As some of you know, Zoey has been insanely psycho around cars, which I believe has always stemmed from fear. Especially if her past is true - i.e. dumped in the road as a puppy. So I worked really really hard for the longest time with her, we has great success with the main road, parking lots, 'out and about' cars ( except for the occasional loud diesel truck). But she never seemed to get over the ones that drove down HER road, didn't matter the speed, color, shape/size, or sound. I just got to the point where I said 'ok, well it least she's ok with cars away from HER road lol' and was going to just live with it.
Recently I just started taking her out trotting with the bicycle ( nothing fast or strenuous) and believe it or not I can C/T while riding LOL! I just have to make sure she gets her treat IN her mouth, or she'll come to a complete stop lol. The last time we went out she only got 'crazy' over about 20% of the cars! ( as opposed to 100% like usual!)
I was so surprised! especially cuz one was a loud diesel truck & I guess it was just far enough and she was too busy walking next to the bike that she didn't go into spaz mode!! Today she got a little nervous, but didn't bark, or dart towards the car - she got HUGE rewards for that!!
So having the job of walking/trotting next to the bike is helping her through this sticky spot!
She even is having great progress with loud stuff such as motorcycles - we were at coffee with a friend a couple weeks ago and it was really the first time she had been out since last time with the burger stand - motorcycles and hamburger! ( aka the first time she decided that the payoff of being good was way better than having a psychotic melt down towards the motorcycles!)
Apparently that one experience had more of an affect on her than I thought. Sitting at coffee - i had no hamburger, just regular treats - and within 15' of us, a motorcycle started up!! she looked, thought about it, but didn't get up from a laying down position!! and of course she got a few handfuls of treats for her awesomeness!!
So proud of my girl!! ( now we just have to work on the 'donkeys' but she's doing well there too, I think I'm more worried about what Martha the donkey might do)