Cruising With A Service Dog....everything You Ever Wanted To Know!

[rangeley]

Wex is such a wuss, I don't know what he'd do if attacked. Prob roll over.

 

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[wizard-of-roz]

Wex is such a wuss, I don't know what he'd do if attacked. Prob roll over.

 

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You are so funny!!!! Instead of looking at Wex as a hero, you call him a "wuss".....just like all our CCI dogs they are the Gold Standard of wussism! And, we love them just that way!!!! ;p

[rpclmc]

Dianne, I know that CCI discourages their dogs from "mouthing" at each other when they're puppies. Using their teeth and mouths in rough play can turn into some bad behavior.

 

I trust Horton, as I'm sure you do Henri, implicitly, around ALL other dogs and humans to act appropriately in all situations. It's what I love most about him. He has and shows great respect to everyone.

 

I know "mouthing" is not supposed to be allowed, I allow it with Halo. He is so gentle that when he not playing but other dogs, I dog sit a few, want to keep playing he won't even establish his boundaries by snapping at them or any other form of "stop it", he goes in his crate and paws it closed.

 

If he is out and gets nervous, he will let me block him. He doesn't jump or startle but lets me protect him. This is a Great Dane mix, he is the calmest, most sensitive dog I have ever met. Even when I got him at 5 months.

 

Linda and Halo

[NicoleLJ]

So glad I found this thread again. I had hoped years ago to go on a cruise with my first Service Dog but sadly circumstances didn't allow that to happen. Since then my first Service Dog passed away at the age of 12yrs. It was a year ago last March. I now have a 15 month old PSD(Psychiatric Service Dog) In Training who is sailing through his training. He is doing so well that my husband and I are now considering planning to go on our first cruise for 2019. It would be a gift to ourselves for our 10yr anniversary. It will also be our very first vacation ever for either of us and the first time we are away from our 4 kids for any period of time.

 

So with that said I knew my best bet was to find this thread agian and get guidance and advice from the experts here who regularly cruise with their Service Dogs. We want all the advice you can offer. The best cruise lines when having a Service Dog to the worst. Tips to make it easier, advice you wish you had had the first time you went. Things to avoid or prep for. That sort of thing.

 

Our hope is to go on a 7-8 day cruise that would leave from Vancouver as we are in Alberta. We know next to nothing about the different types of cruises or even what is offered on them or so on. Though we are both looking forward to trying new foods. So let me have it. Also my SDIT is a White Swiss Shepherd. Not sure if size of Service Dog affects anything but he will be about 90-95lbs when done growing.

[wizard-of-roz]

So glad I found this thread again. I had hoped years ago to go on a cruise with my first Service Dog but sadly circumstances didn't allow that to happen. Since then my first Service Dog passed away at the age of 12yrs. It was a year ago last March. I now have a 15 month old PSD(Psychiatric Service Dog) In Training who is sailing through his training. He is doing so well that my husband and I are now considering planning to go on our first cruise for 2019. It would be a gift to ourselves for our 10yr anniversary. It will also be our very first vacation ever for either of us and the first time we are away from our 4 kids for any period of time.

 

So with that said I knew my best bet was to find this thread agian and get guidance and advice from the experts here who regularly cruise with their Service Dogs. We want all the advice you can offer. The best cruise lines when having a Service Dog to the worst. Tips to make it easier, advice you wish you had had the first time you went. Things to avoid or prep for. That sort of thing.

 

Our hope is to go on a 7-8 day cruise that would leave from Vancouver as we are in Alberta. We know next to nothing about the different types of cruises or even what is offered on them or so on. Though we are both looking forward to trying new foods. So let me have it. Also my SDIT is a White Swiss Shepherd. Not sure if size of Service Dog affects anything but he will be about 90-95lbs when done growing.

 

Nicole, Welcome!

Horton is also a big dog. He weighs 90lb and is a Black Lab/Retriever mix. Your dog sounds like quite a handsome guy.

First, let me tell you that he will be so loved while onboard. he can also be so feared and misunderstood. Your fellow passengers had to leave their furbabies at home and they're not expecting to see a dog onboard. Others have fears or allergies when it comes to fur-bearing animals and will NOT be shy to let you know this.

Some people will want you to stay far away from them and others will want to hug and embrace your dog every time they see him. You will set the boundaries and limitations between your dog and humans you encounter while onboard.

You will have to give yourself lots of time to walk to any venue because you will be stopped and asked a dozen questions every day. "How did you get your dog onboard?" "What does he eat?" "What does he do?" "What's his name?" "How old is he?" "Can I pet him?" "Can I take a picture of him?" And, the most important question of all........"Where does he go to the bathroom?" What and how you answer all the questions sets the pace for your cruise. My suggestion: Be kind, Be patient, Be sincere and Be teaching. Teach the public how, when and where they can interact with your dog. DO ALLOW FOR SOME "TOUCHING" AND FOR "QUESTIONS!" It will make for a more enjoyable cruise for all of you. Teach the public that they MUST wait until you give your dog the proper command and then they can love on him. Put a time limit on it, if you want to. But, if you act aloof and unfriendly you will have a less enjoyable time.

There will be empty lounges and places where you can place your dog for the public to show their affection and love for the Service Dog. They're so curious and most of the time, they just want to touch him and even take pictures of him, because they're so impressed at his good behavior as they've just left their misbehaving rascals with a dog sitter!!!!!

Most of the mainstream cruise lines are used to Service Dogs. When I first started cruising with mine in 2005, they were all very clumsy at how to treat and serve our dogs.......they've gotten much better at it, although, we still have to lead the way when it comes to the potty box.

Because your boy is so big you will want a 5x5 box set-up, filled with mulch, and placed as near your cabin as it can be. If you have a veranda, ask them to place it on it. They can do it and there is NO LAW that says they can't. Although, they will try and tell you that it's a health issue. It's not!

Let them know that you will need a receptacle placed on your veranda where you can dispose of the solid waste [of which you will pick-up, with plastic bags that you'll bring with you.] Ask them to leave the bag of mulch so that you can re-fill the box during the week and cover the used mulch with the fresh mulch as the week goes on.

You don't have to remove anything, they will remove everything after you leave. Have a few extra dollars to give your room steward at the end of the cruise, as a way of thanking him/her for the extra job in helping you to maintain the box.

You can call the Special Needs Dept. of the cruise line to "alert" them to your dog coming onboard, they may have some paperwork for you to fill out and return or bring with you. Let them know about the box and filler needed before you board. You will need to have an Aphis 7001 form filled out by your Vet, certifying that your dog is in good health to travel.

When you get on the ship, the first thing you do is go to the "Guest Services-Pursers Desk" and ask where the box has been placed and start requesting then what your needs are and they will start working on the filler and the placement. I use my VERY BEST ATTITUDE, WITH A SMILE AND I'M VERY INSISTENT that it be placed on my veranda [i let them know that that's where it's been placed for the past 21 cruises and that's where I want it placed now!] Sometimes I get an argument, sometimes I get a ships officer to let me know it's not a good idea, sometimes I get the Hotel Manager......Guess what......in the end, it's placed on my veranda and we're done!!!! You will need to bring your dogs food, dishes, toys and grooming supplies.

I prefer Princess Cruise Lines but have taken; Celebrity, Holland America, Carnival, Costa, Crystal, Royal Caribbean and NCL. Holland America uses the smallest boxes, made of wood and they fill it with real sod [sometimes way too small for the box, but they try.] NCL has the best boxes, filled with real Cyprus Mulch and Princess likes to use a cardboard board type box. It doesn't matter, as long as the box is lined with a heavy duty plastic and filled, almost to the top with mulch, my dog is happy. I hate when they use a wood/bark type mulch; it's really rough for the dogs to walk on......I wind-up stepping into the box and breaking the stuff up. I don't take chances with the filler they may choose, anymore. I bring a 4x4 strip of artificial turf to cover it up now. Horton loves the artificial stuff and seems happiest when I bring it along. It can be washed in the tub or shower and dried, rolled up and put into a plastic bag and taken home with me. Or, I just leave it behind.

No matter how much you may warn the ship of your coming and what your needs are, they will all act as if they're overwhelmed with the requests. Be prepared with your own good ideas of where and what the box needs to be placed and made of. Ask to speak with the Hotel Manager [every cruise ship has one] to get your needs met!!!!

Most importantly: Start working with your dog in going potty in a potty box. My 90lb dog thinks that going to the bathroom in a box filled with anything is his only choice. I started with a 3x4 box and kitty litter. Brenda [my first Service Dog] used to look at me like I was crazy. I put it on our patio and gave her no other choice but to relieve herself in this box......it took one day and she was trained. I kept her on leash and walked her over the box, gave the command and didn't quit until she finally peed! I gave her a big treat and threw a party. When I got Horton I did the same thing. At work he ONLY goes potty in a 5x5 box filled with sod and at home a 4x5 box filled with artificial turf and wood shavings. Cruising is so much better when your dog is used to relieving himself anywhere you ask him to.

Since your dog is white it will be so much easier for both of you because he will be easily seen on the dark carpets and floors of a cruise ship. Remember; the placement of your dog while you're eating and watching a show is primary to his and your comfort. Placing him against a wall, where no one will trip over him is so much better than somewhere where someone can step on him, injuring themselves or him. Also, be on the look out for wheelchairs, walkers and the feet that step on him while he's in an elevator.

If your dog likes to sleep in a dog bed get a cheap one, roll it up and bring it along. I try to find a cabin with a couch [not all ships have one in their cabins, I ask the Steward for extra pool towels and line the couch, Horton loves this.]

Horton eats dry kibble: I place a meal portion; a vitamin; two squirts of salmon oil into a zip lock bag for each meal; he eats twice a day. It's so easy to travel this way.

My job is to protect him. If the crowds and weather are too much for him, I go back to our cabin and sit on the veranda while he rests. I bring a good book or simply take a nap. He loves the "down" time!

If you have any further questions, ask away. There's lots of good folks on this thread who have traveled the world with their dogs.

[NicoleLJ]

Thank you so much Roz. You have already given us so much valuable advice. Much of which we have already trained for. Phoenix is trained to potty on command in a Potty Pen. Here is a link showing him using it at 14 weeks old: http://phoenixrisingwhiteswissshepherds.com/potty-pen-training

 

And since I have 4 kids he has already been to several high stress events with lots of noise, action and people. We always try to find an out of the way spot for him if possible. We just did my daughters graduation ceremony last Thursday(over 1000 people) and then the banquet on Friday. I have been a Service Dog Advocate for over 14yrs now for people in Alberta and Canada. I 100% agree on being friendly and educating first. And I plan to teach him a "Go Visit" command once his formal training for his tasks and public access is complete and set. Luckily I have 2 more yrs. lol

 

I do have a really hard time being firm about my needs if someone has a strong personality so that may be hard. My husband can be better about that while still being friendly. So thank you for that. Could you explain why you prefer some type of cruise lines over others? Having never been on one we are trying our best to just figure out which one to try first. We are hoping to make cruising something we do every couple of years but with it being our first we want the most user friendly for beginners and Service Dog handlers. lol Hope that makes sense.

 

Now you talked about a balcony. Rooms come with that? We thought we would have to bring a crate for him to sleep in. We do this when staying at hotels. Would you recommend that? Ours is collapsible and he is already trained to sleep there when needed too. Could you give some explanation of what a day on a cruise is like? From when we would get up to end of day? Just so we have an idea of what it is like to cruise while also having a Service Dog.

 

I really appreciate this. I may drive you nuts with questions as I come up with more. I tried to share a current picture of Phoenix but it says the size is too big. THanks so much agian.

Nicole

[wizard-of-roz]

Thank you so much Roz. You have already given us so much valuable advice. Much of which we have already trained for. Phoenix is trained to potty on command in a Potty Pen. Here is a link showing him using it at 14 weeks old: http://phoenixrisingwhiteswissshepherds.com/potty-pen-training

 

And since I have 4 kids he has already been to several high stress events with lots of noise, action and people. We always try to find an out of the way spot for him if possible. We just did my daughters graduation ceremony last Thursday(over 1000 people) and then the banquet on Friday. I have been a Service Dog Advocate for over 14yrs now for people in Alberta and Canada. I 100% agree on being friendly and educating first. And I plan to teach him a "Go Visit" command once his formal training for his tasks and public access is complete and set. Luckily I have 2 more yrs. lol

 

I do have a really hard time being firm about my needs if someone has a strong personality so that may be hard. My husband can be better about that while still being friendly. So thank you for that. Could you explain why you prefer some type of cruise lines over others? Having never been on one we are trying our best to just figure out which one to try first. We are hoping to make cruising something we do every couple of years but with it being our first we want the most user friendly for beginners and Service Dog handlers. lol Hope that makes sense.

 

Now you talked about a balcony. Rooms come with that? We thought we would have to bring a crate for him to sleep in. We do this when staying at hotels. Would you recommend that? Ours is collapsible and he is already trained to sleep there when needed too. Could you give some explanation of what a day on a cruise is like? From when we would get up to end of day? Just so we have an idea of what it is like to cruise while also having a Service Dog.

 

I really appreciate this. I may drive you nuts with questions as I come up with more. I tried to share a current picture of Phoenix but it says the size is too big. THanks so much agian.

Nicole

 

Nicole, the video of Phoenix going potty in the pen was amazing. What a good boy! I love how he came right back to you and how lovely you greeted him!

 

The crate is a great idea for sleeping/napping. But, remember, you don't want to leave him in it ALONE. You should always be with him. And, most cruise lines do NOT allow the dog to be in the cabin alone anyway!

 

Some cabins have veranda's or balcony's. Some have windows and some have nothing. The price of your cabin goes up or down according to whether or not you have a veranda, a window or nothing. I prefer a veranda as it's so convenient. Sometimes you never want to leave your veranda as you can eat, sleep and sun bathe on them. Some have complete coverage, some have no cover and some are partially covered. When you book your cabin ask your Travel Agent if your veranda is covered or not! Some veranda's are extended and can be very large and some can be small. Some have tables, chairs and lounges on them. Again ask your TA what yours has.

 

Some ships want to place the potty box far away from where your cabin is located and it means I have to get dressed and face the world very early and late at night. Sometimes they place the box in a stairwell, behind a heavy door. You may need help in opening it. If the stairwell is near my cabin, this can be a good plan.

 

Every cruise line has a daily paper that they publish with the activities of the day. You'll get it in your cabin each night so that you can plan for the next day. You'll bring a highlighter pen with you so you highlight the times and things that you don't want to miss.

 

Some ships serve a full room service breakfast [remember: room service is free, it comes with your cruise package], there will be a menu of what you can order for breakfast/lunch/dinner. If you prefer to order room service for your meal and dine on your veranda or in your cabin, that's up to you.

 

Most ships offer a breakfast of coffee/tea/juice/croissants/danish/bagel/cereal/fruit/butter/jam and if you get brave you can write in bacon and hope that they send it. It's really enough for most but there's always the folks who love their eggs and more to start their day. You'll have some singles in your wallet to give to the people who bring you room service. This is one of the only times that you ever need actual cash onboard a cruise, except when you're tipping your room steward or dining room staff. Tipping is a personal thing and because I travel with a dog and do require some extra attention to his placement, I do have extra money to give to the folks who show they care.

 

I promise you will NEVER starve onboard a cruise. There are lots of choices of where and when to dine. I prefer Traditional dining at dinner [the same time/table/servers], some people like to dine at different times and different places for dinner, that would be called "anytime dining". Onboard NCL ships that would be your only choice. Although when we cruise NCL I still pick the same time and table each night for dinner.

 

The events onboard can range from bingo, arts, crafts, music lessons, lectures, shopping, dancing lessons, singing in a choir, lei making and while the ships at sea there will be the casino to play in. There's swimming, ice carving, basketball, movies to watch, laying by the pool, games to play [which you can bring with you] or there will be board games and puzzles in the library to borrow. There's also books to borrow or you can bring your own. You can play games on your own devices [but remember to always put them in "airplane mode!", or you will be charged for roaming and that can really add up!]

 

There are bars/lounges with piano players, comedians, jugglers, magic acts, etc., etc. The evening shows can be spectacular with Las Vegas Revues, Circus Acts, singers, dancers and much more. The best shows happen after dinner and you want to get into the theatre early so that you get good seats. Sometimes the Cruise Director will see that you need special seats for you and your dog and he/she will reserve seats for you, so that you don't have to beg to find a comfort zone for your dog. On my last cruise the Cruise Director was amazing and had two seats reserved for Horton and me every single night. It was wonderful not to have to worry about his comfort and safety! It was onboard the Island Princess and it was a 19 day cruise through the Panama Canal. You never know when you will get wonderful treatment or when you will be ignored, it's a "hit" or "miss"! Sometimes you get very lucky with the crew onboard and sometimes you get people who make noises at your dog when you walk by them or other people who continuously call your dogs name, only to disrupt his and your thinking and working.

 

I have received excellent treatment from Princess Cruises. They are really my favorite. But, I must tell you, it's up to you and your attitude. If you walk with grace and with kindness onboard a cruise ship, you will be treated the same way. It's a close-net community of strangers who become a family very quickly. You see the same people, day in and day out for however long your cruise is. The elevators can get very crowded and can be very slow. People will want to get where their going just like you do. Sometimes they'll push past your dog and they won't want him in their way, tempers may flare.

 

You will have to use your most patient heart and judgment. You will have to keep that smile on your face and move your dog away from the woman who hates dogs and doesn't want to be in the elevator with him. Or, the child who keeps coming over and hitting Phoenix, or the man who will not sit in the restaurant with you or your dog. Be patient, keep smiling and try to find a seat as far away from these people as you can!!!! The Maitre d' wants you to be happy too, so go to him/her and ask to have your seat moved.

 

Most importantly, it's your cruise and you should have fun and enjoy it as much as you can. I love the all-inclusive factor and get as much out of each day as I can!

 

Just waking up in a different country or city every day is such a treat.....and, I got to be rocked to sleep while doing it!!!!

[DUTRAVEL]

Our hope is to go on a 7-8 day cruise that would leave from Vancouver as we are in Alberta. We know next to nothing about the different types of cruises or even what is offered on them or so on. Though we are both looking forward to trying new foods. So let me have it. Also my SDIT is a White Swiss Shepherd. Not sure if size of Service Dog affects anything but he will be about 90-95lbs when done growing.

 

Cruises from Vancouver are the easiest - the paperwork needed is minimal. Its a good first time cruise. I think most of the main cruises lines are similar when it comes to service dogs; just plan ahead and be persistent if they give you an answer that you do not like.

 

Once you have decided on the cruise line, you can go to the Cruise Critic thread for that particular line to get more information.

 

Dianne

[Algebralovr]

It is official - Scooter doesn't like to fly. :( He boards no problem. He sits where I tell him. I put down his rug and he lays down. Then he starts to shake and pant.

 

He even tried to make a run for the door.

 

We managed to go from St. Louis to Orlando and back, a little over 2 hours each way, but he was visibility stressed. Poor guy was even in my lap at one time.

 

Once we landed and the door was open, he was ready to GO! That training fled as he pulled toward the door and up the jet way.

 

Once in the terminal he was fine, sat where I instructed and returned to his normal self.

 

Suggestions?

 

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[DisneyKidsDad]

I don't think I mentioned this yet but we just got the letter from CCI that says Sutter will be in the August Team training class!! When we do a little reading between the lines of his last few progress reports, it sounds like he might be heading for a skilled companion team with a child. We just hopes he graduates!! Fingers crossed!!

[wizard-of-roz]

It is official - Scooter doesn't like to fly. :( He boards no problem. He sits where I tell him. I put down his rug and he lays down. Then he starts to shake and pant.

 

He even tried to make a run for the door.

 

We managed to go from St. Louis to Orlando and back, a little over 2 hours each way, but he was visibility stressed. Poor guy was even in my lap at one time.

 

Once we landed and the door was open, he was ready to GO! That training fled as he pulled toward the door and up the jet way.

 

Once in the terminal he was fine, sat where I instructed and returned to his normal self.

 

Suggestions?

 

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Barb, Horton has no "re-call" and when the 4th of July rolls around he's turned to jello........but, he does his job like a genius and has amazing work ethics.

On the re-call: He's NEVER allowed off-leash in strange environments.

4th of July: Because he's so food driven, when the fireworks start in our neighborhood,

out comes his Kong filled with peanut butter......Yay, it's a party and now fireworks is

something he looks forward to!

My suggestion, if Scooter is food driven make sure that his very favorite food is offered to him when he walk onto an airplane and given to him before he has a chance to begin the fear

process in his brain. The Kong thing is great because it can be filled with almost anything. My first dog loved me to crush her kibble and put it in her Kong, as she diligently tried to get it all out!!!!!

[wizard-of-roz]

I don't think I mentioned this yet but we just got the letter from CCI that says Sutter will be in the August Team training class!! When we do a little reading between the lines of his last few progress reports, it sounds like he might be heading for a skilled companion team with a child. We just hopes he graduates!! Fingers crossed!!

 

Fingers and toes crossed. I hope his TT goes well!

[wizard-of-roz]

Our neighborhood was caught in an electrical transformer breakdown this weekend. We had no power for a day and a half. The temps outside were 110 degrees with 70% humidity........it was unbearable and as the evening drew near the darkness became overwhelming. ALL the businesses in my neighborhood were shut down, including gas stations. Since the earthquake of 1994 I learned a great lesson of ALWAYS keeping my gas tank full. I was lucky in that I had a full tank of gas and could leave my neighborhood and go to another city and get a hotel room for the night.

 

The streets looked like a Mad-Max movie.......It really looked like the end of society as we know it. People have no patience for each other and 4 way crosses turned into; car accidents everywhere! Fire engines/ambulances going by every few minutes....folks camped-out on street corners.....Darkness all around and only an eerie moon glistening in the sky. It was straight out of an Apocalypse movie. I was expecting to see Tom Cruise come out of the sky at any moment.....It was madness. I got lucky to find a room at a Marriott, where there was no food [all the restaurants had closed] but there was water, air conditioning and lots of alcohol at the bar!!!!

 

By 9:00am the following day [sunday], all power was restored to 180 thousand of us.......I went home and Horton was very happy about that. Now, I must re-think my emergency kit for my new car!!!!!! He was eating people food that morning......not that he minded!

[rangeley]

Poor Scooter! I hate when they are all stressed out. Our last service dog was terrified of fireworks. Would hide in bathroom shaking. It was so hard for us to deal with it and of course horrible for him. Nowadays they have meds. Wouldn't be my first choice but if he's that stressed, talk to your vet.

 

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[rangeley]

I don't think I mentioned this yet but we just got the letter from CCI that says Sutter will be in the August Team training class!! When we do a little reading between the lines of his last few progress reports, it sounds like he might be heading for a skilled companion team with a child. We just hopes he graduates!! Fingers crossed!!

Way to go DKD!!

 

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[rangeley]

For kongs we do non-fat plain yogurt with a few dog kibbles mixed in or sometimes apple then freeze. Great for the summer.

 

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[rangeley]

Our neighborhood was caught in an electrical transformer breakdown this weekend. We had no power for a day and a half. The temps outside were 110 degrees with 70% humidity........it was unbearable and as the evening drew near the darkness became overwhelming. ALL the businesses in my neighborhood were shut down, including gas stations. Since the earthquake of 1994 I learned a great lesson of ALWAYS keeping my gas tank full. I was lucky in that I had a full tank of gas and could leave my neighborhood and go to another city and get a hotel room for the night.

 

The streets looked like a Mad-Max movie.......It really looked like the end of society as we know it. People have no patience for each other and 4 way crosses turned into; car accidents everywhere! Fire engines/ambulances going by every few minutes....folks camped-out on street corners.....Darkness all around and only an eerie moon glistening in the sky. It was straight out of an Apocalypse movie. I was expecting to see Tom Cruise come out of the sky at any moment.....It was madness. I got lucky to find a room at a Marriott, where there was no food [all the restaurants had closed] but there was water, air conditioning and lots of alcohol at the bar!!!!

 

By 9:00am the following day [sunday], all power was restored to 180 thousand of us.......I went home and Horton was very happy about that. Now, I must re-think my emergency kit for my new car!!!!!! He was eating people food that morning......not that he minded!

Nothing worse that being with no electricity!! Glad you made the move to a hotel. And I'm sure Horty is now expecting some more people food!

 

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[wizard-of-roz]

For kongs we do non-fat plain yogurt with a few dog kibbles mixed in or sometimes apple then freeze. Great for the summer.

 

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I have to remember the freezing and yogurt idea!

[rpclmc]

Roz, I learn so much from you. You are a pro at everything, power outages, distracting dogs. Wow, you are my hero.

 

That is a great idea on the distraction for fireworks, storms, noise, etc. Halo is so calm in EVERY situation, I don't have to worry about him. However, I do have a dog that I dog sit that gets frantic with storms and fireworks; I have tried everything - including drugs, but haven't tried distraction with the Kong. His name is Joey.

 

So, the Joey and Halo story from this weekend. My neighbors have chickens and one decided to get over our 5 foot fence and come into our yard. Remember above, I said Joey was scared of noises, well he is also scared of chickens. I get up and Joey won't go outside, is acting weird and pacing. I figured he just needed some one on one attention, he is an only furbaby at home. So, I took him into a bedroom, closed the door and just spooned him. Well, he was shaking, I did a full body check of him, found nothing, just held him tight until he settled down - had no idea what was bothering him.

 

Halo kept going outside and wouldn't come in. We had had a violent storm during the night, so I decided I would check out the yard, figuring a tree had come down or something like that. I walked around the yard, it was slow going, I don't move fast and it is an acre. Found and heard nothing. Figured Joey was being Joey and Halo saw a cat on the other side of the fence or something.

 

My husband gets home about an hour later. Checks the garden and comes in and informs me there was a chicken in our yard. Halo was trying to get it to play. Cracks me up, Joey was scared of it, Halo wanted to play with it and I was so glad my daycare dog, Bear, wasn't here. He would have gotten feathers and guts all over my yard and been so proud of himself bringing my a gift.

 

Linda and Halo

[wizard-of-roz]

Roz, I learn so much from you. You are a pro at everything, power outages, distracting dogs. Wow, you are my hero.

 

That is a great idea on the distraction for fireworks, storms, noise, etc. Halo is so calm in EVERY situation, I don't have to worry about him. However, I do have a dog that I dog sit that gets frantic with storms and fireworks; I have tried everything - including drugs, but haven't tried distraction with the Kong. His name is Joey.

 

So, the Joey and Halo story from this weekend. My neighbors have chickens and one decided to get over our 5 foot fence and come into our yard. Remember above, I said Joey was scared of noises, well he is also scared of chickens. I get up and Joey won't go outside, is acting weird and pacing. I figured he just needed some one on one attention, he is an only furbaby at home. So, I took him into a bedroom, closed the door and just spooned him. Well, he was shaking, I did a full body check of him, found nothing, just held him tight until he settled down - had no idea what was bothering him.

 

Halo kept going outside and wouldn't come in. We had had a violent storm during the night, so I decided I would check out the yard, figuring a tree had come down or something like that. I walked around the yard, it was slow going, I don't move fast and it is an acre. Found and heard nothing. Figured Joey was being Joey and Halo saw a cat on the other side of the fence or something.

 

My husband gets home about an hour later. Checks the garden and comes in and informs me there was a chicken in our yard. Halo was trying to get it to play. Cracks me up, Joey was scared of it, Halo wanted to play with it and I was so glad my daycare dog, Bear, wasn't here. He would have gotten feathers and guts all over my yard and been so proud of himself bringing my a gift.

 

Linda and Halo

 

Ewwww! Linda, "feathers & guts!" Poor chicken! Although, I did love the story!

Honestly, I think the "spooning" and "cuddling" is a bad idea. It's just sending Joey a message that he's right to be scared. Bring him out to the living room, ask him to "sit" or "lay down", using a firm and strong voice. Then when he does this place a peanut butter filled Kong in front of him as a reward. Let the Kong do the talking paying no attention to his fear. Do something positive with him, like going for a walk or get a book and read to him. I sit on my chair, ask Horton to lay at my feet and I read out loud to him. He loves this [i think!]

Every once in a while I sing to him and massage his shoulders and hips while I do this. I'm not so sure he likes my voice, but it does put him to sleep........It's his only way to make me stop!!!!

[DUTRAVEL]

It is official - Scooter doesn't like to fly. :( He boards no problem. He sits where I tell him. I put down his rug and he lays down. Then he starts to shake and pant.

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I was at a CCI training where someone had a dog who had developed this behavior (shaking and panting) in the car. It was suggested that they try giving him food rewards and make it a pleasurable experience. Using the kong to distract seems like a good idea. There are also thundershirts that are supposed to help with anxiety as well.

 

Dianne

[DUTRAVEL]

I don't think I mentioned this yet but we just got the letter from CCI that says Sutter will be in the August Team training class!! When we do a little reading between the lines of his last few progress reports, it sounds like he might be heading for a skilled companion team with a child. We just hopes he graduates!! Fingers crossed!!

 

Good luck to Sutter - I hope he gets matched.

 

Dianne

[DUTRAVEL]

By 9:00am the following day [sunday], all power was restored to 180 thousand of us.......I went home and Horton was very happy about that. Now, I must re-think my emergency kit for my new car!!!!!! He was eating people food that morning......not that he minded!

 

That does sound like the apocoalypse!

 

Dianne

[Algebralovr]

Appreciate the Kong suggestions. He isn't really a kong dog, but I haven't pushed it either. I might need to use chicken or kibble soaked in chicken broth for it.

 

Not sure when he will fly again right now. Maybe I can simply schedule a short flight from STL to either KC or Chicago in the next couple of months.

 

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[wizard-of-roz]

Appreciate the Kong suggestions. He isn't really a kong dog, but I haven't pushed it either. I might need to use chicken or kibble soaked in chicken broth for it.

 

Not sure when he will fly again right now. Maybe I can simply schedule a short flight from STL to either KC or Chicago in the next couple of months.

 

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Barb, sometimes what we do with our dogs is a hit or a miss. We all know that what works for one dog may not work for another. And, then they just develop some phobias out of the blue. Who knows why!

Lately, Horton no longer likes to play rough. Only gentle, loving touches for now!!!! I have to warn the kids when they come over to please be soft and gentle with him......Big lug wants a "soft touch!" He actually gives a "whiney" sound if you play too hard! He's been checked from top to toe for any changes or boo-boo's! He's just feeling very sensitive right now.......It's okay, he can have it any way he wants it!!!!! It's very cute to see this big, black, bold-looking dog laying on his back, with all his legs spread-out and his tail going a mile a minute [while on his back]....asking.....no, begging for a gentle, tummy rub ♥ ♥ :hearteyes: I'm a sucker for this boy ♥ ♥