When you are dealing with something that an animal is afraid of, the best approach is to find his "comfort" distance from the thing that scares him. A busy street makes this a bit more difficult, as you have to find a way to give him that "distance". If you have a car, maybe transporting him to a less busy area might make a good start. Perhaps a side street, where he is comfortably away from busy traffic. You could then walk toward the busy street, pausing as soon as you see some sign of anxiety, and retracing your steps just little until he is in his "comfort zone" again. Gradually…...with the use of bribery and rewards......ask him to approach closer to the scary stuff. Liberally reward him for being there, then retreat. The idea is to not force, let him decide when he is ready. If he feels he can retreat at any time, he will have more confidence. This approach may take awhile, but is less likely to create a permanent aversion. (it works well with spooky horses).
RI Rhode Island Rabies Control Board Meets 2/22 at 9:30
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RHODE ISLAND Rabies Control Board meets February 22 at 9:30 a.m. Room 370, Division of Agriculture, 235 Promenade Street, Providence– New 3 year rabies regulations to be discussed. http://sos.ri.gov/documents/publicinfo/omdocs/notices/13/2010/84585.pdf Concerned pet owners should make every effort to attend this meeting and ask their friends to do the same.
If you cannot attend the meeting, but want to voice your opinion, please contact the Chair of the Board, RI State Veterinarian, Dr. Scott Marshall at scott.marshall@dem.ri.gov phone: (401) 222-2781 ext. 4503 and ask that the regulatory change to the 3 year protocol be made effective as soon as possible.
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**Rhode Island – 3 Year "Transition Policy" announced by State Vet 2/21/10
New R.I. Rabies Regulations Close to Approval**, Providence Journal 2/21/10 http://www.projo.com/health/content/rabies_vaccinations_02-21-10_QVHH1UG_v13.36f414d.html
"New rules, expected to go into effect about March 16, change the mandatory vaccination period from two to three years.
In the meantime, the state veterinarian, Dr. Scott Marshall, has created a transitional policy so that pets now protected aren?t reimmunized unnecessarily just because the old regulations have not yet expired. "
If you have questions about the transition policy, contact Dr. Scott Marshall at scott.marshall@dem.ri.gov phone: (401) 222-2781 ext. 4503
