I took my goldendoodle, Dakota, to the pet store with me, thinking he would love everything there. He was terrified the second the car stopped and we had to carry him inside and push him in the cart for most of the time. When he wasn't in the cart, he sat in the fish aisle and refused to move. He was absolutely terrified. How do I get him over this fear?
Also, he is afraid of car rides. How do I get Dakota to be one of those dogs who likes to let their face hang out of the window?
2007-08-07 16:28:08 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Some dogs do not like the noise and commotion of going to the store. It is unfamiliar. Just don't take him if it is really a problem. If you are determined to take him, he will get used to it. Shopping is not high on dogs lists of things they like to do.
He may suffer from car motion sickness. Start by taking him on short car rides.
Never let him stick his head out the window. It can be very dangerous and is horrible for their eyes.
2007-08-07 16:32:55 · answer #1 · answered by maxmom 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My dog is afraid of both the pet store and the car. It is Petsmart I've tried taking her to, and I've realized it's the slippery floor that she's petrified of, she'll lay on the rug at the front of the store. I've placed her in the shopping cart walked to the back of the store and she did walk throughout the store we exited the store and returned right back in and she stopped dead in her tracks on the rug. She's just turning a year, I'll give it another try at some point, for now we'll stick to the woods and the street. As for the car I think she has a fear of jumping into it, she does not get sick or show fear once she's inside, she'll jump out but not enter. I have to pick up my German Shepherd mix, luckily she's on the small side. I've fed her many, many special treats, always take her somewhere special, the woods, drive thru for snacks and for ice cream (no longer the pet store), obedience classes, I've even bought a new car, still got to pick her up.
I guess in her own time she'll become more secure and may overcome these fears, we'll just coax her and reward her. She's young still learning what she's capable of. She is from a shelter who knows where cars use to take her.
2007-08-08 00:01:15 · answer #2 · answered by gsdmix 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have you tried taking him to small shops first? If you only go to the vet by car, the poor dog is waiting for the inevitable. He might not like the bright lights, the overwhelming sounds, the smells,the unfamiliar terrain.Maybe you should take him to small friendly neighbourhood shops, if you can. Slowly does it to gain his confidence with new experiences.
How old is Dakota? Has he been well-socialised?
Is he car sick? Maybe he's better travelling in the footwell, so he doesn't have to watch the world whoosh by. A lot of dogs prefer that. Please don't let him hang out of the car window. Dogs who do that run the real risk of being decapitated or badly injured. An unrestrained dog in a car is just dangerous.
2007-08-07 23:43:05 · answer #3 · answered by BC fan 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There is a lot of activity in the Pet Store, dog barking, birds chirping and singing, employees stocking shelves, customers asking questions.
Children running through the store.
It's probably very overwhelming for Dakota.
Keep her calm, let her know you're there and she will be okay.
Have a few of her favorite treats with you when you take her to the Pet Store.
2007-08-07 23:38:41 · answer #4 · answered by newyorkgal71 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off a dog hanging it's head out a window is dangerous for the dog, something can fly right into his eyes and cause damage.
To train a dog to like car rides:
Have him get into the car and give lots of praise and a treat, then let him out of the car. Do this for several days until he gets in calmly.
Then do the above then start the car and both of you sit in the idling car with you giving praise and attention. Shut off the car and let him out, give praise and a treat. Repeat for few/several days until he handles it calmly
Then get in and drive him around the block, praising him for being a good rider. Give more praise and a treat at the end. Do this for a few/several days until he handles it calmly.
Then stop at a favorite park for playtime, remembering to praise good car riding during the ride, at the park and at home. Repeat until calmly handles it.
Gradually take longer rides and go to different parks for exploration and play. (Use an expandable leash and bring a toy to play fetch to make it more fun.) Meet up with friends who have calm dogs and let them get used to each other and perhaps play. This way when you go to the pet store he will already know strange dog smells mean new friends.. instead of possible foes.
2007-08-08 09:21:04 · answer #5 · answered by mairin 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You need to associate the car and the pet store with positive things. Give him a lot of praise and pets in both places. It will take several visits but he will eventually come around.
2007-08-07 23:32:38 · answer #6 · answered by Kristen K 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hang your face out the window; maybe he thinks you're the dog!
2007-08-07 23:30:55 · answer #7 · answered by Crazy H 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Well is it becuase everytime you've taken the dog somewhere it was always to the vet or groomer? If so, he will get over it if you continue to take him places.
2007-08-07 23:31:51 · answer #8 · answered by Shon 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Maybe if he came from there he must be scarred or it might be he does'nt like the car moving, he might have motion sickness
2007-08-07 23:36:58 · answer #9 · answered by Kev 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could it be the noise or the smell makes him think he's at the vet. It could also be the crowd and all the movement.
2007-08-07 23:32:32 · answer #10 · answered by Jules 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋