Re- Dog jumping / walking on my car

Question
Dear Chris,

I have a male German Shepherd (aged 2 years) who is very obedient, yet very energetic.  Lately, he seems to be jumping on my car at night and walking all over the hood and roof of the car.  I never catch him on the car, as it is when I am sleeping - I see the telltale signs in the morning - muddy pawprints all over.  Unfortunately, I don't have a garage and would like to purchase a new car, however, his behaviour has made me hold back.  Is there ANYTHING I can do to make him stop doing this?  Thank you

Answer
Hi, Tracy,

It's very difficult to correct a behavior if we're not present when it's happening.  Punishing a dog after the fact does nothing to correct the behavior because they don't make the association between the action and the result.

http://www.billfoundation.org/html/modifying_behavior.html
http://www.marinhumanesociety.org/behavior/Handouts/TreatsConsequences.pdf
http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/Inout-dog.pdf

I would suggest either putting the dog in a dog kennel at night or bringing him inside.  That would be the best way to be sure he's not getting on your car if you're unable to supervise his behavior.