Elevators, Automatic Doors, and Stairs Oh My

Working with Izzy on entering an elevator

Things that we don't think twice about getting into or going through can be really scary for a dog. Think about an elevator. First a door opens then they have to go into a small area over a hole in the floor and then the door shuts and the floor moves. Emmi was terrified when we did a visit that required an elevator. We did a lot of work, and she did become comfortable with them. We had to go on one at the airport. Izzy was a little nervous at first but became comfortable quickly. Other things that can be scary are automatic opening doors. We've practiced going through those at Wilco, Jerry's and Dollar General and watching them open and close at Oakway Mall. We are also working on going up and down steps and stairs and walking on surfaces that you can see through like the grate below (a ramp to the docks in Florence). She even got to experience a mobile mat in Florence. I have also taken her on bridges. We will continue to incorporate these types of things whenever possible.

In the elevator.

Riding the elevator up.

Walking on a ramp that you can see the water in the bay below.

Walking on a Mobi Mat at the beach.