[nagdu] Heavy traffic.

[Cindy Ray]

I had a dog that did that and I forced the issue to the point where she
wouldn't work for me anymore. The dogs sometimes are fearful if they see the
vehicles, especially large ones, coming toward them. I was advised to try to
find another route, taking the dog for just short trips on this one until it
got better. The second dog I had that acted like that did ultimately adjust
to the traffic. 
Cindy


-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Deanna Lewis via
nagdu
Sent: Monday, April 13, 2015 7:59 AM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
(nagdu at nfbnet.org)
Subject: [nagdu] Heavy traffic.

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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