[NAGDU] Anxiety Issues

Joe Orozco jsoro620 at gmail.com
Thu Feb 9 15:51:32 UTC 2017


Hello,

I have a couple issues going on with my shepherd I hope you guys can
provide feedback, both demonstrations of anxiety:

First, on my commute to and from work, Matthew becomes restless. It's
grown in intensity to the point now where he sits up, lays down, and
trembles for the 1.5 hour-long bus ride. I've tried massaging his back
and shoulders, rubbing his ears, speaking softly, etc. I have not yet
tried treats, but I may consider this if that is what it takes. The
bus can become crowded. There is not a whole lot of foot space, and I
feel as though part of the issue could be his feeling stifled. Every
so often, once we hit open road, I allow him to stretch out into the
aisle, but even then he will want to sit up, throw a paw over my knee
and start panting, whining very low in his throat.

The second issue is tile floors. Though not consistent, there are
often times walking through lobbies and cafeterias where he will
either walk extremely slow and gingerly, or he will freeze for a
moment before lunging forward and skitter across the tile. I have to
let him carefully work it out. I understand lifting him off the ground
wont' solve anything, though I feel bad watching him spin his wheels
so to speak. His nails are not long. I have tried outfitting his nails
with tile grips, though he tends to lose these. I'm next going to try
to become more serious and consistent about clicker training, but if
anyone has other ideas on how to reduce this psychological block with
smooth floors, I would be very appreciative. He is three years old
and, to my knowledge, does not exhibit any physical medical problems
that could stimulate this behavior.

His guide work in general is adequate. Outside I have issues with him
not always walking as fast as I would like, but on carpet and
concrete, he is generally a good guide dog. He is a very quiet
shepherd, very sweet and loyal. Yet I confess these increasing bouts
of anxiety are becoming an issue.

Thanks in advance for any tips and/or suggestions.

Kind regards,

Joe




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