Kira our adopted rescue husky is afraid of getting in the car. We have practiced several time with Kira at home getting her to jump into the back seat of the car. It hasnt been great success but she is getting use to getting in the car at home getting out in and out with treats, turning engine on driving round the block, turning engine off staying with her. She seems to be calm through all of this.
So let say with coaxing and treats she is going slowly in the car at her own will.
This has taken some time to do.
Today for the first time we did all the above but took the next step. We took her for a short drive 2 minutes away to a dog park. She got in car with coaxing treats etc..ok then we took her to the park walked her around for a bit so she would enjoy new smells etc.... Then on return walk back to the car she put on her brakes about 5 feet away from car, crowched down onto the ground and refused to move in a down position all fours on ground . No matter how gentle we were she wouldnt budge. We again offered her treats to get her close to the car. It took a long time to get her close to the car and at her own will jump in.
We dont understand why ths is happening. She was fine at home in the drive way but soon as we took her somewhere else a happy fun place fear came over her. I dont know what has happened to her the past to act this way except all we know is she was in a shelter as she had escaped previous owners place. She is 1 year old. She also encountered a dog today, the dog was loose and she was on a leash with me. As the dog approached she just lept at him and tr ied to bite this other dog for no reason. The dog was dosile did not react at all. We had to pull Kira away ofcourse. No was harm was done to the other dog. Its so sad to see this behaviour and obviously she has had some previous issues with other dogs that makes her want to attack. We love her so much but I cant imagine what she has possibly been through to act this way. Has anyone else gone through any of the ?se sort of behaviours and what helped you get through it with your dog ?

Time will be on your side. Biko, use to dread hopping in the car and we did the same thing by keeping the car off until he was in it. Now all I need to say is, "go for a ride?" and its instant happy dance.

I don't take credit for finding this. It was originally posted by Shirl a couple of weeks ago.

It's a foster dealing with an extremely scared dog. The golden is/was terrified of absolutely everything.


Here is a quick video of him using only positive reinforcement to get over the fear of cars with his Foster.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=wGreTZb1ZC0


This obviously didn't happen over night, but since he has developed trust with her, the improvements and progress he's made in a very short time are impressive to say the least.

Here is the link to his Blog.

Brain Beker

I think Part 2 or Part 3 explain some of his methods he used to get over her fear of sounds with a box of silverware. It is an interesting and heart wrenching read, and shows you given enough time and the right relaxed approach anything is possible.


In terms of the "aggression", the other pup approached when yours was walking beside you and leashed. I've learned through these forums some dogs are very defensive while leashed as their mobility is limited (Again I'm pretty sure that was Len ). It could have been defensive in nature or even fear based.

If it happens again try and find or notice the trigger, finding the root cause is the way to nip that one in the bud.



Like Len said, It's all about time and patience.

~Chris~

Thanks, both of you. I watched the video. above to. Kira was leashed the other dog wasnt. Yes could have been defensive or fear from a past experience. All the other dog did was try and sniff Kira.

Took Kira to vet yesterday. Vet had provided us with some behavioral training exercises for over coming car problem, aggression to other dogs and separation anxiety problems.

He suggested with other dogs have Kira focus on us with treats when we walk her so she ignores other dogs and focuses on what you have in your hand. So we will try this but for now keep her away from other dogs to start with.

He suggested a pheremone that calms dogs and spray it in the car and also have it in the house for when we have to leave, also ofcourse having Kongs full of treats to keep occupied.

When the vet sprayed it in his hands and Kira smelt him her whole demeener changed to a very calm dog, eyes relaxed state, So we are getting some of this pheremone Seemed to work.

He also suggested watching some videos from Dr Sophia Yin an animal behaviourlist. We will try all and see how we progress. Hopefully we there will be some improvements over time.