[nagdu] Heavy traffic.

[Deanna Lewis]

Good morning all,
I have been home just over a week with my new dog, Mambo. He is doing well so far, but we are having a slight issue. As many of you know, I had to retire my previous guide early, due to fear and anxiety issues. The thing that really increased his fears was travelling on the busy street that we live on. So, I specifically requested a dog that is good with heavy traffic and loud noises. During training, Mambo  and I did a lot of work in heavy traffic areas with buses and trucks travelling by. The streets we worked on during class were very similar to our home environment, there was no grass between the sidewalks and the street. The only difference that there may have been, was that the sidewalks here are a bit more narrow. He did well with traffic during class, but now that we have been home I've noticed he's acting a bit timid with the traffic.
When a bus or truck goes by, he will either slow down or stop. At times, he has even pulled away from the traffic and veered into driveways. He seems fine when cars go by, it's just the bigger vehicles that make him act like this. I should also say that the traffic is on our right and coming towards us, not from behind.
I know you may be wondering if I am anxious about the traffic because of Pascal's issues, and maybe Mambo is reacting to that. But, I really don't think that is it. I've been working very hard to not pass my previous fears onto the new dog. Months ago, I did notice that when travelling with my cane, I did get nervous at this difficult intersection, even without a dog. But, I have not been feeling stressed or anxious while walking down this street in a long time.
Another unusual thing about this is that Mambo tends to walk in the middle of the sidewalk, he does not hug the left side (which would be furthest from the street). So, I am not sure if the traffic is really bothering him or not.
If this continues, I will definitely call my field rep and ask that he come visit me or give me some advice.
Do you all know any techniques or tricks that I can try to get him more used to the buses and trucks that frequently pass by?
I thought about doing obedience exercises on the sidewalk, next to the street. Any other ideas?
What should I do when he slows down or stops? I have been telling him to hopp up if he starts to veer into driveways.
Thank you all so much!
Deanna and Mambo


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