[nagdu] Heavy traffic.

Tue Apr 14 13:18:23 UTC 2015

Thank you all for the advice.
I did call GDB yesterday and did get some tips from the trainer. It's pretty cool, because he was able to pull up a map of this area and could definitely tell that the sidewalks are very narrow. I'm going to try to get him more used to the traffic flow by heeling him to work and using my cane. I will praise and give a food reward when a loud vehicle goes by and he doesn't react. This morning, it worked well. 
I will definitely look into the rescue remedy too. Where is the best place to purchase it? Is it a spray? How does it work?
Thanks again!
Deanna and Mambo

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Vivianna via nagdu
Sent: Monday, April 13, 2015 1:07 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Heavy traffic.

Hi All.
if this was my dog, first of all, i would use rescue remedy whenever i am going out and will have to walk in heavy traffic.  then, i would carry the leash in my right hand and, when i hear a big truck coming, i would start talking to my dog;  her comes a truck.  it’s no big deal, it’s just a truck.  a nice loud truck.  blah blah blah.  you can use gentle pressure on the leash to keep him from veering away.
i would not stop, however,  since stopping is the behavior that you do not want, keep going.
i would be calling the school as well.  after all, you did specifically ask for a dog that can work well in this sort of situation.

and, remember, you can use the rescue remedy on yourself as well.  probably not a bad idea as, i am sure you are becoming stressed over the whole situation.  i sure would be.  
smiley.

Vivianna

> On Apr 13, 2015, at 11:15 AM, Danielle Sykora via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> 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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