Sunday, January 11, 2009

THE DREADED SNOW PLOW AND A ? from me and PL2

OH dear...PL1+2 and I have a problem.....I thought if I slept in it maybe I could get an answer but I didn't so we thought we would ask all of our friends for help............



2 days ago PL1 took Archie and I out for our morning walk....and there in the middle of the street was this..A GIANT SNOW PLOW...OK we weren't thrilled about it but we were OK.....UNTIL THE PLOW PART IN THE FRONT WENT DOWN AND MADE A GIGUNDA HORRIBLE NOISE and scared the living daylights out of both of us....Well you might think that that is the end of the story but Archie is really really scared now, and barely wants to go outside...especially when it snows which happens to be right now...and he won't even pee and he keeps looking behind him and he is really really scared...PL2 called the Vet and she said to try giving him cheese when the truck comes( cheese is the big money for us) but he is scared EVEN BEFORE ANYTHING IS COMING and won't take it....and for him not to take cheese means something is really wrong....PL2 is at her wits end and doesn't know how to help him get over this.... and Archie is really scared









.........Here he is sleeping with his head up and paws crossed hoping that he never sees another plow again.........






Does anyone have any good ideas on how to get him through/over this?????? Becaseu we are going to have a lot of plows!! and it isn't even plows now but even a loud big noise....HELP!








35 comments:

Unknown said...

A & A-

Oh no! Those blows are awful. One came right at us this morning too! My initial thought was a treat to get him outside and then treat him when the blow is near. What does Agatha do? May hook them together with a leash so she leads him outside? I wish I had a good suggestion. If I think of anything else.. we will blog u! Otherwise you have a long winter ahead of you.

Norwood

Unknown said...

Excuse my spelling errors. I meant plows not blows. silly me.

Toffee said...

Rescue remedy? Xanax (alprazolam)? A pawtini?...oh! oh! I know! Have Lacie mix up one of her special smoothies...

(mom says that she recalls that rescue remedy does not work well with your crew)

We are so sorry to hear about poor Archie. = (

tula monstah said...

oh no! this is norwood's aunt dee, he asked if i had suggestions for Archie.

if he's not taking food, then he's highly stressed. do you put the cheese right under his nose? sometimes smells can be distracting, or...

maybe try something other than cheese-- with even higher value, like pieces of cooked chicken? I always keep a bag in the freezer. do you guys do clicker training? start by click & give the treat while you are inside the house. that way he associates the sound with a reward. (Even if you don't have a clicker- make your own sound or use a verbal cue, "yes") you can try sit, click & treat so he realizes when you ask for a behavior, it's associate to the sound which means reward.

then try the 'find it' game. put a blanket on the floor, sprinkle maybe one or two pieces in the folds while he's waiting, then say 'find it'!click & he sniff for the treats. this can then be generalized outside in the snow.

I sprinkle treats in the snow to distract tula from snow plows and things. If Archie seems unresponsive outside to this, put the chicken right up to his nose to kind of get his attention, drop it down in front of him and say ready, find it and click. Agatha can help out in that game too.

Another idea is bringing his favorite toy-- the squeaking could distract him, or we have balls that can be filled with treats.

give it a try.. hope it helps.

tula & dee

Scruffy, Lacie and Stanley's Place said...

Now Archie...I heard PL2 and Mumsie on the phone blabbin' bout us...we are NOT NUTS...merely highstrung individuals...

Here's the deal...strong work on refusin' the cheese...DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MANY TASTY MEATABLES ARE OUT THERE???

I'm thinkin' PL2 should start with a lightly charcoal grilled succulent 12 oz fillet...perhaps marinated first...with some garlic roasted taters and green beans almondine...oh...has PL2 ever used a clicker??? WE LOVE CLICKERS! THEY MEAN FOOD! Actually...Mumsie might call ya on that one...

BUT Arch...have them work with ya in ur kitchen first...you know...so you can enjoy the steakie inside where it's warm...DO NOT GIVE IN TOO EASILY...

Make the hoomans bring out the highest valued treats...ur plan is simply genius...oh...and if you feel slightly uncomfortable with the bladder bit...either have PL2 bring ya a urinal or pee in their bed...beds are a fab place to pee on...nice and soft...sorta feels like grass but it's all snugly and warm!

Oopsie...mumsie just read this...I'm thinkin' I need to run...

Love and kisses...Laciegirl

Dexter said...

This is very bad news indeed. My Beautiful Raja was also afraid of the snow plows and like to jump out of her skin when one went by. Worse yet, we have sidewalk plows which come bombing around the corners at terrible speeds.

All I can offer is Mango vibes on this one. Poor Archie!

Slobbers,
Mango

Gus said...

We don't have anything to offer except lots of sympathy. One thought...do you have two exits to the building? Take him out the one farther away from the plow noise? Poooooor Archie.

gussie

Joe Stains said...

Move to Arizona?? Gee guys, we aren't sure at all...Rescue Remedy??

the many Bs said...

oh poor Archie! we don't know what to tell you about that. we have no snow plow experience because our street never did get plowed when it snowed here. you could send Archie to live with us for the rest of the winter. and then if he refuses cheese, we could eat it for him. that seems like an excellent solution, but mom says just to ignore us cuz we're half crazy anyway.

what?

Archie, you just need to get over it, dude. this is cheese we're talking about!

woofs!

Bogart H. Devil said...

Aw Archie, that must indeed have been really, really scary. I feel for ya buddy. When I'm feeling stressed, I like to eat off of mama's plate, a little "human food", it always makes me feel better.

I do hear good things about the Rescue Remedy too - I hope you're feeling better SOON!!!

Love,
Bogart

Sophie Brador said...

Clearly you need to move here. We have snowplows too, but at least I can protect you from them. Poor Archie.

xo
SB

Jake of Florida said...

Poor Archie -- all we can send is sympathy, because we haven't had a similar experience -- not too many snow plows here either.

But we do know that JH wouldn't go outside after he had heard fireworks when he was a puppy and it took a while with lots of reassurances, cuddles, and treats whenever he heard themto get him to be more confident.

Lots of wirey love, pals,

Jake and Just Harry

Life With Dogs said...

Sorry about all the noise! You need earmuffs!

Lorenza said...

Hi, Agatha and Archie!
Those snow plows sound scary!
Loud noises scares me a lot and the only way I feel better is to be in my mom's arms!
I hope you can find something to make you feel better!
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

Fred's Mom said...

Poor Archie, I have a remedy that worked for us with our new, but year old WFT who apparently had always lived in the country and was afraid of everything walking around in our little city (men, strollers, bikes, motorcycles, babies, etc.). After months of trying everything a trainer finally hit on what works for him. A little sqeaky toy that I carry when we walk and when something scary approaches I just squeak it. It suddenly grabs his attention and he forgets what he was about to be afraid of. I also don't turn around or look at him, or feel sorry for him. I just stay very upbeat, keep walking briskly, don't look at him, say something like, "come on", and squeak the toy, and it really seems to work. I guess my feelings were getting transferred to him - I was slowing down, looking at him, even stopping, and of course feeling sorry for him because he was so scared, but learned that my behavior was making it worse. Tough love is required I guess. It took me 8 months to find the right trainer who showed this to me in one evening and the change in him was immediate. I hope this helps. Good luck!

Quinvale AstaLaVista Baby said...

G'day A & A,

That's tewwierble. You should bothf come down hewe fow my summer & swim wif me in my pool. I will post mowe info on my furprise latew this week.

xxx Asta (Oz)

Niamh said...

Archie,

You've gotten some good advice. Even though we don't have any snow plows here I can imagine your terror - I used to be frightened of windshield wipers! It is hard to be so scared that you can't even eat cheese.

Tell your PLs to get really high value food like chicken or roast beast. Don't try to practice at first when the plows are around - that would be too scary. Just go outside and have them throw the meat on the ground and either click or say yes when you take a step toward it. You will get better and better. If you have a favorite toy, like the squeaker that was suggested, it may help distract you.

As you get more comfortable, they could bring you near a plow that was not turned on and do the same thing. Desensitization takes awhile. Remind the PLs to talk in a happy, jolly voice. If they sound worried, you will be more worried.

I hope this helps.

Your friend,
Niamh

Daniella said...

Oh poor Archie! what is it with boy wires being such scaredy cats. Axel is the same. On a night when I was really stupid I took him to see the July 4th fireworks! Of course he was TERRIFIED and he ran home and pooped himself. We couldn't get him to go out again for about 2 weeks! But he got over it eventually. I don't know what to advise you...what a hard situation, I hate it when Ax is sad...and he refuses cheese...wow! I'll give it some thought...thinking of you D....

xoxo Dani

Huskee and Hershey said...

Awww.. poor Archie. We feel so sorry for him that the meanie plow scared him so much.
We are not really sure what to advice but we hope Archie feels more confident about going outside soon. **Hugs for Archie**

Misadventures of Widowhood said...

Don't be afraid, Archie. Your mommy will protect you from the big snowplow. We have one on our street too. Maybe your mommy needs to take you out a different door at the back of the house where you don't have to see the street where the plow growls so loud. She could shovel you a pee station.

Levi

Faya said...

I am so sorry that I cannot help you. I am the biggest chicky you can found on DWB...I am afraid of everything (exept cats...). Véronique always has to play with me when we are going to "meet" something that could be frighten for me....
Kisses, Faya

Molly the Airedale said...

OMG, this is awful! Maybe earmuffs or a hat would help, Archie? I get very nervous when fireworks are going off but it's okay once they're over!
Our paws are crossed for you, buddy!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Amber-Mae said...

Oh you poor poor little thing. Hope there won't be anymore plow. Must be so awful for ya!

Butt wiggles,
Solid Gold Dancer

Poopsie aka Blue said...

Oh my poor sweet Archie, that beast is horrible but do be brave.
YOU CAN DO IT.

Love,pats & pets
Blue

DogsDeserveFreedom said...

oh no! What a frustrating thing to happen. Good luck with the snowplows ...

DogsDeserveFreedom

Marvin -The Hollow Hound said...

oooops, I left a comment and blogger ate it all up.

I wrote a poem for poor Archie too, no idea where it went though! For the moment I cannot quite remember the words I barked ;0(

I hope Archie feels better soon, sorry we have no answers for you, and your 'plows' are very big and frightening to our UK eyes!

Marvin xxxxx

Eric said...

Oh my poor step.I feel for you all pal.Don't tell but I'm scared of HEAPS of things too when I'm not expecting them.We hadsome boys are highly sensitive.

You got some fabbie advice Arch. Mom always has one of those spare squeekies from a stuffie in her pocket to distract me. Distracts and makes me look for my stuffie and Mom's pocket's not crammed with an actual toy!! Clickers are fab..mmm means food !!! Tell PL's to maybe use a really strong smelly food that you've not often had...like garlic sausage.Yummers!! Want to share?

Manly encouraging hugs and wags Arch. Eric xxxx

The Black and Tans. said...

Gosh A and A, your snow ploughs are absolutely huge!

We hope you can overcome your fear soon and be able to enjoy some good walks.

Molly and Taffy

Deetz said...

How aweful! I wonder if a call to the dog whisperer will help?
Its either that, or , Therapy!!!!

I sure hope he isn't having nightmares about it. I will come and destroy all the snowplows if that will help, I will, I promise.
Deetzy

Gus, Louie and Callie said...

That is so sad poor Archie. We don't have any ideas either if the cheese doesn't work. Cookies always work for us but we are kind of at an advantage since 2 of the 3 can't hear..


Big Sloppy Kisses
Gus, Louie and Callie

Bae Bae said...

That sounds scary... Stay indoors, keep warm and have lot of naps

~ Bae

Lacy said...

w00f's A and A, me been thinkin bout this fur a day or so...and me watched dat dog man on tv today...a beagle wuz skeered to go outside, cause a neighbors dog had attacked her 2 times...and the beagle wuz catching the vibes from its mom, she was afraid fur her pup...did the plow skeer PL2 when it came down the road..i nos when mama iz outside and something loud comes by sometimes it skeers her..the dog man tooked dat puppy outside and when the lady didnt show she wuz afraid, then the doggy didnt...

b safe,
~rocky~

Kess And Her Mama said...

Oh no! Hope Archie gets over the snow plow phobia. We don't have snow plows in Malaysia coz we don't get snow at all. So, can't help out. Keep us posted.

Stanley said...

Hey, A&A!

It sounds like you've gotten some ideas that may work. I hope you find one that totally makes sense to you, man! Sounds pretty scary.

You know me... I'm afraid of bugs, so you won't be getting any giggles from me.

I have every confidence that this will work its way out eventually. Just give it time, and tell your PL's to fake their way through it until they aren't worried any more.

We're sending you some soothing goober smooches (for the whole family). Hope they make a difference!

Goober love,
Stanley

Jackson's J1 and J2 said...

I'm afraid I can't add anything to the great advice already left here. Sometimes being old and slightly deaf has its advantages. Hope your humans figure something out pronto. J x