It may come as a surprise to you, but your dog does not want to drive a school bus. You are safe from her wrestling the steering wheel away from you, shoving you roughly to the floor and doing a burnout to the nearest dog park. Nor do you have to worry about her shouting abusive language at you to “Hurry up already!” while you’re stuck in rush hour traffic. Your dog may have many talents and aspirations, but operating public transportation is not one of them.
You, though, are the perfect candidate to be a school bus driver: you have opposable thumbs, legs long enough to reach the gas and brake pedals and the ability to tell the difference between a red and green lights. You can make decisions based on the gauges and dials in front of you, know the proper route and plan ahead to stop for gas.
But before you are handed the keys to the bus, be aware that your job is not assured. Your performance and safety record will be assessed every day. Are you courteous to your passengers? Do you obey all traffic laws? Your position needs to be earned, every day, in every encounter you have with the public whom you serve.
Each day with your shy and fearful dog, ask yourself, “Who’s driving the bus?”
It should always be you… but it’s also important to invite your dog to be your co-pilot, helping you get to your ultimate destination.
Suspended License
Let’s explore two scenarios involving school bus drivers who put their passengers at risk, both physically and psychologically. Then imagine that you are the driver and your dog is the passenger.
1.) A shrieking bus driver is banging angrily on the horn while swerving around slow traffic. He is terrifying all the passengers, especially the kindergarteners. The children will very likely make themselves as small as possible in their seats, hold on for dear life and pray that they make it off the bus alive. They certainly don’t want to catch the driver’s attention and risk his ire by asking him to slow down, and since they don’t speak the same language as the driver, they can’t even ask to be let off at the next stop.
How does your dog feel when you lose your temper?
2.) Then there’s the bus driver who decides when (and if) the student can get off the bus. Despite calling out to the driver to alert him that the stop is approaching, he drives right past and stops many, many blocks down the road. He completely disregards the child’s repeated attempts to disembark, and when the child is finally disgorged from the bus, shaking with nerves, she’s miles from home.
How does your dog feel when you disregard her pleas to slow down, back up or try again another day?
Dog As My Co-Pilot
Many school buses have bus monitors (or co-pilots), a second adult who makes sure the passengers stay seated and safe and who can help the driver with logistics. When we drive the bus, it’s always good to have someone sitting close by who knows the roads, keeps everyone calm and can offer us assistance.
Rather than keeping your dog a submissive passenger slumped against the window, waiting for the ride to end, promote your dog to co-pilot and be open to the wisdom she has to offer. Even puppies have opinions!
Dogs Can’t Read Maps, But They Give Great Directions
Listen to what your dog has to say by watching your dog’s body language. You may not end up taking the fastest route, but you’ll eventually get to your destination, and probably see some cool new sites on the way. Is she acting bored? Ignoring you? Try a new way to get to the same place, break up the trip or stop for a rest.
Make It A Joy-Ride
Your dog is not trying to “dominate” you (or hi-jack the bus). She is looking for clear, calm instructions from you, the driver.
As you navigate through traffic (teaching new behaviors, working through her fears), she is offering directions of her own that she hopes you will incorporate into the excursion. Your trip will be much more pleasant for both of you if you consult each other for the best routes. It’s o.k. to take a detour (teach a different behavior than you started out training).
Set out without a destination occasionally, and see where it takes you both. Try shaping a new behavior, hiking a different trail, or any new activity that suits you both. Don’t forget to stop at all the rest stops along the way to stretch your legs, sniff some trees and get good snacks.
Photo Credit: Pixabay / Wokandapix
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