Growling in the car

[Amy and Truman]

Truman sometimes growls when someone approaches his side of the car during afternoon school pickup. I know it is insecure/fear reaction and it must have something to do with feeling confined in the seat, or maybe the people are so up close to his face, I don't know? He doesn't have this reaction on the ground unless someone is wearing a hat or hood ( which we are working on). I would love ideas for helping him overcome his insecurities since everyone wants to love on the big guy!

He has sucessfully passed three levels of training, although it has been a couple months and we need a refresher course. I have defiantly slacked off in the training department lately and have got to do better. Any ideas or suggestions would be great. We are off now for pickup, so hopefully he will be a good boy!

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

I would think it's because they are so close AND he is restrained. Maybe a couple training treats to direct his attention to you instead of the people? Good luck!

[Bonnie and Kona]

It has been my observation that there are a lot of dogs that become "territorial" in their cars. They are happy-go-lucky, easy-going, friendly dogs on the ground but put them in their cars and they become resource guarders. I am basing this on observation... not fact. I am looking forward to other's responses.

[Moe]

You could practice it in your driveway with friends. You could treat him when he is being good when people approach. Mayne keeping the leash on in the car and giving him a correction when he growls.

[Amy and Truman]

Good idea! Plenty of neighbors to practice on, that might just work...

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

This is not such a bad thing. My friendly guy does this also. Really, must he be petted in his car? If he is friendly enough but doesn't like others approaching the car- it's not so bad. Kind of like, 'you like other people but you don't want to meet and greet in your bedroom'. Your dog may feel trapped by those over exhuberant but lovely people. There is a time and place for every thing.
avoid this for awhile. Have you left him alone and gone into a store?
I often return to find, well meaning people teasing my dog somewhat. Smiling, giggling, pointing, making funny sounds, and waving arms. They may think this is cute but it can be torture on an excitable dog. Make sure this is not happening while you leave him. It may be aggregating the problem.
On another note- I was pulled over by the police late the other night. Just Spud and I in the car. I swerved to miss some deer along the side of the road and the police thought I had something else going on.
I don't know if they let me go because I had a dog in the car or because they could tell I was not drinking but I was immediately dismissed. Spud certainly told that guy to stay away ;) He just knew that someone coming up to his car late at night is not a normal thing. The police saw enough, did not want to get closer and ended it faster than I had ever experiaced a traffic stop before! Thank you Spud.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Geez, I got pulled over for speeding and Vern growled, but I still got that stupid ticket :) I am moving to Ohio..LOL!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Oh no. Look out Ohio. That bird-flipping woman is moving to Ohio now and will be soon running all the peaceful drivers off our roads.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I have calmed down since my last ticket :) LOL

[Amy and Truman]

That's so funny! Maybe I should keep the growl just in case, lol!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Amy, It didn't work for me....LOL!! Maybe Joanne batted her eyes at the cop better than I did!!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Vern does this in the car, too. I don't think it is a bad thing, and I only tell him no when I think it is out of line. The other day the most obnoxious walker almost caused me to go off the road because he  walked directly in front of my car when I did not have to stop.  Sure enough, I saw him again when stopped at a stop sign and he walked so closely to my car that I was glad when Vern barked and growled.  I hope he had to go change his jogging shorts when he got home...LOL!!

[Annie Oak]

I believe its totally territorial.  My previous dog did this. I was his BFF and if we got in the car to go home and my Mom or sister (that he LOVED) would come up to pet him and say goodbye, he would growl.  He wanted to go home now and not be taken out of the car.  I always knew he would never be stolen from the car. We also had him our  cabin while we were skiing and he growled at our friends who were still there and not joining us.  He did not want to leave the cabin he knew we would come back to. .He was the smartest Border Collie/ Lab mix.                  RIP Maxie!