Hoover is a 21 month old flat coated retriever who refuses to get into his owners' car.

Dr Harry's Solution:

Sounds crazy doesn't it? Most dogs just love the car, and even Hoover's litter brother does! The reasons for his reluctance can be many and varied. Perhaps it was a bad experience, such as a painful trip to the vet, an injury suffered while getting in or out of a vehicle, the fear of travel sickness, or even worse, claustrophobia.

Forcing Hoover into the car makes matters worse as it intensifies his fear. He must WANT to get into the car, and the best way to do that is to make it worthwhile for him.

This is done by using food as a reward. Gradually we entice the dog closer and closer to the car, and finally get him to place his two front legs into the footwell, behind the passenger seat. He then reaches to take a special treat from the car seat.

In the space of four hours, that's as far as we could get, but in time, Hoover will gladly get right into the car as the owners continue to reward his 'conquering' of fear.

In exceptional cases, we may need to use medication if the fear sensation becomes an actual panic attack. Your vet can help.