[nagdu] Heavy traffic.

[Danielle Sykora]

My dog has never had any problem with traffic so I can't say I have
experienced this myself. These tecniques are ones I have used with my
dog on his only fear issue, potentially aggressive dogs, that might be
helpful.

If you use food rewards, you could try giving Mambo a treat when a
large vehicle passes by and he remains calm. You could start when the
vehicle is farther away and gradually decrease the distance at which
you reward for calmness. You could apply the same with praise, giving
praise as soon as you hear a large vehicle and continuing until it has
passed. If it is possible, you could ask your dog to perform a task he
particularly enjoys in the presence of these vehicle. For example, my
dog loves the touch command for some reason so I will ask him to
"touch" when he seems to be distracted or stressed.

Just some thoughts
Danielle and Thai
On 4/13/15, Marianne Denning via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> When you hear or see a big vehicle coming stop and work to calm him.
> Then give him a treat and praise and continue on your way.
>
> On 4/13/15, Deanna Lewis via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 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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>
>
> --
> Marianne Denning, TVI, MA
> Teacher of students who are blind or visually impaired
> (513) 607-6053
>
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