January 13, 2023

Our German Shepherd barks and lunges at the windows of our van she sees people, bikes or passing trucks. It makes car rides very challenging, how can we help her?

Full Question:
Hi Cindy, Would you please give me some advice? My 13-month GSD would bark like crazy and lunge at the windows from within our van ride at the passing by trucks, people standing at the crosswalk, people riding bikes! We popped her prong collar and told her “leave it” or “quiet” but she couldn’t stop as we saw her hair on her back standing up. It looks like she’s very panicky and scared. But when we took her out of the van and walked her, she’s totally fine with people, animals, and cars… but she always has a tendency to be a little reactive to big trucks, bikes and scooters. But not as dramatic like she’s inside our van. We tried to pop her (she only wears prong collar) but we thought it isn’t right to correct her if she’s scared… but this situation has been going on and getting worse. Car ride becomes very challenging. How may we help her and train her please? She is wearing pet seat belt sitting with us on our van. Thanks in advance!
Cindy
Cindy Cindy's Answer:
I would not allow her to ride in the van unless she's in a crate, first of all. If this has been going on for a while and you've been popping her prong collar and it doesn't stop then my guess is that the prong collar is actually amplifying her behavior. It can build frustration and create that aggressive response you are seeing.

Stop letting her ride on the seat, use a crate and block her view out the windows by putting a sheet or something over the crate so she can't see outside. A solid airline-style crate is best. I'd also get some help with a trainer if possible. That's the place to start.
User Response:
Thanks Cindy! We followed your advice and she’s much better now as she’s only allowed to get in and out of our van with our permission and she stays in her own crate with a cover on it when we drive.  The barking on car ride seems to subside as well. Thanks!

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Expert Dog Trainer Cindy Rhodes
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