Fear........

[SelkeysCompanion]

O.k. We decided to take Selkets Father,his name is Wawa(funny name),he's 3years&5months.We've had him for a week now and Selket has ajusted(she is less bossy with now).He's a big boy,don't have his exact weight yet,I'd guess around 160lb.They gave him alot of table food and his kibble is well,cheap garbage.We are changing his diet slowly.
We think he may be traumatized,he was taken away in a van along with thier other dogs last year when a nieghbor made complaints.His owner did not know he could only keep 2 dogs on his property. Sadly they could not take all the dogs back,they opted to put the 4 oldest down.Wawa was there when the other dogs were taken to be killed:( .they placed him in a kennle then snuck him back.The owner keeps getting violation tickets so they asked if we would like to have him.He is very gentle and loves kids,he is used to being with other dogs,they didn't want him to be alone.
The problem is he won't get in the truck! .We have to take him to our Vet and we'd like to take the dogs to the country to run in the field.It took three men to lift and push his big but into our van when we picked him up .
Any suggestions?.......

[K9-man]

03/04/2002 10:35 AM CST

You have to find his most coveted treat and coax him up there with it.

Take him somewhere fun a couple times if you can before you take him to the vet.

[TrishB]

As suggested, TREAT TREAT TREAT and PRAISE PRAISE PRAISE! It has to be a good experience to get into the truck.

I'd also suggest that you try feeding him his dinner in the truck. It may have been that he had a difficult time in the truck last time (footing, car sickness, etc.). So get him into the truck, feed him his dinner, let him out. Then add starting the truck, then moving a few feet, then around the block, etc.

I knew of a horse that HATED trailering. Many thought he was just being stubborn. It was always a trial to get him on.

Later we learned that he was previously trailered in a rickety old trailer and the man would drive while intoxicated. The poor horse did all in his power just to stay on his feet!

So we had to teach him that trailering was actually good! Fed him his dinner in there, left it out so that he could walk around it / in it whenever he wanted. Once he got used to it, he loved it! You could just throw the lead shank over his neck and he'd lead himself! ;)

So once it isn't so scarey, he'll come around. Just be PATIENT PATIENT PATIENT!!! :D Getting mad at him will only set you back 10 steps for every one you've made forward.

[ILoveRotts]

You might consider a ramp. They work great!

I have 1 big guy (rescued) that wouldn't be able to get in the truck by himself and 1 with 2 newly rebuilt knees. He can't jump either. The ramp works great!

You can order them from places like Drs. Foster & Smith.

[SelkeysCompanion]

We got him in the truck.:) He clearly did not not want to get in,so we offered him his favorite treat,peanuts.He would not climb in or jump in,so I got in the back and we put his paws up,a couple of peanuts then my husband lifted his back end in,then I used the peanuts again to keep him in.We took both him and Selkey to a field to run around and play,they had lot's of fun.It was a nice mild day too,they got little muddy :D .
I don't think he can jump up and in the truck,actually mini van,Montana,it's not that high,but then he's very heavy.
I'v noticed something else about him too,after a walk or running, he'll walk funny like he's favoring his right front leg :( .I don't think jumping would be wize,maybe he's too heavy.We may need a ramp for him.

[miss_rogue]

I thought I would let you know that having a Rott jump in and out of a vehicle is not good for their joints, unless it's a car low to the ground. I would look into that ramp or make one yourself. Have you taken him to the vet to have him checked for Hip Displacia? Maybe he won't jump inside the vehicle because he's too sore.

[Maddiesgirl]

My girl did NOT like jumping into my truck, but gets into my little car with no problem. I noticed in the "forcing in" she often banged her knees, which I think hurt later. The lower smaller car is working much better. But..to get her into the car or truck, put the dogs favorite human INSIDE to call them in. Going in more willingly created less pushing, and less panic. If I was in the car, then she didn't seem to think it was a trap (close the door, walk away! ) and was far more tractable.
Good luck with the big baby!:)

[Mattweiser]

Originally posted by miss_rogue
I thought I would let you know that having a Rott jump in and out of a vehicle is not good for their joints, unless it's a car low to the ground.

If an adult Rottweiler can not jump in or out of a truck, without injuring itself, there is something , or many things wrong with that dog....

jumping up and down from 10-20 inches should not be any cause for concern....... if it is.. see a vet...

however, in the case of the OP... I would instantly assume that there is a problem, the OP clearly addressed it, the dog is obese..

but please do not lead others to believe that the Rottweiler, by design, is not capable of these small jumps...

[TrishB]

I would be more inclined to get steps for my dog rather than a ramp. It would be easier on them, easier on me and less chance for slipping.

It's not that our dogs cannot do these small jumps - as much as it isn't worth a risk for them to tear something because they're jumping from or to uneven ground, possible broken objects, etc.

I don't see any reason why taking some simple precautions for their safety should be looked down upon.

[Mattweiser]

if you have an elderly, or obese dog, and you wan tto take safety considerations for it... there is nothing wrong with that...


what I was speaking about, which I quoted directly, was a blanket-type statement that a Rottweiler can't or shouldn't jump up and down out of trucks...

that simply is not true.....

;)

[Habs]

I can't agree more with Matt....your dog is just too big!

My guy is about 106lbs and as quick and agile as a cat. Mabey once you get him down to a reasonable wieght and start working him gradually he'll improve.

But that is a lot of weight to lose, I'm sure his joints, muscles, heart etc are not ready for any kind of exertion. So take it slow...it's a shame to see a Rottie get to this size...please let us know how he progresses.

Habs