Big dog’s behavior baffles owners

Q: Rusty, our shepherd/rottweiler mix, weighs 165 pounds. He runs and slides on the floors, and we are afraid he is going to break something. The vet told us he has an underactive thyroid and placed him on medication. How can we stop the running and sliding? We’ve tried walking with him, and it does not help.

We also have a new van that he will not go in. He went in once and got so anxious we had to take him back home. He loves going for rides, but we can’t get him to go in it, even if our other dog goes. Do you have any ideas of how to slow down his running, and how to get him to go in the new van? — Ray, Penny, Bruno and Rusty

A: Rusty sounds like a dog who loves to have fun. Does he only slide on slick surfaces, like kitchen floors, or does he slide anywhere and anytime? Without seeing him, I can only say that he sounds very energetic and playful.

Have you considered doing more with him than just going for walks and the occasional game of fetch? At 165 pounds, Rusty is not exactly an “agility” type dog, but perhaps something like agility training would provide a workout. Along with learning an alternative way to use his body (besides heroic slides into second base), he could pick up an added dose of confidence. Contact a professional trainer about this possibility.

Which leads into his second issue: getting into the new van. Obviously, something doesn’t sit right with him. How much bigger is this van than your old vehicle? Was he kept in a carrier or tucked snugly in the back seat of the old car? Is the van much roomier? If so, all the shaking around could make him anxious. Consider placing a Rusty-size kennel cage (if possible) into the van and tucking him into that to reduce motion and perhaps relieve his anxiety.