I've been getting our Collie x Kelpie to jump into the 4Runner and onto the Land Cruiser tray - it's not been too bad, as she's been paws up onto what ever surface is going for the last few months. Managed to get her to jump in the 4Runner last weekend...
We found the following helped:
- Stand next to where you want them to go - they need to know you're there for them if they get it wrong (catching them if need be)
- Use the same command each time - she has Hop Up as her command (when she's in ear shot...)
- Be a bit harsh - we'd push her off if she only put her paws up on the tailgate, and send her off again
- Work out if they need a run up or not - she needs a short run up, but can nearly do it from a sitting start now.
She was trying to jump onto the Land Cruiser, but got it wrong and nearly fell - I was next to her so caught her straight away, so that was good. It did knock her confidence so we had to work on the hop up again for the 4Runner, 3 push offs and then another go, she got it sorted.
On the flip side, we watched her full sister (same age, just a bit shorter at the shoulders) jump 6'4" at the
Nundle Dog Race's dog jump ... the frame at the back of the truck is where the planks slot in and the dogs take a short run up to meet their owners at the top. It all depends on knowing that you're there to support them.