Ivy is a 16 month-old Lab. When it's time to go to the beach, the two older dogs hop in straight away, but Ivy has to be picked up, (the correct way I might add). she has to be unloaded and on returning, she tries to stay put, and has to almost be dragged out. Occasionally recently, she has jumped in and out a couple of times when she has seen something she wants to get at. At her age, is it reasonable to expect to have to lift her in and out, bearing in mind the young dogs development?
Hi Biscuitbum, It might be worth asking your vet to check her over for anything that would cause pain and put her off trying jump up and down. Assuming that comes back clear, you could try rewarding the behavior (when it happens) with really great treats, to fire up her enthusiasm for doing it. Or you can buy ramps specifically designed to help dogs get into cars
We have taught our dogs to put their paws up so we can lift their rear into Pickup or Hatch back, if they needed help. It can be useful when they get old. All of our dogs have been happy to jump in or out of our car when they were young. Cooper can jump into the back of our Suburban, even when it is parked facing up a steep hill (our driveway) but she is a tall lanky dog.
