[Chillyfrog]

Hi everyone,

I'm not new to the site, but this is the first time I've posted. My almost 12 month old Aries LOVES car rides and wants to go everywhere I go. He has been great in the car (minivan) until recently. While I am driving, he has started barking at people walking down the road or riding their bike. As soon as he sees them he starts barking and doesn't stop until we pass them. And you all know how loud a Doberman bark is, especially in a confined space! It seriously hurts the ear drums! He doesn't want to listen to any commands and it's hard to distract him. He only does this while we are moving, not when we come to a stop or are parked, only when I can't seem to do anything about it! How can I train him on not barking in the car and keep us alive at the same time?


Thanks,
Chillyfrog

 

[Herb2relax]

If you have been reading on the site. I am sure you have heard of the look at that game. I would play that while someone else was driving the car. Make a command word to get his attention so you can do that while you are driving alone. You could also put a crate in the car and end it all together. If he cant see them he cant bark at them.

My terrier Tippy was doing some major barking at one point and time. I used a water bottle for a short period and it worked wonders for her. I wont use one in the house and dont particularly think they are the best thing for training. But she absolutely hates water and I was driving. Very easy for me to put my hand up and behind me. Now on the rare occasion she does this I can just hold my drink up and say "ahh" and it seems to work.

 

[Adara]

Is he crated or loose? If loose, for now at least can you crate and cover him while you are alone and can't work on it? It won't necessarily FIX the overall issue but won't let him practice it either. I think Herb2relax's suggestion is a great one.

 

[SoCalGirl]

Good luck! I would also support the distraction game Herb2relax suggested and see if it works. As someone with a dog that hates car rides and is extremely vocal about it, I feel your pain (in the eardrums!). Hopefully you can nip it in the bud and make a fun game of it before it becomes too much of a habit. I have personally had to learn to tune out the sound so I can focus on the road and get us there safely, but it is not easy.

You might also practice the game sitting in the driveway in your normal seats in the car before you go anywhere.