Tuesday Training Byte: Teaching your dog to load in a car

First teaching an "Up" command is very useful for several applications. It is a good starting point for chaining behaviors. In addition, it is good preventative practice to not permit a young dog to jump in or out of vehicles as it can cause joint and ligament damage. The bony growth plates do not close until 18 months or 2 years in the large breeds, and not until perhaps 12 months in small breeds. The steps are in the case you do not have a ramp.

1. I start by teaching the "Up" command putting the front paws on a low surface about 8 inches. I might use a food lure as I point and if the dog needs more encouragement, I gently place one front paw on the object while praising. Then I move to a slightly higher object about 12 inches high. A low step stool or foot stool works well for this.

2. Next, if you have a friend help it is easier to accomplish. Take your pup out to your vehicle. You friend will be on the passenger side and you will be on the driver side. With both doors open, toss you friend the end of the leash and armed with some treat. Now you place a couple of treat on the back seat or floor board just out of your pup's reach. Point and tell your dog to "up!" Your friend will call the pup his direction while gathering the leash gently.

3. Once the dog has his front feet inside, grab a rear foot and place it on the running board (or you can use the step stoll he is already used to using). Give your dog a little boost under his hind end while saying "Load". praising and giving him more treats. I continue to do this making my dog wait for my assistance with his rear foot and hind end until even my big ma;e Rottweilers are 2 years old. After that I just command them to "Load".

4. If I am putting my dog into the rear cargo of my SUV, I may need to continue to just command the up while I pick up the rear end and boost them end if they are too small a dog or less agile. For my dogs until age 2 years, I assist them under the front end when getting them out, and not just letting the jump down as this is hard on the elbows and shoulders.