Kona afraid to go near parked cars; need help

[Barb04]

This past week has been the worst with Kona and cars. To get out of our house we exit into the carport where our cars are. She runs out kind of quickly, but does not want to go near the cars to get back into the house. I'm not sure if something happened to her in her previous home (we got her at 5 months which was 2 weeks ago). I have another entrance in the front of my house so today I took her out that door and went around the house away from the cars, of course. When I tried to get her back in the house through this same door, she was so afraid and kept pulling. I had to pick her up which wasn't easy with my back hurting and carry her into the house. The whole time she is going crazy trying to get out of my arms; it took me 2 tries.

I'm not sure what put this fear into her, but can anyone help me try to find a solution because this will get harder as she gets bigger (she's already over 50 lbs.). Thanks for any help.

[Renee750il]

Probably the trip in the car to the airport! She may be afraid that if she gets in or near a car she's going to be taken away. The best cure I can think of is to get her used to getting into the car and taking her for rides, starting with quick trips just up the road and back, reassuring her and making it a fun trip - then longer trips, maybe to a park where you can work on some socialization skills with her or a walking trail, or to the dog food/toy store. As she learns that she's not going to suddenly be whisked off she should learn to be unafraid of being near the cars. It's a good time to start because you're going to want her well socialized.

[avenlee]

It might just be its because she's still young. Puppies can be scared of anything but then just grow out of it as they get older.

[Barb04]

I was thinking about her associating the car with leaving her last home. Max used to cry for the 1st month because of this but he wasn't afraid of the car. I should realize each dog is different. We're going to try using some treats also. Thanks

[Doberluv]

I agree with Renee. Take her someplace fun every day....a neat walk or romp somewhere and come right home. And you could also ask someone in the family to sit in the parked car with the door open and hand her some special treats...(meat or something wonderful) Just sit there and chat with the person with her sitting by you. Let her know that the car is associated with good stuff. It's not the bad guy, after all. LOL.

[maui]

Like the name Kona!! What breed is your dog?

I'll always agree with the treats! When you can't find a helper for training you might try making a trail of treats to the carport. Start off far away, then lead up to it. Might take some time before you get there. Also, don't act worried yourself. You're just going to the carport, it's no big deal!

The car rides are a great plan too. Sometime soon, you'll be going to the vet, won't you? We had a mopey guy around the car. Our trainer had us do it like this... Get in the car, go somewhere fun, like the park, then the vet, then to the gourmet bark-ery, etc. Mix it up so Kona won't know the park = vet, etc.

[maui]

I meant all in the same trip up there ^. After getting in the car. Hope that makes sense.

[Barb04]

Thanks Maui, that did make sense. I actually like the part of the gourmet bark-ery for her and the bakery for me!

Kona is a bandog (pitbull & neopolitan mastiff).

Thanks so much doberluv for the idea of just sitting in the car.

We're definitely going to try all these ideas.

[maui]

Kona has such a sweet look, ahh. I've not heard the term "Bandog" before. I assume it's the Pitbull & Mastiff mix?

[Renee750il]

The fascinating thing about the Bandog/Bandogge, Maui, is that they were originally a very ancient breed that's been lost. This cross seems to be very close to what is known about the original Bandogge of old. There's a good piece about them at www.molosserdogs.com