hi! I had rather an unsettling experience yesterday,would be glad of any advice.  near me is a rail crossing,one with flashing lights to warn,lowering barriers,train hurtles past,barriers raise.I was on a road on my way to cross over this when my youngest started to make a silly squealing noise-the same type of noise she unfortunately makes if we see a cat.I noticed the lights were flashing on the crossing,so didnt go any nearer,but then my eldest started pulling madly-in the direction of the crossing ,not away.my middle dog was also reacting,but i suspect she was worried by the others behaviour and me trying to control them-i actually had the devil of a job,then as soon as the barriers lifted,the lights started flashing again for a train coming the other way!and it all happened again.I did my best,trying to make them sit and calm down,but im afraid I failed miserably,and when itwas safe to cross,it took all my strength to hold them.Once a cross they seemed ok and i was able to let them off lead and carry on home.In retrospect,i suppose I should have turned the other way and walked for a bit till the trains had gone past.
   Ive gone this way lots of times but i mustve been lucky with train times!Im inclined to just not go that way any more,but Id like to know what I shouldve done!please?

I think your instincts were right, it's certainly what I would have done, retreat to a distance where they calmed down and then, if you happened to have a treat, praise them for being calm and possibly done a few simple commands to get them focused and not in a reactive state.

Do you always/usually let them off lead after the railway crossing?

If so,  the excitement of anticipated free running could well be your problem :-)  especially if you've not had to stop and wait before ;-)

thanks celli,i think i will do that if it happens again,and I ll keep an eye on those flashing lights to be forewarned!Trouble is,they also make a beep beep noise which they must be able to hear long before my rubbish ears pick it up!

Hi Dill,thanks for your reply.Yes,I do always let them off after the crossing,you could well be right there!at least,going home i do,the other way i dont.Youve always got to be at least 3 jumps ahead,with dogs,havent you,and Im rubbish at that,never much good at chess for the same reason,either!