car agression

[robsaun317]

Zeus my 7 month old male rottie loves people when we go to petsmart or when we go on walks or even to the park. but for some reason he is really protective when he gets in the truck (suv actually). he growls at everyone that walk on the sidewalk and he even growled at a truck yesterday that pulled up behind us at a light. i have never heard him growl ever except for when it comes to the truck. any reason for this that anyone can think of. does anyone else have this issue. im just a little worried like if i have my little brother with me and he goes to get in the truck how is zeus going to react. maybe its just a spell he's only been in truck a few times. so maybe it was just something new.

[TrinityRun]

Originally posted by robsaun317
Zeus my 7 month old male rottie loves people when we go to petsmart or when we go on walks or even to the park. but for some reason he is really protective when he gets in the truck (suv actually). he growls at everyone that walk on the sidewalk and he even growled at a truck yesterday that pulled up behind us at a light. i have never heard him growl ever except for when it comes to the truck. any reason for this that anyone can think of. does anyone else have this issue. im just a little worried like if i have my little brother with me and he goes to get in the truck how is zeus going to react. maybe its just a spell he's only been in truck a few times. so maybe it was just something new.

This is not at all uncommon. Here again, I would suggest your dogs get more socialization. The more you broaden his environment, the more level headed he's going to be.

What do you do when he starts growling?

[Lady B]

I had the same problem with our rescue Baron in his first year with us. It was the flat-bed trucks for hauling backhoes and certain types of vehicles with loud exhausts. And skateboarders, bicycles and worst, most dogs. It took alot of socialization, herding classes to build his confidence and countless hours of just walking around in various types of situations or driving around exposing him to all kinds of stimuli.

I had to watch him constantly so even before he could think about what he wanted to do or react I was either putting him in a sit or telling him aus (out). The only aversive technique I used on him was to use a half gallon jug with about 5 pebbles in it to get his attention and a stern "aus". He was "tapped" (never struck) on the head or shoulders with it. It does not hurt but the sound of the pebbles sure do get attention quick. Or a popcan with pennies in it works just as well. Nowadays all I have to say to him is "What do you think you are doing?" He knows that sentence well and responds.

Socialize your baby to all kinds of situations, including people approaching your vehicle. It's really unnerving to have a 100# Rottie bounce off a car window at you :o!

For Baron it took him some time to get over that "I am the mighty protector" phase and learn to discriminate between friendlies and non-friendlies. I still do not advocate any stranger trying to put their hand in my car window to pet the "nice doggie". Baron is NOT nice in that particular situation. Once he has met you he'd as soon as lick you to death than anything else.

[Carina43]

Maybe since he's new to rides, take him more frequently, if you can...have some treats to distract him with when he's going nuts at things outside the windows? If your nephew is a concern, have him get into the truck first...Zeus is just starting to get into the dreaded teens, and he's probably feeling very full of himself - and being "protected" in the truck makes him feel extra secure.

My dogs are all calm in the truck, but I don't let anyone stick their hands in to pet them either. Dutch is like Lady B's Baron - he's friendly, but from his body language & expression he seems very unreceptive to strangers who are right next to the truck.

Try going through drive-throughs and banks with Zeus. Cooper is convinced that food comes out of any of those places, even the drive through ATM! :D That may help him realise the outside world can be a friendly place too.