Charlie was definitely wise to the car switch this time and didn’t want to go in. I tried the usual tricks for awhile, but when he abjectly refused I clipped the leash to his collar, and he followed me back to the car and went right in without protest.
We had a nice walk, and at the end Of Charlie was tired and had no interest in going back in the car, neither through the hatch or door. He flatly lay down and refused to budge. I gave him a couple of minutes to rest – he was genuinely out of breath – and then again, clipped the leash to his collar instead of the harness. And again, it took only minimal pulling to direct him into the back seat.
A couple of thoughts:
The blanket in the back covers up some pretty big gaps where Charlie still gets his paws caught. Perhaps a stiffer may underneath would make Charlie feel more secure there.
Treats are definitely still a big part of the equation, but they alone are not enough to motivate him.
I love him making progress, knowing this will afford him so much more freedom!
