Dog barking in car

JH1965

After our dog died 13 weeks ago at the age of 16 we got a 12 month old from the dog's home. It's a long slow process to undo the trauma that's been done to her in the past and to gain her trust but she's a lot better so far than the dog we brought home with us. My husband is disabled and cannot work so he takes me to work and picks me up every day. We fasten her in her harness on the back seat as she enjoys riding in the car and take her with us. However the trouble begins when we stop outside my work. Usually I'm early so we like to sit for 5-10 minutes however she knows I'm about to get out of the car and so she starts to bark. We've taken a chew toy with us to give to her as well as treats. These will keep her quiet for a little while but then she starts again. After I get out, by the time the car is a little further up the street she's settled down for the ride home. Is there anything we can do (apart from leave her at home)?

Katiehound

I think she is anticipating you leaving.
I wonder what would happen if you called her bluff- got out of the car straightaway but then got back in.
Yes, I know it's a faff but you could try a variation of this, altering the time, in and out etc.

One day why not try leaving home a little bit later, get out and disappear. I really think you are going to have to keep her guessing!

I also wonder if giving her a treat is actually rewarding her for the barking.
One thing you might try is to teach her to bark on command.

Do you take her out in the car and then walk her?

gettingtheresometime

Katiehound wrote: »

I think she is anticipating you leaving.
I wonder what would happen if you called her bluff- got out of the car straightaway but then got back in.
Yes, I know it's a faff but you could try a variation of this, altering the time, in and out etc.

One day why not try leaving home a little bit later, get out and disappear. I really think you are going to have to keep her guessing!

I also wonder if giving her a treat is actually rewarding her for the barking.
One thing you might try is to teach her to bark on command.

Do you take her out in the car and then walk her?

I'd agree about the bit about the treat.

My beagle has learnt that if he goes to the top of the garden for his late night relief & sits there he's likely to be offered a treat....not so bad in the summer as you can leave the door open for him until he gets bored but not so good in this weather.

The other thing he does (and he only does this time) is when we go up to the park in the car as soon as we leave our he barks all the way there - doesn't do it any other time.

Hubby reckons it's because he's excited so could it be that by you going she knows it's 'her' time with your hubby?

Dies she do it any other time you leave the car?