth" while riding in the car.

 

Maybe you should talk with your vet. There might be something in the smell or sound of the car that your dog is particularly sensitive to. The vet might have ideas for you about how to get dog into Prius.

Maybe you can coax your dog into the car with treats and toys; don't go anywhere at first, just let the dog get used to the interior. If there is something pleasurable associated with the Prius, you'll have an easier time getting the dog to ride with you.

good luck

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ewhanley @ Apr 28 2007, 10:31 PM) [snapback]431958[/snapback]</div>

That sounds kind of dangerous. I'd never put my dog up front. If someone hit you, not only could your dog be killed, but the impact of him hitting you could kill you also.
I put my boxer in the hatch area, of course he's only 5 months old right now, so i'm not sure if he's going to fit there forever, but i'm sure he'll be okay.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mywhitenoise @ May 2 2007, 04:22 PM) [snapback]434293[/snapback]</div>

I have considered this, and the prospect of either of my dogs unsecured during an accident makes me shudder. I am actually looking into some sort of harness. I have seen a few that are anchored to the seat belts, but then you still face the problem of the air bag. I am considering putting in a divider, and making them stay in the back but have not as of yet. Certainly a valid concern.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Seagull @ May 2 2007, 02:32 PM) [snapback]434263[/snapback]</div>

Ha. That's rich. I'd never suspect that, as we've hardly ever had any of our dogs in the front seat. In the Prius they (usually only one at a time) go in the hatch area.

So he wasn't scared, just particular. Goldens are smart, and apparently opinionated.

Dave M.