barking in car

[billg76]

my 6yo male rottie gets super excited when we get into the car. For the first few minutes whilst traveling he barks constantly. He also barks when we get near to home on the return. He generally doesn't bark much but his barking in this situation is uncontrollable. regardless of how sternly he is told to stop he just wont. As i'm sure you can understand a rottweillers loud bark in the confines of a car can be very annoying. Any thoughts on how to stop this behaviour?

[rottlove]

There is a citronella bark collar that is supposedly humane, and is rather expensive, if you are desperate. But I would definitely try positive reinforcement, like a treat or favorite squeaky toy given for NOT barking. Like you could start giving treats the moment he gets in the car, and continue to treat as long as he is silent. It will be hard to bark with a treat in his mouth! Then, when you come back home, start treating him right before he gets to the area where he starts barking. Of course you may need a passenger's help for driving safely.

[JeanT]

I never could get mine to stop. Same as yours, excited, or anxious, I couldn't tell which. Yet he loved riding in the car. I started wearing ear protectors. The bark is painfully loud. And it is very distracting. Seriously consider the ear protectors until you are (hopefully) able to train him.

[Judi W]

If he starts barking the minute he gets into the car:
Put dog in car with leash and collar on. At the first bark, haul his a** out of the car with the lead and take him back in the house. Do this several times a day.

After he understands that part, start on a residential street with little or no traffic. Same thing. Stop car, correct sternly. You might only go a few feet at a time. Do this the minute he opens his mouth. Always give him a verbal warning first.

It is helpful if you can have a driver, but not necessary. Follow these exercises several times a day if at all possible. You should be able to extend the distance before he starts barking. Don't go where you will not be able to stop.

Even if you are driving, you can have the handle of the lead in your hand.

[valdes43]

Buy an electric bark collar. 1. Introduce it to him in a low stimulating barking environment away from you. 2. When he learns what the bark collar means and remains quiet, bring him into the car for a ride with it on. Viola, no barking! In a total of 2 sessions with no associations of you.

[Storm]

Originally posted by valdes43
Buy an electric bark collar. 1. Introduce it to him in a low stimulating barking environment away from you. 2. When he learns what the bark collar means and remains quiet, bring him into the car for a ride with it on. Viola, no barking! In a total of 2 sessions with no associations of you.

Don't ya just love "modern science"!;)

[valdes43]

Originally posted by Storm
Don't ya just love "modern science"!;)

Seems like a "no brainer" to me! :)

[Storm]

Seen that we are on the subject............. Just got my new electric, long over due.................... let the training begin!

[billg76]

Thanks heaps for the replies.

I'll probably have to wait until this weekend to try and put this into practice.

Judi, I'll definitely try correcting with the lead, a great suggestion. Thanks.

If this fails, I suppose I have no choice but to get my hands on a bark collar?

[Judi W]

Don't just correct with the lead, pulling his cute little a** out of the car is part of the program. First time, he will be saying "whaaatttt????"

[billg76]

thanks judy,

I already feel a little sorry for him without having started the training yet.

Just one quick question. After I've pulled him out of the car and taken him into the yard, should I drive off or just wait a while before trying again?

[Judi W]

This is a training exercise. You don't move the car back to your house, you stop right where you are when he first opens his mouth, haul him out and march him right back to the house. I'd probably put him in his crate or confine him, not simply release him into the yard. In other words, he will be going from his pleasurable indulgement to confinement and no fun. You will do this in a preemptive and brusk fashion. Then you can go back and get the car. You won't be going far at first so don't worry about walking back to get the car. He will have to prove himself a small distance at a time. If you find yourself farther than you can reasonably walk, haul him out, give him a sit or a down, stand with your back to him and your arms folded in a disapproving fashion. Stay that way for a while, the put him back in the car with the idea that you will repeat as soon as he speaks.

When you have a driver, you will still do much the same thing, but it will be easier for you as passenger to give a warning leash correction and a verbal. Don't wait for any of these for him to get fully involved in his emotional hollering. First time you even see the look in his eye........

[valdes43]

No offense Judi but I hope the dog doesn't decide he wants to bark during rush hour traffic. :D


Storm,

Whatcha get?

[Storm]

Wellllllll in this part of the world we are pretty limited as to what is available so maybe not my first choice but managed to get my hands on "Canicom 2000" Dual system with continuous and flash stimulous and "beeper". 800M range, screen on transmitter, all I need. :::: grinning :::: ;)

[Storm]

Or.................... attach the lead to the gas pedal, everytime he barks hit the gas! If he doesn"t stop barking, um well................... ;)