Getting in/out of the car

[Chris Houtchens]

Harley is about 6 months old. He loves to run and jump when he plays but he won't get in and out of the car or truck. I have to lift him in and out. He steped in and out of my show car but it sits very low. The 2 vehicles he's in the most he won't even attemp and now is acting a bit scared when I open the door. Are there any suggestions or tricks anyone has?

[Adina P]

What kind of car do you drive normally? What entrance does he use?

[Chris Houtchens]

Most of the time it's a large pickup, Dodge Ram 3500 4x4. It sits high but has running boards. He goes through the rear door. I try to get him to go from the running board to the floor to the seat. I will help and show him where to put his feet. When he gets to the floor he'll get right up on the seat and that is the highest and tightest point. I've also tried the front door and he doesn't like that. when getting out he won't budge unless I go to pick him up. I tried to lower him down when he had his front paws on my shoulders. He then jumped over my head to get away from the falling shoulders but that was the only time he did that now he just backs back into the truck. The other car is a Cadillac SRX small SUV. He usually goes into the rear but we tried him in the back seat. The first time in the back seat he climbed right in but that was it. He wouldn't get out and when we went to leave he wouldn't go back in. He jumped out of the back once but never again. We've tried treats, toys and even sitting outside the open door for about 45 minutes. He just looks at us and gives a bark on occasion.