Suddenly refusing to get in the car

[AnnaVC]

My rescue collie Tess, who I've had since February, has until the last 10 days been absolutely fine in the car. She would jump in no problem and be perfectly content. For the last 10 days or so that has suddenly changed. She starts trembling when she sees me getting ready to take her out and when we get to the car she sits or lies down and refuses to get in. I've managed to coax her or lift her in and she will tremble for about 5 minutes but then settles down and is absolutely fine again.
I can't pinpoint anything specific that happened to suddenly make her do this and I can't seem to convince her that it's really ok. When we go in the car it's always to go for a walk which she loves so it's not like she can be associating it with going somewhere she doesn't like.
I'm really puzzled! Does anyone have any idea what I can do to get her past this?
Thank you.

 

[Mad Murphy]

Hi there,
For a start Id check her out to make sure she doesnt have a sprain or strain in any muscles or joints just in case its painful for her to get in and out..
Then Id say although you think nothing has happened obviously Tess thinks differently. It might be a sharp braking or a tight turn that threw her off balance or maybe even a siren or toot that you didnt even think about but its spooked her.

If it isnt medical maybe just not taking her in the car is an option for a few days then sitting in the stationary car until she gets used to the idea of it again.

 

[JudyN]

I agree with @Mad Murphy . Assuming it's not medical, something has happened, even if it's nothing you could have noticed. I'd avoid the car for a few days to help her relax (still pick up the car keys or whatever a if you were going in the car), then maybe open and close the car door as you walk past, then put a treat on the seat (or somewhere accessible) and let her take it without getting in the car, then progress to getting in and out... When you start driving again, start by just starting the engine, then by moving a couple of feet down the drive and back, then out into the road and back....

 

[arealhuman]

As @Mad Murphy's advice, then perhaps begin trying to get her to associate your car with good things beyond walks - so a gradual process, of getting her near it, putting treats in it for her to see/find, lots of encouragement etc. I think perhpas give her time to get her confidence back. Hope it helps - let us know how you both get on.

 

[leashedForLife]

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Is it cold / chilly, where U live?
It’s very possible that she got a nasty static-shock, hopping into the car & brushing the seat back, or simply stepping onto the synthetic upholstery - colder air lacks the bipolar ions of water vapor, which reduces static charges.
Cold air can’t hold the same humidity as warm air does.

She may have a strain or sprain in her forehand or rear, making entering the car painful- a bruise, a pulled tendon, a sore muscle or joint.
She may simply have had a fright, & associated it with entering the car.

I’d say vet 1st, as this is so sudden & a marked change in behavior; if the vet says she has no strains or pains, i’d presume it’s a bad experience, & start counter-conditioning immediately, to pair happy events with entering, riding in, & even exiting the car.
Do let us know how she gets on?

Digits crossed,
- terry

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[leashedForLife]

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How is the “car trips / cars as good things” project going?...

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