[nagdu] Fear of a crossing and the area around it.

[Steven Johnson]

Contact PD, and have them watch the area when you are around it, and have
them uphold the white cane law in your state.  Basically, a sting operation.



-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Deanna Lewis
Sent: Tuesday, December 31, 2013 1:03 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
(nagdu at nfbnet.org)
Subject: [nagdu] Fear of a crossing and the area around it.



Hello,
Here is some info about a situation that I am having difficulty with and
would like suggestions and help on how to work past this...
I live in a suburb that is very walkable. I can walk to work, a grocery
store, pharmacy, bank, and a few restaurants. I love to get out and walk,
but this one area is causing a big problem for us. I've been walking in this
area for almost a year, but have only lived here for about 8 months.
At this one intersection, which is pretty busy there is a McDonalds attached
to a gas station. The intersection itself is not bad, there is an audible
pedestrian signal, which helps a lot. But, just past the intersection is the
entrance to McDonalds. There are several cars that turn in and out of that
driveway. I treat it as a street crossing, having Pascal stop when we reach
the driveway, then we listen and make sure it's ok to cross. Even though I
have very good mobility skills and pay close attention, we have had some
traffic checks and close calls at that entrance, due to drivers not paying
attention. I try to stay calm and cool when doing this crossing, but it's
really affected Pascal.
When we head in that direction and approach the main crossing, he will start
to balk up. He will walk super slow and pretty much refuse to walk. I've
tried Hopp up, praise, leash gestures forward, food rewards, and much more
but it doesn't seem to help. Sometimes, the only way to get him to go is to
drag him. I've even tried to use my cane and heel him past this area. We
haven't had any close calls lately, but the problem appears to be getting
worse.
I've called GDB and worked with my field rep and an O & M instructor on this
a few months ago. Of course, when someone is with us, he is on his best
behavior and works perfectly. I really would like someone from GDB to come
back out and work on this with us, but I don't think they will consider it
very important. They wouldn't send anyone a few months ago.
If I could, I would avoid this McDonalds entrance at all costs, but I need
to pass by it in order to go to several places. And now Pascal is slowing
down and refusing to move several hundred feet from the area, so I don't
think I can walk on the opposite side of the road to avoid it, he still
seems to fear that general area. I'm at a loss. It really restricts my
mobility as I would like to take him with me, but with his reluctance of
this area, I am tempted to leave him at home while I do my shopping. A lot
of times we go this way after work, so I can't just leave him at work either
and use my cane.
Any ideas on how we can get him past his fear? Or things I can try?
Thank you all so much! And Happy New Year!
Deanna and Pascal


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