have travelled with my dog for over 12 months. now he won't get in the vehicle. what to do? can't leave him home. 2 very trying visits to boarding kennels. he weighs more than I do so can't lift him in and bribes don't work. help!!
Possum3 said
10:32 AM Apr 30, 2019
Jennifer, It may be that your furry friend doesn't like jumping into or out of your vehicle due to injury or arthritis . Try getting a ramp or set of easy steps see; www.innovations.com.au/p/pet/pets-in-the-home/ptrmp-collapsible-pet-steps-ramp%20ads&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping&Affiliate=ADBIA&msclkid=eba7e932d0341ea9416db5f545d2c8c9 It also may be he is wary of where you are taking him, he may have memories of an unpleasant visit to boarding kennel or vet, maybe he feels car-sick when travelling. You will have to make him enjoy where he is going
majorme said
06:32 PM May 1, 2019
hello possum3
thanks for your help. have a step which he ignores. 18m old and very active so no problems with his health. had a recent vet check. even leaving a warm pie on the seat wouldn't entice him in:):) - and that's a very special treat given he's on a low fat diet. I've checked out the site you recommenced and will go for the ramp.
happy travelling!
cheers
jen
Rip and Rosie said
09:21 AM May 13, 2019
Usually if a dog that has been regularly travelling in the vehicle, suddenly declines or refuses, he is letting you know its not a pleasant thing for him.
If you look for a cause you might find one like jumping in is unpleasant- maybe a back or a knee issue- or being in a moving vehicle isn't pleasant - maybe he got travel sick.
As possum said, maybe he was taken someplace he didn't like- e.g. the vet.
Perhaps he had a trip that was too long or too hot.....perhaps his seat is too small and confined now that he isn't a puppy anymore.
To turn it around you a) need to be sure it isn't a health issue....and b) make the vehicle a pleasant place for him.
I suggest you make him a bed with a comfy bed and a old bit of blanket (our dogs have the rear part of the SUV behind the seats)....and get him used to it without moving the car....or even closing the door... Put him in, and give him a treat (my boy loves duck jerky but he would also see being brushed in there as a top treat as well).then get him straight out again.
Reward him for getting in, and getting out on your command. .every time.
Take it slowly, after a few times, close it door......after a few more start the engine....take your time and when you move the vehicle, make it short trips....around the block first and get longer over time.
We have a non spill water bowl in the back, and stop for a break after 2 hours, quick walk and off again. Always VERY conscious of the sun, heat and airflow for the dog.
Make sure the dog has done some obedience training, and acts on your command. Don't ask him to get in, tell him.....but this only works if he sees you as the boss.
majorme said
03:36 PM May 20, 2019
hi rosie,
a lot of useful hints and thankyou. he's the only dog I've had who won't travel and I've always been careful with their needs ie the regular stops, ball play and plenty of water on offer.
one comment did stand out - he does think he's the boss at times, tho' will usually obey most commands (and I fear it's only at his whim and I've just got lucky with the timing!)
I shall be the eternal optimist and hope he has a change of heart. at least my friends are having some amusement at my expense:):)
cheers and happy travelling to you
jen
sassyinpink said
07:13 PM Jun 20, 2019
i hope your dog will be cooperative soon!
i usually use treats, but i see that you already tried with a warm pie....
maybe u have to change tone? i am not really sure. my dog has a problem once, and I used a harsh tone to get him to cooperate.
but your situation sounds more difficult :(
hufnpuf said
04:52 PM Sep 19, 2020
EDIT: just noticed this is an old thread, but I'll leave this here in case anyone else has the same issue.
How do you feel when you are trying to get him in and he's resisting? If you feel that it's hopeless, that he's not going to do it, or you anticipate failure, he could be picking up on that. One thing I know from lots of different animals and birds over the years is that a lot of communication is non-verbal. The minute you feel anxious about something happening, it may not happen because your feelings get transmitted to the critter and the critter wonders what you are worried about and doesn't want to go with you/do what you want. If you are thinking "hurry up and get in the car, we've only got X minutes to get to "wherever", you might get a "nup" response because your frustration is what they are "hearing"
Also, what works with one animal may not work with another. Like sassyinpink mentioned, one of my previous little dogs would only obey if I growled her commands in a really bossy tone, whereas the dog trainers tell you never to growl at your dog and always use a nice tone. She'd ignore nice completely. The "sergeant major" commands worked on her. Being bossy/growly with a sensitive animal won't work, they'll just get scared of you. Practice inside, without the car in the scenario, try different things out. If you haven't already, try a "jolly hockeysticks" tone. High pitch, jolly, we're off to have such a great deal of FUN, come on everybody!! Has anything changed since he would go in the car and since he is resisting? Any smells added to the car? Disinfectant or deodorant? Try adding his own smells, putting his rug in there. Good luck. :)
-- Edited by hufnpuf on Saturday 19th of September 2020 04:54:09 PM
good morning,
have travelled with my dog for over 12 months. now he won't get in the vehicle. what to do? can't leave him home. 2 very trying visits to boarding kennels. he weighs more than I do so can't lift him in and bribes don't work. help!!
hello possum3
thanks for your help. have a step which he ignores. 18m old and very active so no problems with his health. had a recent vet check. even leaving a warm pie on the seat wouldn't entice him in:):) - and that's a very special treat given he's on a low fat diet. I've checked out the site you recommenced and will go for the ramp.
happy travelling!
cheers
jen
If you look for a cause you might find one like jumping in is unpleasant- maybe a back or a knee issue- or being in a moving vehicle isn't pleasant - maybe he got travel sick.
As possum said, maybe he was taken someplace he didn't like- e.g. the vet.
Perhaps he had a trip that was too long or too hot.....perhaps his seat is too small and confined now that he isn't a puppy anymore.
To turn it around you a) need to be sure it isn't a health issue....and b) make the vehicle a pleasant place for him.
I suggest you make him a bed with a comfy bed and a old bit of blanket (our dogs have the rear part of the SUV behind the seats)....and get him used to it without moving the car....or even closing the door... Put him in, and give him a treat (my boy loves duck jerky but he would also see being brushed in there as a top treat as well).then get him straight out again.
Reward him for getting in, and getting out on your command. .every time.
Take it slowly, after a few times, close it door......after a few more start the engine....take your time and when you move the vehicle, make it short trips....around the block first and get longer over time.
We have a non spill water bowl in the back, and stop for a break after 2 hours, quick walk and off again. Always VERY conscious of the sun, heat and airflow for the dog.
Make sure the dog has done some obedience training, and acts on your command. Don't ask him to get in, tell him.....but this only works if he sees you as the boss.
hi rosie,
a lot of useful hints and thankyou. he's the only dog I've had who won't travel and I've always been careful with their needs ie the regular stops, ball play and plenty of water on offer.
one comment did stand out - he does think he's the boss at times, tho' will usually obey most commands (and I fear it's only at his whim and I've just got lucky with the timing!)
I shall be the eternal optimist and hope he has a change of heart. at least my friends are having some amusement at my expense:):)
cheers and happy travelling to you
jen
i usually use treats, but i see that you already tried with a warm pie....
maybe u have to change tone? i am not really sure. my dog has a problem once, and I used a harsh tone to get him to cooperate.
but your situation sounds more difficult :(
EDIT: just noticed this is an old thread, but I'll leave this here in case anyone else has the same issue.
How do you feel when you are trying to get him in and he's resisting? If you feel that it's hopeless, that he's not going to do it, or you anticipate failure, he could be picking up on that. One thing I know from lots of different animals and birds over the years is that a lot of communication is non-verbal. The minute you feel anxious about something happening, it may not happen because your feelings get transmitted to the critter and the critter wonders what you are worried about and doesn't want to go with you/do what you want. If you are thinking "hurry up and get in the car, we've only got X minutes to get to "wherever", you might get a "nup" response because your frustration is what they are "hearing"
Also, what works with one animal may not work with another. Like sassyinpink mentioned, one of my previous little dogs would only obey if I growled her commands in a really bossy tone, whereas the dog trainers tell you never to growl at your dog and always use a nice tone. She'd ignore nice completely. The "sergeant major" commands worked on her. Being bossy/growly with a sensitive animal won't work, they'll just get scared of you. Practice inside, without the car in the scenario, try different things out.
If you haven't already, try a "jolly hockeysticks" tone. High pitch, jolly, we're off to have such a great deal of FUN, come on everybody!!
Has anything changed since he would go in the car and since he is resisting? Any smells added to the car? Disinfectant or deodorant? Try adding his own smells, putting his rug in there.
Good luck. :)
-- Edited by hufnpuf on Saturday 19th of September 2020 04:54:09 PM