i have just adopted a lovely spaniel who is approx 9. He is a great dog exept he is aweful in the car. He is an ex working dog and I think the only time he has been in the car is when he had work to do. He jumps all over the place and cries with exitement. Does anyone know how to control this. I think I should put him in the car several times a day for a trip around the block so he doesnt associate the car with walks. Also his recall while on a walk is bad which surprised me. he disappears for about half and hour and I panic! Are there any particular commands that is used for a working dog other than "come". I would appreciate a reply.

Hi Jillmc
lovely to hear about your new addition :)
I don't know anything about Spaniels so am not much help but I would def advise you to to put a harness on him, and attach to the seatbelt, when he's in the car.
If he's jumping about, he could very easily distract you, and cause an accident.
Regards the driving round the block, I would think that's a good idea....you've got nothing to loose :)
Someone else will prob be along who can offer more substantial advise.
Good luck the both of you :)

Maybe one of the reasons this dog is available is that he is a "failed" working dog?

Dogs should always be restrained in vehicles either by a cage, with a dog guard and tailgate or a safety belt.

Your idea of taking him no place in particular is a good one; alternatively you can cover him up like a budgie which works on some dogs.

As for his recall, has he got a reason to come back? You could try getting a gundog whistle and see if he responds to that. If not it is back to square one in the house, garden with his dinner and feeding him on walks!

HTH

"alternatively you can cover him up like a budgie which works on some dogs."

What a picture that conjures up PMSL
Anne:-D

With regards the recall, i have a gundog book (fairly old, but i'm sure they probably still work this way) that says they use a whistle. One 'toot' means stop and "several short toots or blasts means recall". Prehaps this is why the recall is poor, as he doesn't understand the word come?