[Sloth]

She's 9 months old. She cries the whole time I'm gone, even if there's someone else in the car with her. I come back and she's panting and frantic. It's not the temp. in the car - our other dogs are just fine. And it doesn't seem to matter whether there's a calm older dog in the car with her or not.

I'd like to take her on quick shopping trips, just little errands where she'd be left in the car for 5, 10 minutes tops. I do that with our other dogs, and I'd like to do it with her. But it's been a long time, and it's just not "clicking" with her.

I tried giving her treats before leaving the car, or leaving a chew toy in the car...she just ignores them.

Suggestions?

 

[Keechak]

is she fine when left alone at home?

 

[Sloth]

Yes, she's fine home alone. She'll cry for a little bit, but then she settles down (I've peeked through the window).

She even used to cry when I went in the shower, but now she just lays outside the bathroom patiently for me, and sometimes she even goes off to do other things.

It's just the car thing that hasn't "clicked" for her yet. I don't even want to bring her anywhere anymore because I think in the long run it's worse for her than leaving her at home.

 

[Keechak]

you could try some herbal calming "medication" but If that doesn't work I would say it's better for her nerves to be left at home.

 

[FourIsCompany]

Start working with her in the car, at home in the driveway. Put her in and get in and sit for a while. Then get out, shut the door and get back in. Reward (treat, toy or praise) for good behavior. Then get out and take a few steps, turn around and get back in. Reward for good behavior. Next time, get out and walk around the car and get back in. Reward her if she remained calm. If she didn't, then you went too far and have to go back a step. Keep doing this desensitization exercise for 10-15 minutes a day. Get to the point where you walk away from the car and even around the corner for a split second at first, so before she has time to start acting out, you're coming back. Just don't move too fast in the progression. You never want her to get to the point where she starts to freak out if you can avoid it.

(Leave her at home for now so as not to reinforce her negative behavior)

This teaches the dog, that no matter how many times you leave, or for how long, you'll ALWAYS come back, and bearing gifts.

Yes, you're neighbors will think you're insane or have OCD. Oh, well. You could make a sign that says "Dog training in progress".

 

[Sloth]

Heh, I figured I'd have to try a process like that eventually...Well, here goes.