Category: Animal House
hi!
During my training of my new guide dog, I have noticed that she really doesn't like our LRT (light Rapid Transit) trains verymuch. She is willing to work on them, but is a little bit squeamish about standing and waiting for the train to stop and seems anxious to get off the train as quickly as possible at our stop. I think it might be due to the noise of the train (it is really loud and in spots sounds like metal on metal), so I understand why... do you think that more exposure would be good for her? Should I use treats to associate the train with "good things"? Or just leave things as they are and hope she'll just get better at it. She's willing to work, able to do so, so that's not a concern. Any advice would be great!
Kate
wow, I am surprised that she was not trained to deal with loud noises. but, nonetheless, if it were me, I would not use treats. I am completely opposed to that sort of training method. use praise. the dog should be willing to work for you because she likes you and wants to please you not because you gave her a cookie. and, yes, she should get used to the trains. after a few times she will associate trains with going places and, from then on you should not have problems.
also, try to maintain an attitude that conveys, hey, no prob, it's just a train. act like nothing is happening. treat the dog as if you were walking down a street. don't get her used to you getting all gooey or gushy or whatever over a train. it's just a mode of transport, no big deal.
when I get on light rail, if I am going to be on there for a while, I put my dog down under my seat with her head between my feet. if I am getting off shortly, then I have her sit between my legs.
good luck.
She is quite used to the trains in the location where she's been doing her pre-placement training, but they are not nearly as loud and rattly (our trains are over 30 years old and seem on the verge of falling apart).
I am normally against treats for stuff like this, but it as just an idea. Hopefully with more exposure she'll get used to it... it isn't affecting her willingness to work, but I know she really doesn't like them.
Kate
Hello,
When I moved with my guide to Washington DC when I married my husband, he did not like trains at first either. I did what poast 2 suggested and just treated them like a normal thing. I do believe in treats though, so when he got me in safely and to a seat, he got a food reward. I would treat when he does a fabulous job and make sure not to get all gushy mushy about it. He will start expecting you to be that way every time which won't be good.
Hey! We took the train again... she got a little shaky and creeped out on our way to our destination, but settled down quickly. On the way back she did much ebtter. My trainer seems to think it will get better with my exposure, so she recommends taking the train at least 1-2 times a week, even when not necessary, just to keep her used to them. This shouldn't behard to do!
Kate
Take her to W E M? Can't remember if the train goes out that way, but it'd be an outing for Jenny and you could get her exposed to large crowds... Christmas _is_ coming...
ICK! I hate WEM!
She is pretty good with smaller malls (even busy ones). LOL
Kate
Yay! Yesterday we did some stuff on the trains, and she did beautifully! Our last trip, she found me the door and a seat NO PROBLEM!
Very happy!
Kate
awesome, smiles.
Just a quick update. we've done the train three more times and she handles it like a pro! I just need to work on her sitting while waiting for the door to open, but even that's coming along nicely!
Kate
That is so good to hear and well done to the both of you, smiles.
Glad to here all is working out with the train. When I had my second guide, he got to bold with the train tracks where I live, and they had to retrain him. As for my third guide, since we take bart evry day practically, which is bay area rapid transit in my area, he has know problems. He'll sometimes shake when the train comes to a squeaky part of thee tracks, but a trainer just told me to tell him he's okay, then let him work it out for himself. That seems to work.
WildOrca, where did you get your dog from?
She's been taking the trains like a champ for the past 2.5 months. She still sometimes has a hard time finding me an empty seat while the train is moving, but it's getting so awesome! She doesn't rush off the train anymore, she has only missed a door once (according to the trainer, it's hard for her to see the colours)... so am vvery happy!
Kate
I got him from Guide Dogs of America. Glad to here she's still doing well.