Mia

Sometimes in the car I try to get in the front seat and get aggressive when I'm not allowed. What can prevent this?

We currently do not use a seat belt or restraint for Mia as we have just been in the city and she loves sticking her head out the window and having a great time, however more recently she has been trying to get into the front seat with us, and when we tell her no, she freaks outs and tries to bite our hands or sometimes even the drivers ears! We realize this is so dangerous and it has to stop. Are there gates for cars (similar to what you would use in the back of an SUV?). I am afraid Mia would not go for the seatbelt and try to chew through it. She is quite high energy and can be very stubborn. Any ideas?


Asked by Mia on Jun 25th 2009 in Car Travel
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Katie

Hi Mia!
Just like me, you think you should be in charge, and in front, like the driver! My humans used a crate in the back seat until I reached about 55 pounds, then I was too big for the crate and we changed to a dog seat belt.

I didn't like it at first, but we took it slowly. My mom introduced it to me in the house, using praise and treats when I approached and sniffed it. Then she put it partway on and treated me, then took it off. The next day, she put it all the way on and treated me. I walked around, trying to rub it off, but we started playing a game and finally I forgot it was on.
The next day, we put it on again and after a few minutes, went out to the car for a short drive. I didn't try to chew it off because I was so happy to go for a ride!

Try this after taking a long walk, so you're more tired and less likely to protest and chew.
Do you know "sit" and other basic commands? You need to trust your humans' leadership, so try some training to help overall with your behavior.


Katie answered on Jun 25th.

Other Answers


Answers

Jade

That IS a scarey situation. I've never seen a gate that fits a car, unless you count the bars in the back of passing police cars as gates! You may need to try the harness/restraints before she causes an accident.


Jade answered on 6/25/09. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Rusty

There are barriers you can use to block the space between the back seat and the front. Here is a link to one site that sells them: www.futurepets.com
I know how hard this can be because Rusty used to be like that, (He actually did chew through a seat belt - but not his, the one in the car!)


Rusty answered on 6/25/09. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 1 Report this answer


Dieta

a crate
or a barrier for the center of the car, they are online but kind of costly.


Dieta answered on 6/25/09. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


Sassy

I agree with crating. I had a high energy Jack Russell and he turned into pretzel dog when on a harness and seat belt. Letting her stick her head out the window could be trouble as well. I saw a little dog jump from a stopped RV once. And a dog can get through a smaller opening than you think. I miss having the dogs on the seat near me but it is safer to drive with them crated.


Sassy answered on 6/25/09. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 1 Report this answer


Max

QVC had a cheapie car carrier for dogs for ~$25 on their Pet Shop show last night. They had large and small.
www.qvc.com

(A secret confession - I am addicted to QVC!)


Max answered on 6/26/09. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer


My Little Demon

Bamboo makes a leash that has a seat belt attachment on the end. You put the dog in the back seat- hook the attachment into the seat belt holder and the dog can only go as far as the adjustable leash allows. Keeps them safe and secure in the Back Seat. Our Sibes are now mad at us because we use these leashes. If you need help finding one- contact us.


My Little Demon answered on 6/29/09. Helpful? Yes/Helpful: No 0 Report this answer