TRAFFIC
This is the first of two pieces of information you will receive regarding your dog’s traffic work.  I am discussing an introduction to working safely in traffic.  Later, there will be a more in-depth look at how a dog perceives traffic and how you can influence that perception.

Your dog has been educated in traffic and is confident with its instructor.  However, working with you makes it a whole new experience for your dog.  To increase your experience and confidence together we will be creating situations where you are challenged by a car.  We call these traffic checks.  There are many ways a dog can respond appropriately to a traffic check.  It may refuse to leave the curb, move into the street slowly, or enter the street and stop or back up.  All of these are safe responses to the situations you and your dog might face.  The more experience you get in different circumstances here, the more confident you will feel when you go home.   In order for us to have the most control in these situations, we will initially use a staff driver.  We will quickly progress to using cars of the general public.  Your instructor will be with you to help you learn to respond to your dog’s actions appropriately.

It is important to remember that the responsibility for safe street crossings, both here and in your home community, lies with you.
Here are some important points for you to remember:
   1. Where you cross the street is of primary importance!  A controlled intersection will afford you the safest crossing.  Mid-block crossings, unless light-controlled, are dangerous.  It is important to understand the traffic patterns and the controls which dictate both the pedestrian and the vehicular flow.  Due to the advent of computer-controlled traffic monitors, intersections can be complex and can change based on time of day or traffic flow.  A call to your local traffic engineer may help you clarify a difficult intersection.
   2. When crossing at a light-controlled intersection, the earliest part of the cycle gives you the most time to make the crossing.  Be sure to determine that you have a parallel flow before starting the crossing.  Do not mistake a car turning right on red as being the parallel flow.  Always make sure you have your dog’s full attention before you give the “forward” command.  If you feel you do not have your dog’s full attention, hold the slack of the leash in your right hand until you regain your dog’s full attention and then give the “forward” command.  (if there is time in the cycle?)
   3. Proper body alignment before initiating a crossing is crucial.  The sound of parallel traffic can assist you with this.  Once having said “forward,” make sure your dog enters the street first.  Remember, your dog can intelligently disobey your command and not leave the curb.  It is important not to rush into the street, as a moderate pace will allow you to respond more accurately to your dog’s actions.  Remember, your dog may need to stop or back up at any point during the crossing.
      Should your dog veer to move around a vehicle in the crosswalk, keeping your shoulders aligned and using the “straight” command will keep your dog focused on the up curb.  In response to a traffic check, calm verbal praise is appropriate. 	Physical praise should be saved until you are safely out of the street.
      It is possible that your dog may become distracted while crossing the street.  Do not drop the harness.  Instead, use a verbal reprimand followed by, if necessary, a mild correction using your right hand on the leash.  As always, it is important not to drag or steer your dog with the harness.  When you graduate, you will feel more comfortable and confident in making safe crossings with your dog.  It is unnecessary and dangerous to test your dog in traffic at home.  Should you have questions regarding traffic once you are home, please call The Seeing Eye.


12/2004


DSR/ncn