ShaggyRS6 Posted January 1, 2008 Report Share Posted January 1, 2008 Pretty much has to be dragged into a car. He hates it. How can I overcome his fear of cars? Any advice greatfully recieved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
new to the flock Posted January 1, 2008 Report Share Posted January 1, 2008 When outside and about with him....... say before or at the end of your walk take him over to the car and open the door , use a treat that he really likes.....something like begging strips etc. ........ have him follow the strip into the cars seat and give it to him as soon as he gets in.......Lots of Praise..... You may have to take it in shorter steps front feet only, then front and a back foot etc. Within a week he should be comfortable getting in and out. Once he is comfortable with getting in and out then have him get in, give him a treat, and get in yourself start the engine and give him a treat sit and praise him maybe a couple more treats and then shut off the engine get out and take him out.... lots of praise. When he is comfortable with the car starting and running, back up the length of the drive way...or if needed go just down the street.....you want to be under 100 meters perferably around 50 to start . Lots of praise and treats and gradually increase the distance. When Areo is very comfortable, and looking to jump in the car and go for a ride you can then start to drop the treats back out down to one when he gets in and one when he gets out. Just go slow, take your time, and make it fun for Areo. NTTF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al4x Posted January 2, 2008 Report Share Posted January 2, 2008 where is he travelling in the car?, could be a mix of anxiety and car sickness. Now you have the shooting wagon try him on the front seat where he can see and just trundle up and down the drive a bit. That way he gets re-assurance from you and can see out. Of course its not a long term solution but has worked for a couple of dogs I've had. Terriers liked it a little too much with feet on the dash and barking at cyclists but it certainly made them keen to get in and stopped tham being sick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cranfield Posted January 2, 2008 Report Share Posted January 2, 2008 All the suggestions already made will work, but I would also add another suggestion for when she is more settled. I have always taken my dogs out as much as possible in the car/truck, even just for a ride, when they may never even get out until we are back home. Varying the distances, sometimes stopping and getting out for a country walk a few times, or just a brief walk round a town car park. This makes them very relaxed in the vehicle and most of my dogs have often been fast asleep before I've gone 100 yards. I have also never fed mine before a longish journey and always have fresh water with me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest The Outlaw Posted January 2, 2008 Report Share Posted January 2, 2008 All the suggestions already made will work, but I would also add another suggestion for when she is more settled. I have always taken my dogs out as much as possible in the car/truck, even just for a ride, when they may never even get out until we are back home. Varying the distances, sometimes stopping and getting out for a country walk a few times, or just a brief walk round a town car park. This makes them very relaxed in the vehicle and most of my dogs have often been fast asleep before I've gone 100 yards. I have also never fed mine before a longish journey and always have fresh water with me. Jimmy has taken to car travel very well, he just wont jump up into the tailgate. I have to lift him in, but once he is in he settles down well, he will get in the van with no problems though because he has a front seat and likes looking where we are going. Tony Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShaggyRS6 Posted January 2, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 2, 2008 Thanks again guys. Excellent advice as normal. I have had my son sit in the back of the wagon with hum the last couple of times Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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