I promised to write about how to safely train your dog to use an escalator. Leaving the escalator is the most dangerous part for your therapy dog. It is the point at which the belt runs under the flooring; tender toes and furred feet can get caught here. You can hold the railing that is on either side of the moving belt to balance and steady yourself, your therapy dog can't.
For escalator training I heartily recommend using a harness for your therapy dog. With a harness you can lift him on and off the conveyor belt. If you use only a collar you can choke your dog and this adds to a possibly already traumatic experience.
The first time you take your dog on an escalator it is a good idea to have someone help you. If your therapy dog balks at the entry onto the escalator, you can lift his front end with the harness while your helper cups his rear. Lift his front feet enough to allow them to safely land on the first step. Your helper needs to be paying very close attention so that he coordinates the cupping of the hind end so that your dog isn't splayed out on the floor. A steady pressure on the hind legs just above the dog's hocks will encourage the dog to move forward and is there to reassure him as his whole body moves along the 'tunnel' that is his world while on the conveyance.
The dismount or egress from the escalator is tricky. You need to make sure you are well balanced so that you can step off and at the same time lift your dog by the harness so his toes and foot fur don't get caught under the edge of the belt as it goes into the housing. Your helper must be equally adept at lifting the hind feet and concurrently stepping off the device.
It has been my experience that once the dog is again on steady ground he is very relieved and happy. I encourage you to praise him for a job well done but in a subdued manner; perhaps a smile, a quiet "Good boy" and a small treat to let him know you are pleased with him. Exuberant praise at this point could well be counterproductive to what you are trying to achieve.
As soon as your dog is calm take another escalator ride, especially early in the training stage. You may find the second time on the escalator is a bit easier or it may prove to be necessary to bodily lift and hold your dog on the belt. How the second ride goes depends on several factors: the quality of the first ride, your skill as a handler and your dog's temperament.
A thought to consider: While actually on the escalator be sure to talk calmly to your therapy dog. I urge you not to pet him. He is getting a lot of outside stimulation from the vibration of the moving belt and the sides of the device flashing by. Petting may prove to be too much of a distraction. However, if you are calm and confident and speak to him in soothing tones it will go a long toward reassuring him he is safe.
Happy Escalator Training!
For escalator training I heartily recommend using a harness for your therapy dog. With a harness you can lift him on and off the conveyor belt. If you use only a collar you can choke your dog and this adds to a possibly already traumatic experience.
The first time you take your dog on an escalator it is a good idea to have someone help you. If your therapy dog balks at the entry onto the escalator, you can lift his front end with the harness while your helper cups his rear. Lift his front feet enough to allow them to safely land on the first step. Your helper needs to be paying very close attention so that he coordinates the cupping of the hind end so that your dog isn't splayed out on the floor. A steady pressure on the hind legs just above the dog's hocks will encourage the dog to move forward and is there to reassure him as his whole body moves along the 'tunnel' that is his world while on the conveyance.
The dismount or egress from the escalator is tricky. You need to make sure you are well balanced so that you can step off and at the same time lift your dog by the harness so his toes and foot fur don't get caught under the edge of the belt as it goes into the housing. Your helper must be equally adept at lifting the hind feet and concurrently stepping off the device.
It has been my experience that once the dog is again on steady ground he is very relieved and happy. I encourage you to praise him for a job well done but in a subdued manner; perhaps a smile, a quiet "Good boy" and a small treat to let him know you are pleased with him. Exuberant praise at this point could well be counterproductive to what you are trying to achieve.
As soon as your dog is calm take another escalator ride, especially early in the training stage. You may find the second time on the escalator is a bit easier or it may prove to be necessary to bodily lift and hold your dog on the belt. How the second ride goes depends on several factors: the quality of the first ride, your skill as a handler and your dog's temperament.
A thought to consider: While actually on the escalator be sure to talk calmly to your therapy dog. I urge you not to pet him. He is getting a lot of outside stimulation from the vibration of the moving belt and the sides of the device flashing by. Petting may prove to be too much of a distraction. However, if you are calm and confident and speak to him in soothing tones it will go a long toward reassuring him he is safe.
Happy Escalator Training!
About the Author:
Learn more about escalator training your therapy dog. Stop by Therapy Dog Training Tips where you can find out all about training your dog to use escalators and what it can do for you.
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