Episode 6:

Ralph's public transport adventures

Posted by Elizabeth Murphy

Welcome back to Ralph's Puppy Pen!

Ralph

Ralph has been exploring the wonderful world of public transport with the support of Janice and Paul, his Volunteer Dog Trainers. Ralph’s future deaf partner may rely on public transport to get around, so we want to make sure that he feels happy and confident with the experience.

Building Ralph’s confidence around public transport is a slow and gentle process. Before travelling on any trains, Janice first took Ralph on many trips to the train station to help him to feel comfortable in this new environment. 

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As you can see, Ralph took the experience in his stride and it wasn’t long before he embarked on his first train ride adventure!

Blue roan spaniel sitting on train platform in burgundy training jacket
Ralph waiting patiently for his first train ride

Once on the train, Ralph is encouraged to settle down by Janice’s feet. If he does this correctly, he receives a tasty treat and lots of praise and cuddles. 

Blue roan spaniel sitting on bus
“On the train… here we go!”

Through this gentle reward-based training, Ralph is learning that travelling on public transport is a fun and exciting experience and that big noisy trains are nothing to be worried about.

On a recent holiday, Ralph was also lucky enough to see some much older forms of public transport, including a steam train…