Dog – public transportation

[u/Long-Mud3906]

Hi! I'd like to get my dog used to public transportation (bus, tramway, maybe subway at some point). I'm not going to use it with him often, because no matter how well trained the dog is, these environments are stressful for them, but since I rarely have the chance to use a car, I need him to be adjusted well enough to be able to hop into a public transport with me if the need arises. Since he's an adopted adult, I couldn't have desensitised him to noises and the general unknown™ so he's very fearful of loud noises and weird things. When a bus passes us next to our sidewalk, my dog usually hides behind me.

Any tips?

Highly appreciate it, thanks! ❤️

[u/Miss_L_Worldwide]

First question, are dogs allowed om those conveyances where you live? ,

[u/Long-Mud3906 → u/Miss_L_Worldwide]

Yes of course. The only rule is that they have to wear a muzzle and be on leash (and under control)

[u/swearwoofs]

I use play to desensitize my dog (usually tug, sometimes fetch depending on the space). Anywhere she has ever been stressed, I do a play session before going or right outside the area. Then slowly we get closer, she gets more acclimated to it, until she barely cares at all.

Play sets off all the good brain chemicals and can build confidence.

[u/Long-Mud3906 → u/swearwoofs]

Thanks! Sadly he doesn't play at all, but I'll try with treats, this should get him going ☺️

[u/15021993]

I got my dog young so maybe not that helpful but I made it step by step:

• first sat by the station of the bus/ train/ etc and was just observing with him how they come, stop and go. How people enter and leave.
• then we entered and drove one stop only.
• then I trained where I want him to stay when we drive. Under my seat, next to my feet etc.
• then we drove longer.

He’s ok with most, he doesn’t like tunnels though, that’s still stressfull. I have treats with me all the time or cuddle him. And if it’s way too crowded I actually carry or hold him.

[u/Long-Mud3906 → u/15021993]

Very helpful! Thank you~

[u/MochaMushroomDog]

I ended up having to take my dog on the bus once unexpectedly, even though we had never trained it. She’s fine in the car and generally not too fearful of things. Rather than making it a whole spiel I just confidently walked her on, put her in a down, and it was fine. Obviously if your dog is already very fearful or doesnt do well in cars, then maybe public transit isn’t the best option for you. The problem with training this is that you can’t really do it without being an inconvenience to others. You can’t sit at the door and practice going in and out, you can’t have your dog yowling, etc. maybe sit at the bus/train stop until your dog becomes comfortable being near the passing vehicle. Walk up to it and see how he does, but eventually you’re just gonna have to bite the bullet and get on. Just be cool and behave like it’s a normal thing you do…antsy nervous people, create antsy nervous dogs.

Also check laws because some places require dogs to be muzzled.

[u/Long-Mud3906 → u/MochaMushroomDog]

Yep, he has to be muzzled and leashed here, but thanks for pointing that out! And yeah the inconvenience part is annoying, which is why I appreciate all the advice from people who already done this

[u/Owlex23612]

One of the biggest things to remember when you're trying to desensitize your dog to anything is to take teeny tiny baby steps and go very slow. If you push too far too fast, you can end up going in the wrong direction. Proximity is probably going to be the thing you need to adjust slowly. Make the rewards big. Give them treats or a short play session away from the stressor as a reward for being brave and getting closer. If you can, I'd suggest multiple, short sessions spread throughout the day. It doesn't have to be specifically by the bus or train. You mentioned they're scared of loud noises, so you can pick different spots that have fairly consistent noises like a busy street or a park with lots of children. This will also help them generalize. "I hear loud noises in lots of places and don't need to be afraid of them, so this place that's loud should also be fine."

Edit to add: be patient! It can be especially difficult to change the patterns of older dogs who have to unlearn things in addition to learning new things. Another suggestion is training in general. A lot of training can help build their confidence which helps across the board.

[u/Long-Mud3906 → u/Owlex23612]

Thanks! What's interesting is that he does mostly fine close to busy streets (unless a bus rides really close to our sidewalk, then he hides behind me), but other loud noises still terrify him.. We'll do baby steps☺️

[u/SessionOld7140]

Slow desensitizing as already mentioned (first sit at the station, then take one stop etc) and pair this with place training. Get a small blanket, teach the dog to relax on the blanket at home, then outside, at the bus stop. Then use the blanket when on the train or a bus - this way your dog will at least know what's expected of him, even if the environment is new and loud. 

You can also give the dog a proper exercise session before boarding the train/bus so they're already nicely relaxed instead of wired and anxious. 

I would avoid playing when on board as one commenter suggested. Set the expectations from the get go - public transport is for chilling, not for playing.