my lovely dog shakes so badly when we get on a bus its emmbarrasing. everyone stares and goes aaaaaaaaaw. it looks like i mistreat her but its only when we get on a bus that she does this. Any suggestions? Iv tried giveng her treats when on a bus to distract her but she`s having none of it. We cannot avoid buses for-ever.
2006-11-16 03:29:16 · 9 answers · asked by donna s 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I feel for your dog. She is probably having anxiety attacks. You could check with your vet for a med that would calm her down just a bit before getting on the bus. She is nervous and just feels uneasy riding the bus. I do know this reaction isn't good for her. Like in people, I'm sure her blood pressure goes up and her heart rate is way to high. I hope you're not going on long trips and she doesn't have to go through this for any long length of time.
2006-11-16 03:37:48 · answer #1 · answered by ® 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your dog is scared of bus rides. Please do not try to sooth or console her in this situation, it will just inforce her behavior and dont let other people do it. She will think to herself " look at all the attention and pets I get from mommy when i'm scared, so it must be ok to be afraid." Act like bus rides are no big deal at all. Your dog can pick up on your and other peoples vibe.
Try yawning a lot when on the bus. Yawning is considered a calming signal in dog language. Also breathing deeply.
If you haven't, you might want to try yummier treats which are pea size pieces of turkey dogs, string cheese, freeze dried liver. Something that you dont give your dog often. I wouldn't feed her the treats when she is scared, again reinforcing the behavior you don't want. Instead use a very, very special treat to lure her on to the bus. She will start to relate going on the bus equals special yummy stinky treat. Only use this special treat for bus rides only and nothing else. Because dogs can get bored of the samethings.
There is a product called Bach Rescue Remedy that you can give your dog before bus rides to help calm her down.
2006-11-16 11:54:22 · answer #2 · answered by kiu 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you are doing well on helping her. The idea of giving her a treat when she gets on is good. Maybe if she is shanking so much you could of course comfort her and then when you get off the bus praise her and make a big deal out of saying good girl! and Then give her the treat. Just being consistant with the praise and treat after will make her realize she is doing something that pleases you and she will be rewarded. Also try taking a short bus ride, for a block or so and get off, doing this to "practice" with her so she knows she WILL be getting off the bus and getting that reward. Also like someone above said try bringing her in a blanket if she has one she likes cause if she is covered or wrapped in it a bit she may not feel as vulnerable. You're doing good!
2006-11-16 11:51:02 · answer #3 · answered by ♥Jade April♥ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good advice from a previous poster...do NOT comfort your dog when she's acting insecure. I agree, it will nurture the behaviour. I know it seems cruel, but giving affection when your dog is nervous will teach her to be nervous in that situation.
I wouldn't avoid the bus, infact I would try and make it a regular part of your routine. Even if you start out with just short trips so as not to traumatize her, increasing as she progresses. Perhaps advoiding rush hour and busy times if possible. The more times she rides the bus and nothing 'bad' happens, hopefully, the more she will trust this experience.
Good luck!
2006-11-16 12:09:14 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Many toy breeds suffer from anxiety problems, especially chihuahuas. I don't know what kind of do u have but just talk to her or keep her distracted for the bus ride. She may not like being in moving vehicles.
2006-11-16 11:51:24 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
does she only do this on a bus? how's she in a car?she may be doing it cause of all the strangers...her way of letting out stress.i would give her a teat after the ride only.holding her close to you will help her feel secure and let her know its okay.if she has a favorite toy take it with you,that way she will know its ok.the more fusing is done the worse she will be.
2006-11-16 12:02:33 · answer #6 · answered by wolfey481 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i don't know what kind of dog you have but don't feel bad about it; many dogs, especially smaller one, shake like that. there probably is next to nothing you can do about it. just go on the bus. your dog will be ok. all you can do is make her feel as comfortable and loved as possible. it's probably just a nervous habit.
2006-11-16 11:34:59 · answer #7 · answered by KJC 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's simple anxiety, and lots of dogs have it. She will probably never get over it, just try to keep her calm and happy.
2006-11-16 11:37:26 · answer #8 · answered by A.C.Girl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't know what kind,but my chihuahua does this...just wrap them in blanket,they have thin skin
2006-11-16 11:32:25 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋