I’m still thinking about little Milo. Curious if there are some different elements leading up to a car drive that may be adding to his distress even before getting on board. Canines are such amazing predictors. I’m thinking you often go right from home for a lovely walks, and you don’t need the car. Is there anything different in your set up when you are going to use the car? Often times predictors can already be building up arousal within the dog long before the activity is taking place. Meaning he may already be recognizing things to predict a car drive, which would already be Starting to fill his anxious bucket long before you head out on the highway. Similar to packing for a trip when a dog starts recognizing some of the predictors and feels the need to be clingy so they don’t get left behind. If he’s already predicted your car drive And he wants to go with you however he doesn’t like it when driving, he’s also being put in a conflicted state of emotions. I sometimes recommend a crazy person game for a few weeks so they don’t get hung up on the predictors. It can help them to stay calm while stuff goes on. Jingle the keys and go sit down for a little scatter. Put on your coat and shoes then go read a book for a bit. Pick up the leash and put it somewhere else. Do a little indoor loose leash work and don’t go outside. Go outside and start the car without putting your shoes on. Put a harness on, play, take the harness off. Pack a little suitcase, play a game or go for a walk then unpack the suitcase. go to the kitchen open a bag of chips and put them back in the cupboard. Go open the door and sit back down. Etc. etc. As you go along, give them quite praise or low value reward for not following you around. Catch them not reacting to what you do. They have neuroplasticity and if they can practice relaxing, not predicting, we can relieve some of the anxiety from the anticipation of a negative event or over stimulation of positive events.

@Maren Bruun This is awesome, trying to figure out which information might be helpful to different situations. Every dog is such an absolute individual and every situation truly unique. It feels a bit like giving a haircut over the phone.😳😂 Do you mean most recent information on separation anxiety? For me I would break that down into really small bits. Rather than random randomly looking to improve overall acceptance of novelty and household movement I would start with small moments. Can a dog be a few feet away, Can they be on the other side of a chair, can they be on the other side of a partial barrier, can they be in a room for a moment with the door open when you go back-and-forth. I would hope to stretch these moments in small increments And not in a linear stretch… Two seconds, five seconds, three seconds, one seconds, 10 seconds, seven seconds, three seconds, 15 seconds. You get the idea. Really trying to let the dog become comfortable well below threshold so we are not practicing Anxious behaviors while we work towards truly heading off to the store while your dog is home comfortably. What do you think? Am I on the right track with your current insights?

That was an excellent live❣️ Real life knowing your dog, reading the situation, staying calm, I love it! Woof woof Ivy Nice body language from both of you. Even hobbled you are a superstar. Pls remember if you need Crutches, Drinking or Smoking are not the best choices 🤣🤗❤️‍🩹

Yes, Major PET peeve! Pun intended. For this subject, I need to laugh or I will cry. I live in an area where it is illegal to have your dog off leash yet is widely regarded as an off leash area. I often have other peoples dogs off leash, entering my own property and triggering dogs that I have on site. It is almost impossible to go for a walk in the area without being engaged by multiple off leash dogs. I agree, it depends, it depends, and it depends. I look to train diligently away from the situation so that our actions in the circumstances don’t become a part of the trigger itself. Practice, strong recalls, fast direction changes, safe protective postures like middle. practice, practice, practice, mentally and physically what you plan in these situations so you can react calmly and quickly. Rehearse potent phrases to say out loud that are clear yet said in a voice that your dog won’t take as aggressive. Stop, My dog is in training My Dog is Scared, Leash Your Dog My Dog Has A Deadly Virus, Recall your Dog Etc… Practice these phrases with your dog before you get into these situations so that they are comfortable with your words. If there is no other dog guardian in sight, maybe you practice your U-turn and throw a scatter feed for the oncoming dog. Breathe calm, and think calm. Dogs can smell the chemicals move through your system and sense your stress in these situations. Practice angling away or doing figure eights or U-turns, scatter feed in place etc. plan your roots so you have multiple options and in the early stages if you have even one small negative interaction I would call it a day and head home. Otherwise, our dogs are rehearsing reactive behavior that becomes the go to. Most people do not realize how much damage they can do to other humans or their canines when they truly believe their dog is OK. Often times when another owner believes this, It sets their dog up for failure as a truly negative reaction with someone can be the beginning of their own great challenges.

As usual, excellent insights detective❣️ Bribery and coercion often puts the dog into mixed emotions. I really want this, and I really don’t want that. Hard to trust someone that is trying to trick you or obviously trying to get you to do something that you are scared of or anxious about. Feeling safe and trusting your caregiver is Paramount to a good relationship.

@Debbie Allery I may be dyslexic … I worship doG :0)

@Sharese Gueret Cat got your tongue?!? OK, You can borrow mine…🤣