Forums » Behaviour

• Billabong

  

  • 24 posts
   

  December 11, 2011 1:48:23 PM EST

  My dog, all of a sudden, refuses to get into the car.  For years, he's been jumping in joyfully.  Now he simply refuses.  I've thrown treats in, made happy encouraging noises, but No.

  I can't lift him in.  I COULD lift him in if he weren't struggling frantically and adamantly against it.  It isn't a physical problem - leaps on to a retaining wall in the back yard of very similar height.  I cannot figure out what has caused this.  He is never left alone in the car for long periods, nor do we do long trips.  He doesn't associate it with visit to vet, mostly he knows it's a visit to the dog club for a happy play date :)  It has been suggested that I try getting him to walk up a ramp to the car and I will - but somehow, I don't think it's the answer - it's not the method of getting IN, it's having to be in.  Any suggestions?
  

   

  
  

   

  
  

   

  
  

   

  
  

• cassa

  

  • 1 posts
   

  December 12, 2011 7:28:36 PM EST

  Tried feeding his breakfast in the car? Or starting out near the car, then near the car with doors open, then in the car?
• Billabong

  

  • 24 posts
   

  January 12, 2012 10:45:12 AM EST

  Thanks cassa, but food in the car doesn't work. My latest approach is to take him off-leash to the car, leaving the door to the house open. I indicate to him - you want back in the house or in the car? He thinks for nearly a minute - oh gosh I don't want to be left behind, I'll be a Man and get into the darn car :)