I was in Cumming over the weekend for the first lesson of a new Home Dog Training client Margaret, his 2-year-old Havanese. We were working on standard obedience commands as well as some needed improvement in her willingness to pay attention to my client. Margaret was doing very well and she was giving my client full attention as we were finishing up our session. My client was very pleased with the initial progress, but had one more question. He told me that He and his wife, as well as Margaret, were going to Los Angeles over Christmas and Margaret had never been on a plane before. He was afraid that she would be a little terror in that confined environment for the five-hour flight.
Being confined in a strange environment with strange sights and sounds can be terrifying for many of us, dogs included. When in a plane, you are in a pressurized environment with limited eyesight, unknown sounds, strange smells, and no ability to assure your safety. That is the perfect recipe for disaster in anyone’s book.
The best we can do for Margaret is to attempt to familiarize her with the environment and assure her that all will be well. We need to do this in two steps. The first step involves socializing and comforting her to the environment of the crate. Since we can’t emulate a pressurized plane cabin in our family room, the crate is the next best thing. The crate will be her main cocoon during the trip and her best focus on safety.
I suggested that he get an airplane approved crate immediately. Next, he needs to put it in the family room and where ever Margaret and the family will be hanging out. He should not force her inside the crate, but entice her.
Start feeding her in the crate. Put treats in the crate and leave her favorite toys in the crate. Allow her to wander into the crate on her terms and allow her to wander out when she wishes. The family should sit next to the crate on a chair to emulate the crate being at their feet during the plane trip.
Eventually start to close the crate’s door for a few minutes while she is inside, always letting her out if she starts to become agitated. Slowly increase the time the crate door is closed until she is fine and will actually fall asleep in the crate. Continue to make the crate a happy place while she is inside.
Next, start picking up the crate and carefully walk around the room. This emulates the time you will have to go through the airport and board the plane. Have family members crowd around you to emulate the hustle and bustle of the airport and the annoying line getting on the plane.
Now, I told my client to actually take Margaret to the airport. First, he needs to put her in her crate. Next, they get in the car and he attaches the crate to the seat with the seatbelt. Next, they drive to the airport and he gets out with Margaret in her crate. He carries Margaret (in the crate) around the public areas in the airport. This will allow Margaret to experience the actual sights, smells, and sounds of the airport and will allow my client to se if there is anything that makes her fearful. He can try to avoid those things when they come for his trip.
Finally, I suggested getting some Bach Flowers Rescue Remedy (available at most GNC Health Stores). This is a natural, holistic, calming essence. Although not required, it often takes a little bit of the “edge” off of any nervous situation. Since it is not a drug, it will not impact anything she may be taking from a Veterinarian’s direction nor will it impair her in any way.
Please call us at (770) 718-7704 it you are in need of any dog training help. We have a lot of good dog training advice at Best Dog Trainers Cumming Georgia. Find all our phone numbers, text addresses and email contacts at Dog Training Help Center Cumming Georgia.
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