[NAGDU] Anxiety Issues

[Daryl]

Hey Joe! Sorry to hear that this seems to be an issue. I hope you're able to get to the bottom of it. One thing that I found makes a difference is the direction the dog is facing. If we are sitting facing forward, my dog tends to get a little bit antsy. I wonder if there is a little bit of motion sickness going on, because for shorter trips it doesn't seem to be an issue, but for long trips we have to face sideways. I think that this might be an issue or something to try. Maybe change the direction that your dog is facing when you guys are on the bus. My dog actually makes it a habit of Finding Me seats on the train that face sideways rather than forward. I don't know what does it just about the tile, but maybe try the rubber boots. They're called Pawz. Good

On February 9, 2017 10:01:29 AM MST, Tracy Carcione via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>Hi Joe.
>Sorry to hear this.  Anxiety can be a bear.
>On my commuter bus, there are a couple seats in the middle that are
>extra-far apart so as to accommodate a wheelchair.  I always try to get
>one
>of these seats, as I feel it gives my dog a bit more space.  My
>previous dog
>had space issues, and seemed to feel uncomfortable in an ordinary seat.
>I've even asked people to move out of one of the big seats.  I figure,
>hey,
>the seats are meant for disabled people, and my dog is more comfortable
>there, so people can move if I need it.
>If your bus has something similar, you could try sitting there.
>
>My dog Echo had issues with bumpy roads while riding the bus.  She
>would get
>up or wiggle around.  I tried quiet petting, but finally I think I just
>calmly told her to lie down, gave her a pat, and ignored her.  It's
>been a
>long time now, and I don't totally remember, but she did get over it.
>
>Would something like Musher's wax help your guy get a better grip on
>tile?
>I don't use it, so I don't know; it just seems possible.
>
>The Eye is always there, if you want to give them a call.  Not always
>helpful, but sometimes they have good suggestions.
>Good luck.
>Tracy
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Joe Orozco
>via
>NAGDU
>Sent: Thursday, February 09, 2017 10:52 AM
>To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
>Cc: Joe Orozco
>Subject: [NAGDU] Anxiety Issues
>
>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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