An RVer asked a question in a "traveling with pets" group about her Grey Hounds being very reluctant to go up the steps into an RV... What are some recommendations? There are many ways to approach this but here was my response:
Get a patterned rug on the steps with colors... (disregard anyone saying they are color blind.... not the point). Try tossing a tasty treat in the door and see if they'll go get it. If not, just sit on the steps and do nothing but chat with the dogs or better yet people, with the dogs on leash right there with you. Treats are good to have while doing this. Tasty treats like chicken! See if they'll start to just stand on one step at a time. Never force, and no baby talk. As a matter of fact, try not to talk to them about the steps at all. Makes them nervous. Talk to them about what you're cooking for dinner or something completely unrelated to them and the steps. Or better yet, to another person or people. This breaks the anxious energy. Gradually work your way up just sitting on each step. The point in this exercise is distraction and to completely change the energy that they are used to associating with the steps. They feel it, even coming from you. And it is not "fear", it is anxiety which is slightly different. No baby talk, no encouragement, no good boy - good girl. Totally ignore them during this process except to give niblets of a tasty treat. When they eventually make it inside on their own, again, say nothing to them. Just give treats and walk away. Anxiety disappears. Move along... nothing to see here. Slow slow slow... patience. This may take several days if you're willing. Yes I work with dogs... Hope you can use at least some of this info.
Get a patterned rug on the steps with colors... (disregard anyone saying they are color blind.... not the point). Try tossing a tasty treat in the door and see if they'll go get it. If not, just sit on the steps and do nothing but chat with the dogs or better yet people, with the dogs on leash right there with you. Treats are good to have while doing this. Tasty treats like chicken! See if they'll start to just stand on one step at a time. Never force, and no baby talk. As a matter of fact, try not to talk to them about the steps at all. Makes them nervous. Talk to them about what you're cooking for dinner or something completely unrelated to them and the steps. Or better yet, to another person or people. This breaks the anxious energy. Gradually work your way up just sitting on each step. The point in this exercise is distraction and to completely change the energy that they are used to associating with the steps. They feel it, even coming from you. And it is not "fear", it is anxiety which is slightly different. No baby talk, no encouragement, no good boy - good girl. Totally ignore them during this process except to give niblets of a tasty treat. When they eventually make it inside on their own, again, say nothing to them. Just give treats and walk away. Anxiety disappears. Move along... nothing to see here. Slow slow slow... patience. This may take several days if you're willing. Yes I work with dogs... Hope you can use at least some of this info.
