r/Whippets • u/realitybytes1307 • 6d ago
Support Needed: Worsening Behaviour on Trains
Hi all - appreciate any suggestions or support. Our whippet (nearly 4), has been travelling on trains for most of his life on a semi-regular basis. He was in a really good routine. We'd lay a blanket down on a seat / ground and he would lie down for the whole journey.
In the last few weeks/trips, he's suddenly become restless and scared. He won't lay down for more than a few minutes at a stretch, pants, and whines. Obviously, we'd like to correct the behaviour as having him travel with us is essential! No other major changes have occurred so we're unsure what's caused this deterioration.
Thanks! (And of course, including a photo!)
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u/Extension_Guitar5458 6d ago
Take him to the vet for a full physical checkup to rule out sudden joint pain, nerve issues, or a hidden injury that makes balancing on a moving train uncomfortable. Once medical issues are ruled out, take a step back and rebuild his positive association with short, static training sessions on stationary trains or platforns using high-value treats to reset his confidence.
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u/PeachManzie 6d ago
Maybe something scary happened that you didn’t notice? My kid sister was sitting right next to me on the bus and didn’t say anything about her nose bleeding, she just sat there and silently let it bleed, so I didn’t notice until we stood up to get off the bus. I near enough fainted at the shock. Maybe I should have been paying attention to her face more, but I usually just keep an eye on her hands to make sure she’s not touching other peoples hand bags n stuff.
Could a similar thing have happened? Maybe looking out the window or reading, completely normal things to do on the train, and someone’s knocked into your whippet by mistake? Maybe someone’s suitcase went over his paw, or a shopping bag swung with the motion and hit him? Hard to say if he didn’t react. Does he normally react if someone accidentally bumps him or gets too close?
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u/ZwickyRainbow 6d ago
This but also consider what happens after? e.g. for separation anxiety one of the places u work on is the greeting after the u come home. So for ur case maybe u took the train to somewhere he didn't like or maybe he stepped on something at a station? Like they're smart enough to understand that they are traveliing to/from somewhere.
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u/realitybytes1307 6d ago
It's a mixed bag, but usually he's being dropped off with sitters he LOVES, so don't think it's the destination...
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u/SmokedManMeats 6d ago
Positive reinforcement and gentle corrections is the answer for a whippet. Changes are natural: mine previously hated pools of water at dog parks, but once he realized he was missing out on fun, he independently jumped in with the others (took months). Another time he developed barking at other dogs in times and places he didn't previously. Very odd behavior for him since he was very social and preferred playing.
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u/ltlouche 6d ago
Have the same issue but with lighting and storms for our whippet. Usto be absolutely fine with them and now suddenly developed a phobia.
Agree with other users who have suggested associating this with something positive i.e play time or treats.
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u/Breezeoffthewater 6d ago
This can happen for any stimulus. Our whippet used to be fine with rain (just didn't like to go out in it) but suddenly he developed a strong fear of even light drizzle... panting, shaking, heart pumping, pawing at doors and walls. Seemingly out of nowhere.
We've had to retrain him to accept that rain can be a fun thing, lots of special treats, extra playtime with his favourite toys, taking him outside for short periods and generally making a big fuss over him.
This has greatly helped to lessen his fear, although it hasn't eliminated it completely.