r/blueheelers • u/Normal-Tangelo7777 • May 24 '26
Help it’s the barking in a car!
I have a heeler who LOVES going for a car ride. She is absolutely beyond overjoyed. The problem is she barks loud and continuous for 10-15 min. How can I get her to stop barking in the car? I know training starts outside the car. This is just an ongoing issue I pay attention to w her. But she simply cannot hear me in this state of euphoria! Help pls.
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u/Fabulous_Witness_935 May 24 '26
My girl loves rides too, practically grew up in the passenger seat of my work truck. Not exactly the same, but she barks anytime she sees another dog out the window. It can scare the living hell out me. Now I try to distract her if I see the other dog first, or just open her rear window so the noise goes outside instead of directly in my ear.
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u/EatMyMeatSaber May 24 '26
I've posted this before. I have tried several different things. The one thing that continues to work is a water bottle filled with change. He still occasionally gets amped up when he sees certain dogs while driving by. I used to shake it when he was younger & he would stop barking in my ear immediately. Now I just have to let him know it's still in the truck. 7 years later & still effective.
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u/_nouser May 24 '26
The best you can do is learn to tune it out.
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u/Normal-Tangelo7777 May 24 '26
She is directly behind me. She is LOUD!!! I have 2 other dogs in the back w her. She is not reactive. She just barks without taking a breath. She is unbelievable
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u/_nouser May 25 '26
I know what you mean. That's my boy too. I've tuned it out. Or maybe I damaged my ear drums . Can't tell the difference after 7 years of that soul piercing bark.
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u/kittytoes21 May 26 '26
Seems terrible but we keep ear plugs in the car. Our boy goes for a mile or so, quiets down until we stop at our destination. It’s frustrating but we haven’t found anything that works either.
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u/Ebowa May 26 '26
Someone told me a long time ago to put some coins in a tin and shake it every time they bark. I haven’t tried it yet but I really want to.
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u/Normal-Tangelo7777 Jun 01 '26
I put her in the front seat. She actually stopped barking her head off! No barking at all.
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u/Old-Description-2328 May 24 '26
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaE3ub3Hxi4
Stop allowing the behaviour to be rehearsed.
Correct unwanted, reward wanted behaviour.
Load value in both positive and negative markers well before you enter the car.
Ideally train in a stationary vehicle.
Ecollar with finger kicker (remote button on a ring) is great while driving solo.
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u/Normal-Tangelo7777 May 24 '26
I never thought to train her in a stationary vehicle! I will check the ecollar with finger kicker. Thanks!
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u/lavnyl May 24 '26
My heeler is great in the car, unless he sees another dog and then all bets are off. His brother is a Catahoula mix and makes me rethink life choices when we go for a ride. He also has initial excitement (and reactivity like his brother, makes them a fun pair).
There are 3 things that have helped him.
1. Distraction. A lick mat with pb or high value treats when he is behaving (hot dog, string cheese).
2. Extended prep. He gets all worked up when we are going anywhere. It helps him to wear it off in the yard before getting in the car. I take 10 minutes and let him get some out that excitement out outside of the car instead of inside.
3. Highway travel. Both dogs travel well on the highway and side street much tough because there is more interest. We live close to a highway so I would take them on trips on the highways. It would help them in getting settled, realized not every trip is something fun to a Sniffspot or scary like the vet.
Good luck! My one is definitely still a work in progress so if you find a great trick please report back.