I received the following question:
I told you I would email you about my dog, Rufus (Ru), and my issues with him. Pit bull mix about 2 years old. Rescue, of course. I’m having two issues. One, he gets overly excited prior to getting in the car and while in the car. Pulls and pulls on the leash (even with a gentle leader on). And I cannot calm him down once we are in the car. Whining, pulling on the seat restraint, almost hurting himself. I have tried treats, positive reinforcement, a squirt bottle (ha ha), being really calm and assertive, walking him beforehand, etc. I’m at my wits end…it makes it very difficult to want to take him anywhere.
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Truth be told, this is not an uncommon problem. Dogs are like children, as they see the car as a way to get somewhere, and not an experience in an of itself. I have seen this problem over and over again, some people make it so exciting for the dog to get into the car that the dog almost looses his mind once in the car. I approach putting a dog into the car with no emotion. I’ve transported countless dogs from shelters (dogs I’ve never handled), taught my personal dogs about car manners, and taught clients these techniques.
1. When approaching the car, do not make a big deal. Walk up to the car and make the dog sit. Open the door and do not allow the dog to enter. Walk away from the car and go somewhere else. Just because the car is there doesn’t mean we’re gonna use it.
2. Have the dog jump up in the car on your command, NOT before. If he goes to jump before you tell him, hold the leash back and don’t allow him to enter. The dog does not enter the car until you instruct him. Once in the car, praise the dog and then ask him to come back out. Walk away and do something else.
*** What we are doing is desensitizing the dog to the car here.. follow along***
3. Once in the car, close the door, don’t restrain the dog, and get into the drivers seat. Don’t speak to the dog or acknowledge him. Let him sit in the back seat. If he tries to come up front between the seats, use your elbow to keep him back. Do NOT yell at the dog or become emotional. You’re up front and the dog stays in the back.
4. I personally do not use a crate in the car, but it can be a good idea for people who are not strong enough in size and leadership to convince the dog of their position.
The key thing in any dog behavior is to go slow. Don’t throw your dog into your car and take a 3 hour drive. I’ve driven with my dog across the US 6 times. He was perfect and laid in the backseat the whole time. I’ve trained him to be a perfect car rider through slow and steady focus. When I first got him, he was a handful in the car. His previous owner allowed him to “ride” on the center console because it was cute. That didn’t last even 5 minutes with me. He received an occasional praise for being in the back. I’ve followed this technique with every dog I’ve owned and trained. The front of the car belongs to me, as does the whole car, I share the back with him. Remaining aloof to the dog shows him his place.
I also use a blanket or seat cover on the back seats so my dog does not skid all over the back seat, which keeps him calmer and it saves the fabric on my seats.
Dogs that are sensitive to the car need to be de-sensitized to it slowly. Getting frustrated with your dog makes any situation worst. Dogs sense your energy and it will either escalate his drive or calm him down.