Dozer and the van

[MissMary]

Sorry if I am posting a lot but it really helps me, the support and advice.
As some of you know one of Dozers issues is getting into a vehicle. I have been taking Dozer over to the van, opening the side door and just sitting there talking to him and petting him. Not trying to get him in it. Well as I was doing that today - he jumped in - all on his own!!!! I gave him a big treat as soon as he got in. He sniffed around a little then just sat down with his front paws on my legs for a few minutes then he jumped out. And I gave him another treat.

[GypsysMom]

I have only had one dog not like car rides, she would vomit and pooh in the van (gross) my other rott loved it and so does all my dogs now, with my other rott all I said was Bye-Bye and she was at the door with Chopper as soon as he sees me get my keys and cell he grabs his leash so he can go, with Gypsy she doesnt like the mustang, I tend to turn the radio too loud and the thumping bothers her, she loves the van so she can rest on the seat..

sounds like you are off to a good start with him ,

[SaranBear]

hey that sounds like progress.... So what's the next step with the van? Has he had bad car experiences before?

I have a dog who was TERRIFIED of vehicles when we got him.... and now.... riding in the car is one of his most favorite things to do.... So there may be hope..... Then again he may never particularly care for a car ride. The important thing is being able to get him into the car if you need to. I also would mention that on the next ride take him somewhere fun. Maybe to a park ( not a dog park just plain park) or a trail somewhere that you can walk him (on leash) that is new and fun He may start associating good stuff with going on a car ride. Just make sure the vet isn't the only place he goes on car rides.

[JemarsSerena]

I just want to say although I'm not offering much advice, I'm enjoying reading your posts because they cover almost every aspect of training imaginable. Keep it up and I look forward to more and more success with Dozer and Sadie.

[MissMary]

He had fear of any small areas. Hard to say why, can only imagine. When we got him it was July and he would not go in anything, not the garage, dog house or anything.His first dog house was 2 sides and top, it took about a month before he would even use that. I was afraid he would never accept one before winter. After he finally started useing the first one we added a floor, a month later we tried a front, he would not go in. Had to do a front a little piece at a time. It was late October before he finally accepted a full dog house.

[MissMary]

I am glad you enjoy my post, I really don't want to be a bother.

[Paulos]

OP...Have you had his legs examined? Some dogs don't jump because it hurts.

[MissMary]

He jumps a lot just not in a vehicle. He was just to the vets in June and got a clean bill of health. But that sure was a good idea, one I hadn't thought of.

[Cherry Heart]

The next step is to turn the engine on and get him close/in. You seem to be doing a really good job and working with them several times a day, good work! After making sure he will approach with the engine on, close the door (with you in it with him) and just sit there a couple minutes. After you get that all done, take him somewhere fun! (Just like SaranBear said) he will start to associate the van with good things, a loving mom and a fun trip!