Hugo - Service Dog in the Making

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Fri 14 Sep 2007

Second Day at the Big House

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Hugo’s second day of school, but a bigger challenge than the first.  I had a study group that lasted several hours and I decided to take him along since he had done so well yesterday.  Five students crammed into a tight cubicle, so Hugo had to fit under the table.  We were the first ones to arrive, and I had to tell each of the other students to be careful not to step on him.  He was so quiet under the table, again settling right in, so I knew they wouldn’t realize he was there otherwise.  Although many feet were within reach, Hugo didn’t bother anyone.  Four hours later, we returned home for lunch and then headed out to KMart for a few items.  Hugo is doing well at figuring out where to stand in relation to the cart.  For some reason, KMart has floors that really shine and they have been a distraction for many of my dogs in the past.  Hugo was only slightly interested in the reflections, but instantly refocused on the task at hand.  I typically make a big loop around a store, even if I’m there for only one or two items.  I always hit the toy isles and push all of those annoying noise makers for the puppy to hear.  The holidays are usually the best for those types of things, so we have something to look forward to.
 

Thu 13 Sep 2007

First Day of School

Posted by Julie under Hugo - Service Dog in the Making
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Hugo had his first class at U of M yesterday, and what a trooper !  We started with two flights of stairs, only our second time, but Hugo trotted right along with little hesitation.  The hallway was filled with obstacles, students sitting on the floor, and backpacks strewn everywhere.  No problem.  After a brief class session, we walked with a few other students back up the stairs and across a busy courtyard.  Students walking, biking, and even rollerblading, didn’t distract Hugo.  We had practiced these types of obstacles at the city park many times, although in smaller numbers.  The next building had an elevator up to the 4th floor.  This was his first ride, but he rode like a pro, squeezed between 8 other students.  As we entered a very full classroom, Hugo found a spot next to my chair and settled in, occasionally looking up to see if anything exciting was going on. 
Training was clearly paying off, since he had already learned not to interact with people around him while working.  Most of the students didn’t even know he was in the room until we got up to leave for the evening.  We had a bit of walk back to the car, along the way stopping to hear the bells in the bell tower playing a beautiful tune, and checking out a large water fountain.  Bikes frequently zipped past us, but again, no distraction for Hugo.
 

Sat 11 Aug 2007

Service Dogs

Posted by Julie under Hugo - Service Dog in the Making
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There are no gov’t. programs, unfortunately, to help an individual with obtaining a service dog.  You either have to go through a service dog organization ( many want 10k-25k in fundraising efforts to pay for your dog ), or do what I’m doing.  Which is raising my own service dog.  The good news is that the Federal gov’t. does not require any type of certification for your dog to be considered a service dog.  They only have to do a “job” for you.  The best website for info about service dogs is…

The Delta Society has a printable card that has the ADA law on it.  That way you can carry it around with you for any situation where someone tries to deny you entry to an establishment.  The Fed’s are VERY lenient when it comes to service dogs and people with disabilites.

Pam
 

Mon 30 Jul 2007

Training

Posted by Julie under Hugo - Service Dog in the Making
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Thank you so much for inviting us yesterday.  I was telling my friend that I have taken my pup’s ability to learn for granted in the past. 
Leader Dog doesn’t want to make the process too complicated, so I haven’t been able to explore the depth of training that I’m learninng now.  Most of all, I feel like I’m developing a more complex relationship with BOTH of my boys.  I’m sure they will appreciate the better use of their brain power.  Ultimately, I hope they’ll be more mentally stimulated than the average dogs.

Hugo and I crashed when we got home. 
 

Mon 2 Jul 2007

Ten Weeks

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We’ve been having a lot of fun going on field trips.  He’s getting a lot of attention.  He is such a brilliant dog, not to mention very sweet.  I’ve had so many friends, family and neighbor’s ask if they can come over to see him. 

I love him so much.

He already knows sit, watch me, outside, potty, crate, let’s go to bed, shower, stay and he’s learning down. 
The other words he definately knows well already….like I said, brilliant !
 

Fri 22 Jun 2007

Two Months

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Hugo is VERY smart.  He’s already sitting every time he comes in from pottying and the crate training is very smooth.  He adjusted to the leash quickly and is even doing the 3 steps in and out to go potty.  I took the large trash dumpster out to the curb and he was tagging along right behind.  Usually my pup’s are a bit afraid at this age.  The dumpster makes alot of noise.

He absolutely loves the kiddie pool I put out on the deck.  I’ve been cracking up as he jumps in and out of the water….very cute !  My other shepherd has really accepted having another dog in the house ( as usual ).  He snuggled up with Hugo last night on the dog bed.
 

Wed 6 Jun 2007

Puppy Classes

Posted by Julie under Hugo - Service Dog in the Making
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I’m so excited about the future for the two of us.  I signed him up for puppy class at Ann Arbor Training Center starting July 6.  I would still like to come to your class too, so we’ll be getting a good start.  I’ve tried to reach the Dexter facility, and they don’t seem to want to return my calls.

The Clean Run magazine you gave me has been extremely informative.  I’m studying for my upcoming scientific conference, so I haven’t had a lot of time for pleasure reading, but I have at least skimmed the books too.  I don’t plan on doing agility, but I’m very open to different obedience techniques.

If you have any time on Sunday, I’d love to come out one last time before my trip.  Otherwise, give him a big squeeze for me !

 

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