Julie

September 14, 2007

Second Day at the Big House

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.
September 13, 2007

First Day of School


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.
September 1, 2007

Tug


We are having fun.  Mac is a lunatic--so we are

working on making him understand that the tug comes

out when I want it, not when he decides to run to the

gate to look at the bag with the toys in it.  And not

when he does his little Schutzhund bark/whine routine.


He has no idea what to do with the big tug toys--I

bounced one around in the kitchen and he tentatively

tried it, but then went back to leaping and jumping,

so we have to keep playing around.
August 31, 2007

On the Road



Wish you could have seen him with Tariat--he is just

very quietly confident.  And he knew enough to decide

that he did not want to greet the gander (Smith, of

the goose defense team Smith and Wesson).


So far he is charming everyone, including children who

are terrified of dogs.


Cheers!
August 26, 2007

First Ever Bassett Hound to earn the CPE C-ATCH Title!

Congratulations to our friend Charlene Wiglesworth and Isis---the coolest Basset in the world!

Isis is the first Bassett hound to earn the CPE Agility Trial Championship title, otherwise known as  "C-atch"

We are so proud of you!

August 11, 2007

Service Dogs



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
July 30, 2007

Training


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. 
July 23, 2007

Living Large


Deuce was living large yesterday. He does get a whole lot of attention from people when we go walking! His latest trick is to steal the cap on the base of the toilet and "run for the hills" He has also found his way up stairs to the girl’s bedrooms. The girls just love that, especially when he has his way with their stuffed animals!  He also went actually swimming yesterday. He won't jump off the dock, but he will come to me and I set him in and he paddles his way back to shore and runs back so I can set him back in.

July 19, 2007

Temperament Test


Last night at class Mac had a real test.  We were

doing Open out-of-sight downs, and the fox terrier

next to him broke and evidently went right over to him

and jumped on his back.  Mackie has been dying to play

with this dog since class started, but he was a rock.

Everyone is very impressed with him (even if he does

still anticipate the recalls and retrieves). 


Thank you for the great temperament!
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