She USED to be good!
by Robin M. & Taffy
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
Taffy used to be so good when we would take her in the car. Now, she is good until she knows we are stopping, whether it be 10 minutes away or 3 hours away. When we go to stop, she goes nuts, whining, then barking, yelping, jumping around the car. Then I have to practically yell at her to "STAY" so she won't jump out when I get out. She knows she is not allowed to jump out of the car even when we get home, because I don't want her to think it is ever ok to jump out! Anyway, then I have to force her into the back seat, get out real fast and slam the door. She never used to be like this and I can't figure out what to do to make her stop. We have been leaving her home more and more because of it. Any suggestions?
DISCUSSION:
Robin, sounds like Taffy needs more trips to the vet. Seriously, how about a little treat each time she stays in place like you want her to? This is a tough one.
Marie
Robin - back to the drawing board! Remember to have Taffy "sit" for everything..... repractice "sit/stay" around the house ALL the time! I have trained a "go back" command. Use a mat, position them in the "down/stay", then "come", then "go back". It works absolute wonders in the car! We use the "go back" & "stay" on the mat, until the release command, when the doorbell rings too. That needs more practice! LOL Until she gets it, how about a booster seat or taking her crate? Perhaps bring along a nylabone WHEN she sits quietly when you get out.
Does she always do her toileting before she goes in the car?
Maybe you could practice just by driving out of the driveway & back in. Then not leave her long.
Just a few ideas..... Taffy probably has no idea why she's being left at home more - hope she is quick to understand that behavior is unacceptable :) Good luck & pls let us know!
BeeGee
Good advice, Marie and BeeGee. Something to think about, Robin (and others): You've all heard me go on and on about having them sit before they get anything, right (aka, Boot Camp)?? And you probably wish I would shut up, right????? LOL Well, I ain't gonna!!!!
Just remember that with the "boot-camp" advice, you're not trying to sort out any PARTICULAR behavior, but in fact, gaining control over your dog so that you don't have any real problem behaviors. That's why I "prescribe" it for so many different problems....it's not just a solution, but a prevention.
anneh
Robin, please get a crate for your car. Not only will it improve Taffy's behavior, but it is much safer. Even a small fender-bender can be dangerous for a small dog loose in the car.
Chad
Robin, I agree with all above has said, but I want to know where are you living? Is it very hot in the car, is she afraid of being left in a hot car? It only takes seconds for a car to become unbareable, that quick trip for milk or what ever could be horrable for your little one. I am not accusing just asking, there has to be a reason this behaivor started.
Mary Palmer
Robin, I forgot to mention that what your pup is doing is not at all abnormal, just frustrating to you. Hmmm...maybe that's why she's doing that.......!
anneh
We do make her sit and stay before she gets anything, and normally she is a very good baby! Maybe it's because she has had to stay home more during the hot weather? And Mary, I know you are trying to help, but I NEVER, ever leave an animal in even a very warm car! Remember, I am the one who turned in some people for leaving their dog in the car on a hot day. But I realise that some people do this, so I understand your post. I do take Taffys Sherpa Bag in the car, but she is a little escape artist and gets out! Usually she lays in the back seat, or at my feet in the car, it's only recently that she has started this annoying habit! We started working on sit, stay, come and go back again last night. Of course she did very well, its not that she does not know these things, so now I just have to make her understand that it means in the car too!! The little sh*t!!! I sure do love her to pieces!! OH NO!! I just had a thought of why she might be doing this! Because of summer, when we have taken her and its too warm in the car, we put her in her Sherpa Bag and TAKE HER WITH US! Now I feel stupid! I bet that's why she acts like this, she probably wants to go in the stores or where ever with us. Still, it has to stop!
Robin M. & Taffy
Robin, I can relate because I am having the same problem with Noah. I have not been taking him in the car as much over the summer because of the heat but when I do, he acts just like Taffy. I don't like it, either. I use a nylon harness that loops through the seatbelt so that he can't run all over the car but he still goes crazy when I stop. I will try some of the suggestions like the "go back" command. Hope these two start behaving better!
April B
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