As regular readers will know (probably to the point of boredom) my rescue GSD Zak has a problem with traffic.  For ages I misdiagnosed this as 'traffic-phobia' but careful analysis has led me to the conclusion that he is actually traffic-tropic i.e. drawn to it because it gives him a tremendous thrill.

To give you all a bit more to go on:  After two years with us Zak is now a happy, chilled and affectionate lad in all domestic situations, walks well on lead in general circumstances,  belts round like a maniac when having free play with Miss Thing but is always obedient and responsive with a virtually 100% recall.  However...

Once approaching fast-moving traffic he is like a thing possessed, goes from zero to hyper in a second.  Starts bucking and straining to get near, giving passing cars a good 'seeing off' (which is always successful of course) and is only manageable by using a head-collar.  He is never interested in toys and, in these situations food, no matter how smelly or tasty, does not tempt him. 

I have tried all the usual strategies, and while he has shown a slight improvement, I feel it is very little to show for two years continuous effort.  I believe that my analysis is correct; this dog is not acting out of fear, he just likes the 'rush' of this situation and nothing else compares - certainly not me ignoring him or making discouraging noises - but you may disagree with this view.

I have hit the wall on this one. I am sometimes tempted to fill a bottle with pebbles...and brain him with it. Only joking (probably.)

All suggestions will be gratefully received and I will take no offence at any comments re: poor socialisation, lack of knowledge and the like which are all likely to be true. 

So, any ideas?

I can only suggest that you try whatever training you are doing at a greater distance from the traffic.  If you're so close that he's going berserk at the cars, then that's too close for him to learn anything.  It also means that, for the period in which you are working on it, you never accidentally end up so close to traffic that he reacts.  Not easy!

I seem to remember that Turid Rugaas rehabilitated a dog like this - perhaps the case history is on her website somewhere.  I believe the solution started with walking the dog well away from traffic ... for two years!  I might be wrong.

>After two years with us Zak is now a happy, chilled and affectionate lad in all domestic situations, walks well on lead in general circumstances,  belts round like a maniac when having free play with Miss Thing but is always obedient and responsive with a virtually 100% recall<

This is what you have to show for two years' continuous effort - what an achievement!

Hi Muttsinbrum,

I still have exactly the same problem with my one year old Beardie. I thought he was the only one, as I've never come across another dog acting like this (and his very loud bark gets lots of attention and terrible looks!!).  I've tried all the suggestions too (toys,treats etc.) but no luck. As you say, they are not acting out of fear, Ollie looks very excited, tail wagging etc. Maybe I will try a headcolllar though?

You may well be right about why he chases, however often fear behaviour, due to release of adrenalin etc can look like the dog is enjoying it; also dogs can become addicted to what was a fear based behaviour especially if there are rewards in it for the dog, so it can all get rather confusing!

I tend to feel that ignoring in this kind of situation really doesn't work anyway, not if in any way the behaviour is fearful or self rewarding.

I would go for the desensitisation and counterconditioning but, you do need as Lilith suggested to work only within the dog's comfort zone - if the dog gets to barking, lunging etc you have gone too far and if you are only a short way into the programme, all your previous work could have been undone.

In classical conditioning, which is what I believe you have tried (desensisiting etc) you don't distract or reward, as such; you use the toy/tasty food as something which is "associated" with the bad thing. It's the deep emotions you are working on. Ideally, you give the pleasant thing as the bad thing appears, and withdraw the pleasant thing as the bad thing disappears. YOu do need to be far enough away so that your dog is slightly "interested" (ie looking, has noticed bad thing, tail showing this and body language but no more reaction than this).

I hope that's of some help, it is'n't easy :)
Ideally you could drive him to walks and only do specific careful set ups for training.

Other way is, you could try enlistig the help of a reputable behaviourist who may have other ideas, and who may work with a vet to suggest drugs to open a window of opportunity (the dog is not on drugs forever) however understandably many owners are not eager to go down this route, I'm mentioning it is all ;) and this has to be done only with a behavioural programme, the dog should never jsut be on drugs period.

I would prefer to avoid drugs myself :)

Another view is, have you thought of "working" him to guide any possible needs in that direction? would he enjoy learning a dog sport? It may help.

Lindsay
x

I too think you have done very well. And also think that distance is the key to getting him to listen.
The problem is you have no control over the cars.
Could you get a friend to drive a car up and down a quiet street with you on the pavement with Zac. If he reacts your friend could stop the car and Zac gets calmly taken away from the situation.
If you are taking him a walk could you drive him to the area for off lead time and then drive him back.
Once he is good with a car you can control Then start with small streets with slow moving cars and build it up to lots of cars fast moving (obviously very slowely). If he does react do you calmly turn his head (in halti) away from cars so that he isn't facing them.
I really feel for you as there is bound to be cars where ever you go.
Not sure what else to suggest but i am sure one of the others will be along soon to help.

We sat on a bridge over a busy dual carriageway each day to get our pup used to traffic (although he was scared of traffic not trying to chase it). He could see all the cars and lorries whizzing past beneath him and making oh so scary noises but not close enough to cause a problem. He could also see them from way off in the distance as they approached so they didn't  take him by surprise. Perhaps you could give that a try.

Thanks to all for suggestions and kind words.  Will digest and follow up.

Nette - shall we form a support group? When we've had a particularly bad day (mega-hyper, lots of fast cars, comments from the general public etc.) I often feel my self reaching for the bottle...but which one? The pebbles or the rum?  Only time will tell....

Regards,
Linda

Linda,

A support group - good idea! I haven't had to reach for the wine this morning as we had a lovely peaceful walk (only because my husband drove us to the park!) Though, even there, I had to look out for tractors with dog-chopping, grass-cutting blades on the back which he finds particularly exciting!