My 5 month cocker pup seems to be a bad car traveller. He is never sick, but bites me continuously and really gets quite viscious (only in the car). He sits in the middle of the back seat - and I sit next to him. He is restrained by a harness but it still gives him enough reach to bite me. He has his favourite toy with him and a hide chew - but is not interested in them. Should I put him in the back on his own until he is used to it or suffer the bleeding hands? He has always been 'mouthy' but is much improved in the house and only mounths occassionaly - never drawing blood as he does in the car! Is he just scared?
Your help would be much appreciated (first time dog owner)

Sally

Hi Sally,
You must be a saint to put up with being bitten in the car! I certainly wouldn't sit next to him - it doesn't sound as if your presence is reassuring him, so he may be better without you there.

Is it possible to crate him in your car? Then you could sit next to him if you wanted to but he wouldn't be able to bite you. Every time he 'gets away with' behaviour like this it will become more deeply ingrained.

Hope you manage to sort this - journeys must be a nightmare.
:)

I would suggest a crate too - you can always cover the crate up wth a blanket while you are in motion.
It may be down to anxiety or even feeling "sick" without actually being sick. If you get my drift
Have you tried him on his harness in the back while you sit in the front passenger seat ? If so , how does he react then ?
Good luck :)
Lel

I haven't tried him on his own in the back with his harness - he has been in his crate when I have been on my own (going to vets) and he was OK. The crate is just so big, we can't get all of us in the car! Do you think it is something he will just get used to eventually? Getting the harness on is another story!! He doesn't like me putting it on him and will try and bite me.
thanks for your helpful comments.

Sally

If he really doesnt like travelling in the car then he is going to associate the harness wth that "horrible" ride :( which is probablly why he tries to bite you when you put it on him.
Wh type of car have you got ? what about trying those bar thingys ( sorry cant remember the proper name ) that fit in the boot part and prevent the dog getting onto the back seat? Sorry - its been a long day but I'm sure you know what i mean ? ;)
Lel