Advice please: how to get a dog into a car?

I need to get Ozzy to the vets to have him checked over. In recent weeks he has stopped getting on the bed when I go out; has had a couple of occasions where he won't go up the stairs, other times takes a couple of attempts to get going but outright refuses to get into the car!

I bought a ramp and practised first with it flat on the floor indoors - he was fine with it; then put it on the step from the dining room down into the kitchen - fine with that. So, no issues apparent with him using the ramp so went ahead and made an appointment with the vet for this afternoon Decided it might be prudent to try him with the car yesterday: massive fail!! He simply wouldn't attempt the ramp

I sat in the boot of the car, gave him lots of encouragement but after 10 minutes of that, he simply sat, with his back towards me, and stared off into the distance in the opposite direction. Now, as he is part Mal, I *know* when the game is up; once he puts his stubborn head on ...

Cancelled todays appointment (bitterly disappointed!) but I simply *must* find a way to get him there (I fear he may either be having issues with this hips, or even the start of joint issues - but, that's a shot in the dark until I can get him properly assessed!). He isn't limping, just no longer "jumping".

He weighs 60 kilos so there is no way I could lift him into the car, nor would I wish to just in case it causes him any unnecessary pain.

Open to suggestions, please?

 

I take it that he used to jump into the car without a problem?
And has only recently stopped doing it?

 

Ah, bless. Poor Ozzy. Coax him in with treats, favourite toy, a great big stick? Hope you do manage to get him seen to soon

 

Ok, my dogs are only 30kgs each, but...

Can you lift up his front end? Stand facing him, but a little to one side. Put one hand between his front legs, with fingers splayed across the width of his chest, and your other hand/arm over the top of his shoulders, scooping your hand under his chest from one side. Then you can lift his front end up, and put his front paws on the boot rim. Then walk behind him, and lift his back end up, nearly level with his front. Most dogs in this situation will naturally take a few steps forward. Praise him, and gently step forward with his hind legs...

Car ramps are difficult to teach, even when they "understand" the concept of a ramp. I am not surprised you have a few problems!

 

From what you say I think he might be associating the car with the problem, and he`s thinking he will not chance it hurting him.
I think it might be a good idea to book a home visit.
One of my own dogs has shown signs of stiffness and pain in her front legs - I told her ''I know the feeling'' and bought collars for both dogs with magnets in them. (they are both 11 years old)
I honestly noticed a big difference in them within a few days - magic!
Wishing Ozzy well.

 

Oh poor Ozzie he seems young to be suffering joint/hip problems, he`s only about 6/7 isn`t he,??.
I am training my friends labrador to use the ramp to get into my car, he is grossly overweight, 45 kilos, she says she is cutting him down. he has to have injections every month, also a daily painkiller for joint problems, £38 call out charge, which on top of the injection £25, £56 for 32 painkillers my friend just cannot afford it, we seem to be succeeding as he will go up and down, with a tiny treat at the end, vets due next week, time will tell.

 

Throwing a piece of cooked sausage in the car works wonders with our Dog.

 

Thank you all for taking the time to read and reply, I really appreciate it.

Yes and yes.

Thank you for your well written and constructive instructions, I shall attempt that tomorrow and see how he reacts.

Possibly - except, I've moved house twice since we've had him and so my vet is now a bit of a distance away. Trouble is, I trust that vet entirely so the distance hasn't been an issue before (well, when Ozzy went into the car without a hitch)! Don't know if the distance will be a barrier to a home visit?

Five and a half now pam (great guess though, I'm impressed!). Because of his breed/mix and size, I know his lifespan is shorter than the average.

I'll cook some sausages

 

We've been incredibly lucky because our vets from 16 miles away opened a new surgery in our village! We were able to carry our puppy there, only a 3 minute walk from home for his first visit in a cardboard box, but he's got a bit bigger now:

 

Lovely colouring @Scrungee What's puppies name ?

 

When we were out last WE , someone in a volvo estate used a plastic ramp to get their lab' out and presumably into the car. Have you anything that would make a wide ramp for Ozzy? Then entice with sausages , they can't refuse !

 

He is absolutely GORGEous!

Hmm might have to drop a hint, or three, to my vet about the value of having a practise here - even if only for one day a week!

The ramp I bought is definitely wide enough, but, thinking about it, it may be the angle against the car which is proving a bit daunting (certainly higher than when the ramp is flat on the floor, or propped up against one step!)? If it were twice as long and not quite so steep an angle, I may have stood a better chance

But, I'm not one to give up easily! Tomorrow I shall get the ramp out again, make sure I've got some cooked sausages in my pocket and ... to battle I will go! Be it ramp or Sian's hug-n-go advice, I shall do my utmost to make this work.
See, I *know* he needs looking over, I've even watched him closely, felt him all over and I *think* I can even pinpoint the area which is giving him issues (right hip). I also believe that once seen, and treatment given, the car shouldn't prove so much of an issue.

Mind you, I am having to rethink the logistics of having an extra large dog and the practicalities of seeking treatment as he ages. Somehow, I don't think this will be the only time it is a problem. Once I get to see his vet (lovely man!), I'll discuss his policy on home visits etc., and then make appropriate choices. But, for now, it's a matter of *getting* him there

 

Not heard of those before, so thank you for the suggestion. Off to research!

 

If you get him one, dont go near any manhole covers or lamp posts.