Hanky wrote: "but everytime I lead him to the rear of the truck he sorta just lays down/pulls away"

This obviously shows that the dog has formed a very negative association with the truck and getting in. This is either because of the way he was introduced to the truck (not very nicely), because he just plain doesn't like going for rides, or because he was hurt jumping into the truck when he tried. . .etc. etc. etc.

So the only way to change the dog's learned association is to try to make every experience with the truck and getting in the back something pleasant and rewarding. Like put a big fat meaty bone in the back before you put him in next time. Lift him in and he'll find it. Do that every single time. (And don't drive any till you have built a positive association, just let him chill in the back and munch on the bone.

Other than that, someone said it, get his paws halfway in and lift the poor dog, don't make him jump. Who cares if he can't jump in, it was probably you that created the negative association by making it such a big deal and then getting annoyed or angry when he wouldn't.

Unfortunately we all can very easily negatively affect things in our dog's lives like this without even really knowing. I myself have been a lot more careful in the last few years about the things that I do that impact the dogs. More aware. . .

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Originally posted by Lisa Swanston:
This isn't really all that uncommon. Is there a reason that he absolutely MUST jump in?

Not really. I just prefer not to pick him up everyday and everytime we go somewhere.

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Have you tried teaching him to put his front paws up, then lift up his rear?

I have done this, but not with any consistency. I was also thinking about bringing along a plastic recyclying bin, to use as a step for him. I just wouldnt want him dependant on the bin so that I would need to bring it forever and ever.

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Hopefully, you're not letting him jump OUT? That's pretty hard on the elbows, especially on asphalt or concrete.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> To be honest, yes. I have been. Everytime too. I just didnt see the harm in it. Hope I didnt damage anything <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> If I parked on grass or dirt would it be ok to let him jump out? Its about a 3 foot fall.

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I personally wouldn't make a big deal out of it. Just make sure his joints are fine and that there is no medical reason for it, and make riding in the truck as stress free and pleasant for him as possible.

Vetday for him soon. TYVM for the input.

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Originally posted by Lisa Swanston:
Oh, and do you have a canopy on your truck?

I drive a samurai softop, it resembles those convertible jeeps with no doors they use in war.

So when its wet out, like now, there is a plastic rear window that hangs down, but I push it back out of the way for him while saying "up, up, up"

I will ask again "how do you get him in his kennel?"

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Originally posted by Jacob Guajardo:
I will ask again "how do you get him in his kennel?"

im going thru these replies as fast as I can. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Would it be unbelievable to have a dog without a kennel? Cause I do

I have no problem with him sleeping by me on the floor with blanket. And hes fully housetrained so I just didnt see the urgency of kennels.

hanky, I think the problem is your truck. Have you tried another type of truck??

How about getting him to jump up on someting the same height qwith plenty of space so that he doesn't feel confined during the jump.

Might be the trick, give it a try. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Originally posted by VanCamp, Robert:
This obviously shows that the dog has formed a very negative association with the truck and getting in. This is either because of the way he was introduced to the truck (not very nicely), because he just plain doesn't like going for rides, or because he was hurt jumping into the truck when he tried. . .etc. etc. etc.

So the only way to change the dog's learned association is to try to make every experience with the truck and getting in the back something pleasant and rewarding. Like put a big fat meaty bone in the back before you put him in next time. Lift him in and he'll find it. Do that every single time. (And don't drive any till you have built a positive association, just let him chill in the back and munch on the bone. This is brilliant, theres not a dog on the planet that wouldnt wanna sit back there with a nice meaty bone. Very smart. I also put an old sleeping bag on the floor, in case it is an uncomfortable surface for him to be on during the trip.


Other than that, someone said it, get his paws halfway in and lift the poor dog, don't make him jump. Who cares if he can't jump in, it was probably you that created the negative association by making it such a big deal and then getting annoyed or angry when he wouldn't.

Unfortunately we all can very easily negatively affect things in our dog's lives like this without even really knowing. I myself have been a lot more careful in the last few years about the things that I do that impact the dogs. More aware. . . It is definitly my own fault for not making the 'experience' more pleasureable/positive for him in the first place. And then allowing myself to get frustrated and show frustration to the dog as time when by.
O well. No more of that.

What are your driving habits like Hanky?I have a buddy with the exact same problem and I was suggesting all these things none of it worked,didn't know what else to suggest.Then I drove with him.Holy s***!!!No wonder his dog didn't want to go with him.Hard braking,taking corners like he was in a indy,it was just nasty.I suggested a crate put in the back,we tied the sucker down big time,put a nice blanket in it and a nice bone.It has helped quite a bit.I know this is how alot of horses gain trailer fears,by people's eratic driving.C'mon give him a hand into the truck,he could help YOU out of a bigger hassle one day.Teach him front up then you can help his hind in,easier on your back!

I forgot one other thing,you can buy those ramps that hook onto the back of your truck for large dogs to go in and out on,then they fold up real small.Except I think there a little pricey maybe it would give you an idea on building something.I will try to find a link.