Max the GSD has separation anxiety in my car. When I get out he goes berserk. Anybody have advice? I can’t be the only one out there with a car-wild GSD. He recognises different food places as we pull up—starts crying, then tries to get out with me. He’s strong and driving me nuts. He’s turned into a really good dog except for the car and the front door. I know I should leave him at home, but I like having him with me.
Do you really have a choice Don? With the help of your K9 trainer you have turned Max into, as you say, a really good dog, except for the problems when you try to get out of the car. I know you like having him with you but would it be so difficult for you to leave him at home, and would he be OK at home without you? What does your K9 trainer suggest as I am afraid I have no idea how to deal with the problem.
Thanks, I appreciate your letter, from the far side of the world. You are right. I could leave him at home. He’s really good in the house. I worry my wife might walk to the washroom and get tripped up by Max. He does love his cage. I could leave him there. But I just like having him ride with me. Another few months and I think he’ll be going in stores with me. Right now people get terrified, he looks like something out of a horror movie....scary and loud. My only hope is his fast learning ability. I’m very proud of his many improvements. I’ll be even prouder when we iron the kinks out, like going crazy in the car. His trainer’s wife is “expecting”. That probably will keep the Officer busy babysitting and working instead of training my wild dog. That’s true to form with my luck. Thanks, Your American friend, don P.S. I need to stop this idjet’s car separation anxiety!!!!! Soon, he’s just got some (many) goofy traits that need worked on. His trainer says to drive him around a familiar area. Keep stopping the car, get out, walk around and get back in. Keep doing that until he calms down and stops worrying about barking and crashing around. Then move to people places.
Although mine always travelled in crate/dog guard, they were taught to ‘wait’ when door was opened until I said ok. Basically I opened the door a little at a time and closed it if they tried to come out without the release command, they were immediately corrected and put right back in the same spot. Repeat as necessary. There are no quick fixes and it takes ‘reputation and patience.
I shouldn’t complain. After his caged, confused, untrained, wild first year of life, I’m surprised he figures things out as well as he does. We think he’s almost two years old now. He will sit and wait at any door, EXCEPT the car and the front door. He’ll be alright. I’m learning, he’s learning, repeat, repeat, repeat. It’s a slow process but we are just a little bit better all the time. The car insanity had me buffaloed. His trainer tells me it has a lot to do with him not being around enough people. It’s up to me to put more time into socialising him. I’ve never trained a gsd. It’s a whole different experience than all the other dogs we’ve had. Our Golden Retriever had a very laid back demeanour. Never did anything bad except shed. Max is the opposite. Mr. Curiosity, Mr. Excitement, and 1,000 times the teeth and energy. His trainer said he is above average intelligence, however, he’s got a “goofy” streak in him. He’s right. Max spends more time trying to train me than he lets me train him.
If I have to leave him at home, I don’t suppose it would be the end of the world. I think there is more going on. I think he needs socialised! If I start taking him places where ther are people, I think a lot of this berserk behaviour would go away.
I take my 2 Akitas into any store that allows them. Pet stores, lumber yard, Home Depot, etc. At this point they pretty much expect people who are looking at them to come over and give them attention, and every cash register is a treat station to them...
He is so much better. When I think of all the biting and terrible behaviour he used to have, I am amazed at how much he’s learned and improved. I used to sleep-in.....those were the days.
Max really is a stunningly handsome boy - and you and he have come a long way since you first posted Don. It is a pleasure to read how you are both getting on now.
Thank you. It’s been quite a journey. You people on Breedia helped a lot! Your words of encouragement went a long way! I was completely overwhelmed.
Small steps, small steps, many, many small steps. But Max and I are steadily improving. I forgot who called him “needle toes”, but boy were they right. I got speared by that little monster today. Ouch.
Close up of Max’s needletoes. His Vet. trims them every month. It’s still like getting stabbed with a handful of ice picks.
Exercising on hard surfaces, helps to keep them short. Might be worth getting a ‘Dremel’ https://www.rover-time.com/desensitize-pup-nail-grinding-tool/
