Elevators can be very scary place for dogs. Think of how uncomfortable you feel when smashed into an elevator; now imagine that your dog is down by your knees or feet keying off of that tension. The same way that people who are claustrophobic might potentially lash out of panic or fear, so can dogs behave inappropriately.
Remember that as you get your pup ready for your walk, don’t get him amped up and set him up for failure. Walk calmly out your door ahead of your dog and walk calmly down the hallway ahead of your dog so right from the beginning your dog will be calm and confident in your ability to protect him. Take your dog up to the door and try to make sure the elevator does not buzz or beep. Have a family member or friend hold the door open while you walk in and out several times with the human leading the dog in and the human leading the dog out. This is very important since it sets the stage to prevent fear issues and potential aggression.
So, now that you’ve entered the elevator several times it is time to go up or down a floor or two. Try to select a less populated floor so that your dog does not react immediately. When your elevator door opens, walk ahead of him and keep going at least partway down the hall. This will begin to teach him there is nothing to worry about. Pretend that this is part of your walk so that it’s no big deal. The calmer your dog is exiting your apartment, walking down the hall, and entering the elevator, the calmer he will be exiting the elevator and walking down the street. In order to give your dog confidence, don’t rush to get through the lobby; it teaches your dog that you are afraid or apprehensive. Remember that dogs will not follow an unstable or fearful leader. If the dog feels that you are nervous, he will mimic your behavior. So walk like you own the place. Your dog will see you behaving as if you are in charge and will begin to gain more confidence in his or her fur-parent’s ability to own the world.
Many doormen will have treats and food for your pup, but remember that if your dog is on a grain-free diet, give your doorman grain free cookies in a little resealable plastic bag with your pup’s name on it. When your pup greets your doorman, he will receive his treat.
If your dog is shy or aggressive, refrain from having anyone give him a cookie or treat when he is in that fearful or reactive state of mind. If you were upset about something and your friend gave you a hug or a gift you would know that those things were meant to comfort you. But to a dog, it reinforces the state of mind he is currently in. If he is upset and barking at someone and then receives a treat or reward, in his mind, he is being rewarded for barking and being afraid or reactive. This is why it is so common for dogs to not respond if at all to treat-based or fear-based reinforcements since dogs cannot understand our words, they simply pick up on our energy and may become more reactive.
