plays with puppies

The 7th ADBC IS COMING!

2012-03-14T14:00:00.000-04:00

A CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

to the

7th Assistance Dog Blog Carnival (ADBC)

This quarterly carnival started in October of 2010 by blogger Sharon Wachsler on her blog, After Gadget. For more information about just what a blog carnival and the ADBC are, and for links to the six prior issues, check out this link to a post on Sharon's blog:
http://aftergadget.wordpress.com/about-the-assistance-dog-blog-carnival/.

I am honored to host the 7th issue of the ADBC. Part of my responsibilities is to choose a theme. This is harder than it seems. In struggling to come up with a topic, I first considered the theme of LOSS. Retiring a working dog, making the difficult decision to put down an ill and suffering dog, or returning a puppy to the organization that will teach the puppy its job.

But, April evokes feelings of spring, and new beginnings. I wasn't sure I wanted to tackle such a dark topic in a month that begins with April Fool's day.

It just so happened that on March 1, I received the following comment on my blog page, "Why I Raise Puppies for Leader Dogs for the Blind," from the wife of a Leader Dog handler.

scarletsfireMar 1, 2012 11:18 AM
As the wife of a LD partner I can tellyou that our lives have indeed been enriched. We are blessed beyond measure andgreatly reap the benefits of the work of fabulous volunteers and trainers. Ashesitant as I was to have an animal in the house, thanks to all the work it hasbeen smooth sailing. Who knew there was such a thing as doggie etiquette? Butthanks to the teaching that our LD come to us with, there hasn't been much toadjust too. But there have however been a lot of things to love about having aLD around. You all really make it easy for us non-partners to get accustomed tohaving a LD around.

The concept of the effect of a working dog on family members of the handler had never occurred to me before. It got me to thinking about some of the things the family must adjust to by having a dog in the house, where perhaps there had never been. Feeding, "parking," dog hair, vet bills--even the new independence of the the handler might prove challenging for some. Luckily for my commenter, the effect of her husband's new partner proved to be an easy adjustment, and a positive one at that!

As for myself, accepting my career-changed puppy, Gus, back into our home had an unexpected effect. The addition of Gus increased our four-legged family members to three (my old mutt Gypsy, and my 4th Future Leader Dog puppy, Scout).

Three big dogs is something to manage when it's time for taking a walk, or traveling. Our recent trip to Green Bay, WI via the U.P. brought home the effect of having three, instead of two, dogs--a "lifestyle" change we didn't anticipate!

Couple all this with being the "writer" that I am, I decided to play around with those pesky words, "affect/effect."

How's that for an April Fool's topic?

AFFECT/EFFECT

Which word do you use? Here are some definitions that might help you decide.

Affect: (noun) used in psychology, emotion or desire as influencing behavior or action, a psychological term referring to an observed emotional state, After surgery, still under the influence of the anesthetic, my puppy wagged her tail without affect. (transitive verb) have an effect on, make a difference to; touch the feelings of someone, move emotionally, a more general term that suggests moving one to tears or some other display of feeling, The affecting blog post about the loss of a working partner.

Effect: (more common as a noun than "affect") a change as a result of something, Helping raise a Future Leader Dog puppy has had a positive effect on my nieces., (verb) cause something to happen, Leader Dogs for the Blind effected a list of "In-for-Training" standards to give puppy raisers a training goal.

Affect and effect are both nouns and verbs, but the word effect is used more often as a noun than is the word affect. Affect as a noun is most often related to the field of psychology. And, the two words are used differently as verbs--affect means "produce and effect on" or "influence," whereas effect means "bring about." (Seems like a small difference to me.)

I don't know about you, but even with all these examples, I still get confused with AFFECT/EFFECT.

So, in spite of that, how has working with, training, or being exposed to a working dog affected your life, or those of your loved ones? Has the introduction of a service dog or puppy-in-training had a positive or negative effect on your family members?

Use AFFECT/EFFECT any which way you please. Just have fun and let us now the effect of your experience in the assistance dog world!

Who can submit posts?

From Sharon's initial post about the ADBC:

Anyonewho meets these criteria can submit a post:
You have a blog (or someone who will let you post on their blog);
Your post relates to the topic of guide, hearing, or service dogs (including psychiatric service dogs, autism service dogs, medical alert dogs, and any other task-trained assistance dog), even if your blog is not typically about assistance dogs;
Your submitted post relates to the theme for that particular issue.
Note: You do NOT need to be an AD partner (or puppy raiser or trainer, etc.), to contribute. Any blogger, regardless of whether you are affiliated with the assistance dog community or not, can submit.
Note: Although it is not required, you are strongly encouraged, if you do submit a post, to make the post and your comments section as accessible as possible to people with diverse disabilities.^[1]
In other words, posts can be aboutpuppy raising, service-dogs-in-training (SDiTs), assistance dogprograms/schools, retired SDs, perspectives on ADs from people withdisabilities not partnered with ADs,or anything else relating to the topicof assistance dogs. Posts from personal blogs as well as from ADorganization blogs are welcome.

To participate in the 7th ADBC, make a comment on this post with the following information:

The name of your blog (example, "plays with puppies")
The title of your ADBC post (example, "The startling effect of puppy-breath")
The link (URL) to your ADBC post (example, "http://yourblogname/postname")

"Captcha" is disabled on my blog, but I do monitor comments. Please be patient for the publication of your comment. If you'd rather email your post, send it to pattibrehler (at) gmail (dot) com.

The deadline for the 7th ADBC is April 25th, so you have six weeks to submit a previous post that fits the theme at hand, or (preferably), write a new one!

I will compile and publish all submissions on April 30. (If you can't make the deadline, let me know and I'll add it as soon as you get your post "live.")

Winter Break - Take 4 Rosie gets run over

2012-03-13T17:47:00.001-04:00

Rosie lies on the living room rug working away on a previously-chewed Nylabone. FLD Scout wanders over, eases into a down, and faces Rosie.

Rosie immediately lets loose the Nylabone; it hits the floor with a muffled thud. Rosie gazes at Scout, who glares intently back at her.

Two black Labs lie sphinx-like in a nose-to-nose, mirror image stare down.

Hey, look at Scout and Rosie, I say to the girls and Andy, all of us lounging around on our comfortable couches. (I think the girls like that we ordered DishNet TV.) My mention of their two names does not cause either to look away. It's a wonder our five pairs of watching eyes doesn't break the spell.

Do I hear our clock strike the quarter hour and then the half? It seems that long, before...

We startle when Scout strikes like a snake to snatch the Nylabone from between Rosie's paws, but Rosie barely flinches.

Scout and Rosie's clacking teeth might be intimidating to those not familiar with dog behavior. But they really are playing!

Gus gets into the act the next morning.

"Rosie, come on, let's go!"

"No, not THAT way--over here!"

Winter Break - Take 3 Harmony

2012-03-11T06:00:00.000-04:00

When Natalie started to practice, baritone notes careened off knotty-pine walls and our house echoed like a sound box on steroids. Sofia ran downstairs to snatch her trumpet and join in.

Quite the concert ensued, missing only the round sounds of Elaina's French horn.

I don't know why she didn't join in.

Nat and Sofia belt it out.

As if losing interest, Natalie slid to the floor from her perch on Andy's desk chair. Sofia continued alone, tooting to class-lesson music spread precariously on the metal stand.

Suddenly, Sofia's tune turned peppy. Nat started bouncing along on her b*tt, the baritone nearly engulfing her.

It was like her fingers had a mind of their own. They danced on the valves. She licked her lips and kissed the mouthpiece with a smack. A jazzy slew of notes erupted, weaving in and out of Sofia's structured song.

Sofia and Natalie share a magical moment. Gypsy rolls her eyes.

Always the critic, Gypsy wasn't impressed.

But I was.

FLD Scout wasn't sure. Here she checks out that shiny thing that makes noise.

Winter Break - Take 2 Haiku

2012-03-10T11:15:00.000-05:00

winter break in the "patch"

girls sleep in too long

black Lab alarm clock trio

brings the dead to life


Sofia and Elaina are up before Natalie. They decide she's had enough sleep and send the pups downstairs.

Natalie doesn't know what hit her. Scout howls "Get up!"

Gus and Elaina report, "Mission accomplished!"

Winter Break - Take 1

2012-03-01T13:27:00.000-05:00

On a crispy winter-break morning, Elaina said, "I'm going for a run. It's conditioning for soccer." Natalie wanted to run with her. I said, Why don't you take Rosie?

Sofia said, "I'll walk," and agreed to take Gus. He's a very good walker, I told her.

I came along with FLD Scout, who, on this particular morning, wasn't a very good walker.

I don't think she liked seeing Rosie leave us in the dust.

Sporting a white and black panda hat, Sofia and Gus wait for me and FLD Scout.

It is exactly one mile from our house on the top of the hill south to Wiltse Road. Elaina, Nat, and Rosie were a half-mile gone before I caught up to Sofia and Gus, who waited patiently for me to walk Scout backwards every time she put tension on the leash.

FLD Scout and I never made it all the way to Wiltse Road.

Elaina smiles, in spite of her hill effort coming back from Wiltse Road.

Elaina came charging up the first hill on her return mile. Natalie trudged behind with Rosie. There are no hills like these in their downstate suburban neighborhood.

My nieces lead the way...it's uphill home, from every direction!

FLD Scout and I turned homeward--I figured with all my backwards-walking I got the distance in.

Go on ahead, I said to Sofia and Natalie. We'll get there.

Eventually.

My three nieces (and Rosie) came north with Andy when he came home from downstate business one Sunday night in February. Their mom, my sister Anne, would be up later in the week to spend a couple of relaxing days and then drive them back in time for weekend soccer games. Get ready for some picture-tales of our fun-filled week!

Guide Dog Puppy Sponsorship Auction

2012-02-26T15:09:00.000-05:00

Fellow blogger, Laura (she writes the blog "Dog's Eye View"), is hosting a Guide Dog Puppy Sponsorship Auction to raise money for Guide Dogs of America. Laura's second guide dog, Jack, is from Guide Dogs of America, and this auction is her way to give back to that organization.

Laura's first guide dog was Leader Dog Willow, a yellow lab from Leader Dogs for the Blind. At that time Laura supported Leader Dogs in several ways, including her photo of LD Willow on Leader Dogs' 2007-08 holiday card.

At any rate, please take a moment to check out the items up for bid at Laura's auction by clicking HERE.

You might also want to check out my own contribution to the auction--my first "chapbook" of poems and photos inspired by raising Future Leader Dogs. Here is the link to my "puppy poetry and photos" book: puppy poetry and photos.

I will also donate $5 to Leader Dogs for the Blind in the name of the winner.

So put a bid in!

The auction runs from February 25 through Sunday, March 4 at 10:00 pm.

Here is the front of my chapbook. Cover is glossy photo paper.

The back cover.

An inside peek. There are 36 pages of photos and poems, some of which have never been published on my blog.

Les Cheneaux Snowsfest--Fun in the UP

2012-02-24T08:47:00.000-05:00

SNOWSFEST - A celebration of winter, UP-style. Here is a picture diary of our first UP (Upper Peninsula) Leader Dogs for the Blind puppy outing of 2012. Eight Future Leader Dog puppies and their raisers have fun in Hessel, on the northern shores of Lake Huron.

FLD Scout looks over the festivities.

FLD Ruckus looks up at raiser Tammy as if to say, "Do we really have to hang out with these young pups?" FLD Autumn checks out FLD Yooper while FLD Atlas looks on.

FLD Hope flirts with Scout.

FLD Scout sees her first snowmobile...a young boy practices on the race track out on the ice.

We find a giant "snow dog" sculpted on the ice and I try to get FLD Scout to pose...

...she rather liked the view from the top, instead.

"Aw, jeez...not ANOTHER picture!"

FLD Jet meets his half-brother, FLD Yooper. (They share the same mother, Leader Dog Mom, Amber.)

Jet's raiser, Suzanne, and Yooper's raiser, Gary, try to get the brothers to pose for a picture.

Suzanne gets their attention--with a treat?

Awwww, good puppies!

FLD Yooper poses nicely on a hay bale in the Leader Dogs for the Blind warming tent.

FLD Autumn says she can sit pretty on the hay bale too! ("Why do people think I'm part Shar-Pei?")

These "licky-labs"--here Yooper plants one on Gary's nose while Phyllis looks on...

...and Scout gets a few slurps in with a visitor.

This family loves the puppies. Here FLD Jet tries to sneak a lick on a cold little boy.

The outing provides excellent distractions: kids playing games, snowmobile races, and a chili-cook-off. Here FLD Scout looks on while participants show off their pets' tricks in the "dog show."

FLD Scout thinks FLD Autumn looks great in her "big dog" working jacket.

Take Me Home, Scout

2012-02-17T14:47:00.000-05:00

The day before Valentine's Day...

I tie the red 15-foot lead around my waist so I can have my hands free to take pictures. FLD Scout is clipped to the other end. It is a crisp, cobalt-sky morning with a new dusting of snow.

FLD Scout on her red "play" leash before our hike.

Scout and cc'd Gus and I take to the woods for a three-mile hilly hike in the park abutting our land to see what has been out and about. If I was a naturalist, like Jonathan Schechter (who writes his Earth's Almanac blog for the Oakland Press), I could identify what creatures made the tracks in the snow.

Alas, I am not. I can only imagine what scampered by in the wee hours before light.

I CAN identify coyote scat. Scout sniffs, but forgoes the snack with a hearty LEAVE IT from me.

Frozen scat.

"Forrest Gus" does his bit to keep the trail clear, and carries a long limb like a high-wire walker. Then he zigzags with it through the woods as an elk or moose might run, swooping heavy-antlered crowns between the trees. I hear a CEEEEERRRAAAACK and turn to see Gus sporting a shortened limb after being waylaid, however briefly, by trees too close. There's something to be said for brute strength.

Forrest Gus grabs a limb.

He breaks it free, balancing it as he runs toward us.

Gus thinks his job is to keep the trail clear!

I hand Scout a smaller stick and she carries it with import. I am proud when she bounces out to the end of the long lead and eases up when she feels tension, but it would be nice to get a little pull UP the hills!

The sticky snow is tough going. Gus and Scout leave prints behind as big as bear paws. Gus trots twice the distance Scout and I hike, chasing scents off-trail, racing ahead only to turn and race back as if to hurry us up. He never wanders far.

When the trail curves left toward a section of sharp dips and climbs, I call right to the dogs. We veer off to take a shortcut to avoid the steepest of the hills. I cannot afford a fall with my camera, or my still-healing finger!

Scout, I say, take me home.

She plods ahead, stick in mouth, turning me a little more to the right. She finds the route that Jeff, my step-son-in-law, and I bushwhacked from the other direction on snowshoes last month with his two German Shorthair Pointers and my three dogs.

Scout weaves between towering poplars that squeak in the wind overhead, passes near woodpecker condos, and carefully steers clear of long, snow-blanketed humps that I know are tree falls by the naked roots reaching skyward.

She confidently leads me back to our "patch."

I am amazed. Our showshoe tracks are long gone (to quote Ernie Harwell) after rounds of thaw and fresh snowfall. Her pace quickens when we reach the well-worn paths on our property. We are a quarter mile from home.

Patterning. That's what Leader Dogs for the Blind trainers might call what Scout did in remembering the route home.

Here are some pictures of the tracks we saw this day.

A Different Day--For Firsts!

2012-02-11T14:18:00.000-05:00

A dinnertime pile-up of 65 vehicles on northbound I-75 near Bay City last night created a 20-mile-long parking lot for several hours. Poor visibility due to snow squalls and icy conditions from falling temperatures were to blame. Well, more likely, failure on some drivers' parts to slow down for the changing conditions.

I'm glad that Phyllis and I traveled down to Bay City on Wednesday instead of Friday and avoided the disaster. It seems as though when the two of us plan a puppy outing, the sun is always shining! We were off to give our Future Leader Dog puppies their first mall experience.

FLDs Scout and Autumn strolled the shiny floored Bay City Mall like pros, despite the best efforts of some strangers to distract them. As we passed garish posters advertising the shows at the Goodrich Bay City 8 Theater located inside the mall, Phyllis said, "We should go to a movie!"

Scout hasn't been to a movie yet, I replied. Neither had Autumn. Another first.

Our impromptu timing couldn't have been more perfect. We walked from one end of the mall to the other, with short excursions through Sears and Target, and we still had time to grab a sandwich in the food court before show time. FLD Autumn was ready to take a break, that's alot of walking for a four-month-old!

As Phyllis and I stood in line at Subway with our pups, a young man and his toddler daughter came by, bouncing a small basketball. Both Scout and Autumn craned their necks to look. Both Scout and Autumn held their "sits."

Suddenly, the little girl tumbled backwards. I heard her head hit the tile floor. FLD Autumn bounded out of Phyllis's grip, leash dragging behind her, and trotted over to the now-red-faced-about-to-break-into-screams tot. Autumn's concerned licks dried tears away before they could erupt and the little girl struggled to her feet to return the loving.

In the theater, FLD Scout was happy to lick herself a clean spot for a nap on the floor (okay, just kidding, the floor was actually pretty clean, it was a matinee after all). We enjoyed the entertaining "One for the Money," based on the Stephanie Plum crime novel by Janet Evanovich. (Yes, I'd recommend it.) About three-quarters of the way through the flick, FLD Autumn whined in a polite whisper that she wanted to "park," but she managed to hold on until the credits rolled. Luckily, the exit doors weren't very far away!

Good puppies!

The trip to Bay City was safe and fun for all. Good conversation for Phyllis and me during the dry-roads hour and a half drive each way, and the puppies had some play (and nap) time in the back seat.

Crazy puppy play time on the drive down.

Not long after, FLD Autumn thinks this is a comfy position for a nap!

FLD Scout, however, took the "back end on the bench, head on the floor-board" approach. (How can that be comfortable??)

Dere's mischief in dems eyes!

Oh yea, puppy-play-buddies.

After a busy afternoon at the mall, playing in the prone position is in order.

Like a light switch, puppies are "off."

Tuesday's Training TIP: Don't Wait for Stuff to Happen

2012-02-07T23:21:00.001-05:00

Stuff happens. Sometimes stuff happens in a way that causes you to relive events in your mind, thinking, "if only...." Other times stuff happens that leave you wondering, "Wow, how did I do that?"

IF ONLY

A week and a half ago we were getting ready for a long weekend trip to the city. I fed the dogs and went outside to load our Hawken wood furnace before shutting it down. With the non-winter we've been having I thought the embers might smolder the whole time we were gone and then it would be a simple matter of flicking the switch when we returned.

I raked the coals to an even bed. With "poopsicle-picking-up" gloved hands I hoisted an 18 inch long, maybe 15" diameter log from the woodshed. Doesn't sound very big, but it was a heavy sucker. At the door of the Hawken, I heaved it.

WARNING: Those of you with squeamish stomachs might want to skip the next three paragraphs.

The word "exquisite" is often used to describe indescribable pain. Double that. And add sharp, severe, agonizing, piercing, excruciating, and just plain gut-wrenching to the word PAIN. In one fell moment, the log punched the interior roof of the Hawken and rebounded, cracking my left ring finger between it and the damning steel frame of the door.

I did not see the stars that suddenly blinked brightly back into the just-after-dawn sky. I did not see the brilliant embers that shot up like fireflies when the dastardly log flipped into the fire. I did not even see the darkness when my eyes grimaced shut as I jumped three feet back clutching my hand against my roiling stomach.

What I did see when I peeled off my glove was a Niagra rush of red-hot lava from a jagged fissure crossing the length of my finger.

Oh man! wasn't quite what I exclaimed.

A trip to the emergency room and surgery five days later left me with pins in my distal phalanx (which was completely broken in two) and stitches to hold everything else together.

Ouch. Bad log.

WOW

Five days after hand surgery, FLD Scout and I took a working stroll with Phyllis and FLD Autumn in downtown West Branch to practice loose-leash heeling near traffic. The Future Leader Dog pups did very well with street crossings, railroad tracks, steps, and passing strangers. As is typical during outings like this, we found unexpected training opportunities.

Phyllis coaxes FLD Autumn up a short flight of stairs.

The spring-like 50 degrees and sunshine brought out a motorcyclist, who was just leaving an auto parts store as we passed. Inches away when the engine roared to life, FLDs Scout and Autumn sniffed in curiosity and exhibited no fear. Of course, the machine was not a Harley.

FLD Scout is not alarmed at all by this motorcycle.

We knew it was time to head back to the van when a very tired FLD Autumn sat down and refused to continue. After some cajoling, we managed to move her along. Then FLD Scout started pulling toward the grass like she had to "park." I removed her working jacket, released her with an OK, and let her sniff out a spot. We were on the south side of the busy five-lane Houghton Ave.

That's when it happened, the one thing you never want to happen.

Scout bolted.

I had hold of the leash with my mangled left hand; Scout had been sniffing to my right. Her whiplash departure north toward Houghton Ave. jerked my hand. I knew if I tried to hang on I would be reacquainted with that double dose of exquisite pain. I let loose the leash while simultaneously lunging for it with my right hand.

The leash slithered out of reach like a spooked garter snake.

SCOUT! I yelled with a megaphone voice. I never heard Phyllis, who shrieked "Scout!" in harmony.

Scout paused in the middle of the right lane and looked back. Luckily there was no traffic heading east, but out of the corner of my eye I spotted a red car motoring west. I dropped to my knee. I knew if I took another step forward it was all over--if Scout turned away from me and kept running, she wouldn't even see what hit her.

The world disappeared. It was just Scout and me.

Scout! Come! I said in the cheeriest voice I could muster. A subtle shift in her shoulder. Yes, good girl! I leaned back onto my heel and slapped my thighs to encourage her to come to me. I could almost see a thought-balloon form above her head: "I wonder if she has a treat for me? Hmmmmmm, I'll bet she does. Maybe I'd better check it out, I don't know where I was racing off to anyway."

A full turn and Scout was bouncing my way. Before my heart beat again, Scout and I were reattached and celebrating on the sidewalk. OF COURSE I had a treat for her! Good girl, Scout!!!!!

HOW DID I DO THAT?

PRACTICE. PRACTICE. PRACTICE.

Name recognition. Practice everywhere and any time.

On leash recall. Practice in public buildings, at puppy outings, outside in the yard, while on walks, etc.

Off leash recall. Practice inside with my other dogs.

Never, never, NEVER chase her. (Playing "chase ME", however, is always good.)

And having the presence of mind to react in a manner that brought FLD Scout's attention back to me, instead of a reaction that would spur her on. (Calling her name ONCE, NOT chasing her, making myself interesting by getting down low, praising her at precisely the right moment, and rewarding her correct decision!)

WHEW. Disaster averted.

If only I had been that diligent in placing wood into the Hawken!

Sitting calmly on the north side of Houghton Ave. by the railroad tracks. (FLD Scout is safely tied to the bench. FLD Autumn is wearing a "Gentle Leader" to help her keep a loose leash.)

PUPPY POLICE 3

2012-02-01T10:02:00.001-05:00

Officer’snotes at the scene of the crime.

Information

Atapproximately 8:18 am on Monday, January 23, 2012, a male black Lab was caughtin illegal possession of a hand-made afghan, with his accomplice, a youngfemale Lab/Golden mix. The afghan is normally stored on the back of thehomeowner’s couch, which is off-limits to the pups.

WitnessStatements

Witness#1, wife of witness #2, had been checking emails on her Mac in her first floorwriting room when she heard a dubious silence coming from the living room. Shesaid there were some soft thumping and mumbling noises, but not the typicalbounding-paw-pads and snorting she normally hears in the morning. She went tocheck it out and upon entering the room she observed the two pups wrestlingwith the stolen afghan. Witness then went for her camera, which was in thekitchen; when she returned the pups were lying calmly nose-to-nose, the afghanwrapped around the male suspect, “Gus.” She took several pictures.

Thewitness said that while it is true that the suspect “Gus” has a history of minorstealing, no charges have ever been brought against him, and, in fact, shefeels that he was not the perpetrator. “That little one is a trickster,” shesaid. The witness thinks that even though “Gus” was caught red-pawed with theafghan wrapped around him, she suspects that it was actually the accomplice,“Scout,” who dragged the item from the couch and instigated play. The witnessdid admit that “Gus” steals the occasional kitchen towel or shoe, but that“Scout” is more likely to leap on the couch (and make it look like “Gus” didit). “We’re working on that,” she explained, because “Scout” has been known totake pillows from the couch.

Witness#2, Andy, was working at his desk at the north end of the living room. He didnot notice anything as he had his back to the scene of the crime. He agreedwith witness #1 that “Scout” was most likely the perpetrator.

Witness#3, Gypsy, a brown dog of suspect origin, had nothing to say about the incidentand stayed in the clear under witness #2’s desk.

Pictures taken by witness #1:

Gus takes the "fall" for FLD Scout--caught with the afghan wrapped around him!

FLD Scout gives her "I'm innocent" look. Gypsy can just barely be seen peering out from under Andy's desk.

Puppy Police Theft Report

Town of: Lupton Date: 2/1/12

Witness #1: patti

Witness #2: Andy

Witness #3: Gypsy

Suspect Descriptions:

1) 1½year-old male, black coarse fur, about 65 pounds, with suspicious “raccoon”eyes and a crooked, thick tail, wearing a red, white, and blue “flag” collar,with a 2011 tag.

2) Abit over 6 months old female, about 42 pounds, silky black fur, with eyes thatmelt a stranger’s heart, wearing a red collar with a Leader Dog tag, numberp-9412.

CASE SUMMARY

At approximately 8:18 on Monday,January 23, 2012, witness #1 heard quiet noises in her living room. Uponinvestigation, she found the two suspects engaged in play with her afghan.Witness #1 took pictures of the suspects. Witness #2 did not observe the theftand witness #3 declined comment. There was no damage to the afghan. Chargeswere not filed at this time. The officer did advise renewing the dog tags; theowners stated that they plan to do so after witness #3 gets her rabies shotthis month.

Here are links to the other "PUPPY POLICE" posts.

PUPPY POLICE (November 4, 2010)

PUPPY POLICE 2 (January 3, 2011)

It's the first of the month--don't forget to give your pups their heartworm medicine (if you give it monthly all year round).

OBSTACLES--Traffic Exposure When There is No Traffic

2012-01-25T19:00:00.000-05:00

Cait Macanliss, over at Dogstar Academy is the host for the 6th Assistance Dog Blog Carnival (ADBC). The topic for this edition is OBSTACLES.

To learn more about the ADBC, or to find links to past editions, check out founder Sharon Wachsler's post on her blog, "After Gadget."

What follows is my submission.

Sometimes being aware of ones obstacles is the first step in overcoming them.

When we moved from the city to the country last year, I worried about being able to provide enough diverse experiences for my Future Leader Dog puppy. So, I purposefully made efforts to bring FLD Gus, my puppy at the time, to town at least once a week. Twice a month we also made trips to the city and FLD Gus continued to get exposure to crowds and traffic he didn't get up north.

Read my post from the 4th ADBC, "Living the Difference" and you'll see that I eventually calmed down about it all and continued raising Gus to the best of my abilities.

Enter FLD Scout, my fourth Leader Dogs for the Blind puppy. Scout shares the same mother as my second puppy, Mike, who went on to work with Eric, a young man from Spain. (Read my post from the 3rd ADBC, "REACTIONS: Meeting LD Mike's New Handler.") Funny how these posts seem so connected!

In spite of continued trips to the city, FLD Scout is the first puppy I'm raising while living full-time in the country. A rural lifestyle does create obstacles in exposing Scout to heavy traffic, an important aspect in raising a Future Leader Dog. Scout wasn't with us very long before I realized that she wasn't getting the experience she needed.

We were out on our driveway one morning in September practicing loose-leash walking, and I saw the neighbor-kid, Ryan, spinning around on his BMX bike while waiting for the school bus. I headed his way, always open to distraction opportunities.

Hi Ryan, I said as he skidded to a stop in front of us. FLD Scout froze, unsure. Scout, sit, I said to redirect her attention. Everything was new to her, so I helped her little butt to the pavement.

This is Scout, I said as I straightened up. Can you help me train her? Ryan agreed to ride slowly by a few times, keeping some distance until Scout learned that a boy on a squeaky bicycle was okay.

That strategy worked. After only a few pass-bys, Ryan was able to coast right up to Scout, his tennis shoes dragging. She leaned toward him with her investigating nose, but held her sit. Go ahead, you can pet her. Ryan leaned over too, and made fast friends.

I heard the school bus rumble round the corner a mile away at Wiltse Road and start laboring up the grade. Ryan sped off to drop his bike in his yard and hustled to grab his backpack that was lying against a tree.

Another opportunity! I heeled FLD Scout off to the side of the road, had her sit, and waited for the bus to arrive.

The bus groaned to a stop. Scout startled. As I bent over to reposition her back into a sit, the bus's air brakes let loose. Scout bolted in the opposite direction. When she hit the end of her leash she was like a snagged fish fighting to stay out of the boat.

Scout! Sit, I commanded, gathering up the leash. I had to put her in a sit. Good girl, Scout! She glanced up at me. Good girl! I said again and rewarded her name recognition with a bit of the puppy chow I always carry in my right pocket. She lost interest in the scary yellow monster, which had quieted to swallow Ryan.

Scout, heel, I said and walked further away from the bus before it roared back to life.

Here was an obvious obstacle. How was I to expose FLD Scout to heavy traffic when the school bus twice a day was about the extent of it on Brady Road?

Off to town we go!

We walked one block north, south, east, and west, crossing busy M-33 at the only traffic light as many times and from as many directions as we could. Then, for 20 minutes or so, I sat on the peeling paint of a weathered bench on the east side of M-33, just north of the light, with FLD Scout positioned in a sit beneath me. Tandem log-haulers, propane delivery trucks, and a steady stream of commercial freight transport vehicles rumbled by us north and south.

FLD Scout looks up at me as we pause to watch 18-wheelers thunder by us.

"You sure about this?" she seems to ask.

Before long, Scout relaxed into a down and seemed to enjoy the parade.

FLD looks south...

...and north at the passing truck parade.

FLD Scout takes traffic in stride, now. I still make sure to take her to town--in the last week she's been to the Post Office, doctor's office, and Big Bob's Restaurant in Hale, Glen's grocery store and the pharmacy in Rose City, and Home Depot, Wal-Mart, and Subway in West Branch.

Guess we're getting out and about more than I realized!

Four months later, FLD Scout is bored at the same peeling bench, this time accompanied by Phyllis and FLD Autumn.

Tuesday's Training TIP: AROUND

2012-01-17T17:49:00.000-05:00

The "around" command is specific to our Future Leader Dog puppies. When doors have hinges on our left side (where the puppy is heeling), it is safer to pass through the door with the puppy on our right.

So, we teach them "around"--passing the leash from left hand to right behind our backs, guiding the puppy to our right side, then we proceed through the doorway. Once safely through, we pass the leash behind our back from right to left and "heel" our puppy forward.

This short video is of me and FLD Scout in our house, going through a left-hinged door into our bedroom. In a more open area I would have walked a bit further on before having Scout heel back to my left side.

(As we approach the door, FLD Scout veers toward the open door on our left--Gus was there in his crate! Scout did a pretty good job refocusing on task. And notice the nice loose leash?)

HINTS FOR TEACHING AROUND

Repetition! Always, always, always, guide your puppy to your right side this way at EVERY left-hinged door you pass through.

Feel for the door. A blind or visually impaired handler will reach out to see where the door knob is...do the same thing with your puppy as a "cue" and soon your puppy will watch for your command if the "around" is necessary.

If your puppy rushes through, stop, shut the door, and wait until the leash is loose. Try again.

Stop after going through, keep your puppy standing at your right side, and then shut the door. (I didn't do this in the video.)

Praise your puppy!

FLD Puppy Walk

2012-01-09T13:43:00.001-05:00

Maybe it wasn't winter because FLD Scout and I were with Phyllis and FLD "Autumn."

Temperature 50, indigo skies, and sunshine so bright that puddles we sloshed through at the street light crossing were stepped over on our return.

FLD Scout and I had lunch with our new friends Friday and took advantage of the spring-like weather to walk around town. Of course, we worked on Obedience Commands and tolerating traffic, too.

Come along...

FLD Scout "sits" in her prettiest pose before heading in for lunch.

Phyllis and FLD Autumn inside the Faull Inn. (Just a hint, order the "dry" batter fish and chips--much chrunchier!)

FLD Autumn peers around our table. She was very interested in playing with FLD Scout.

"Come on, can't we just play a little?" she seems to beg. FLD Scout stretches a sniff in interest, but does a fine job with self-control...

...even when FLD Autumn pulls to get closer. (See how Scout's head comes up and back?) Very good girl, Scout!

OH MAN! I never get what I want!

After lunch we sit in the sun awhile to get used to the truck traffic roaring by on M-33.

There goes one now! FLD Autumn watches, but isn't bothered at all.

I am glad that FLD Scout is past her puppy-picks-up-EVERYTHING phase. Phyllis wasn't sure what she swept out of FLD Autumn's mouth and flung away, but we do know it was red!

At the traffic light (the only one in town) we practice one of Leader Dogs for the Blind's new "In-for-Training" standards. Our Future Leader Dog puppies must be confident near heavy traffic and must sit or stand calmly through one cycle of a traffic light. Both puppies did fine.


Phyllis takes us down a quiet neighborhood sidewalk. Here FLD Autumn is heeling nicely on a loose leash, even if her wet little nose is sniffing away.

I did not know that Rose City has a Community Garden. (Watch for a future story in the Ogemaw Voice.) The garden is fenced in and dormant--a perfect opportunity to let the puppies run off some steam. Wait a minute, maybe we should have done this BEFORE we went to the Faull Inn!

FLD Autumn isn't as amused as we are with her bandana babushka!

Doesn't she have the most expressive face?

A pooped-out pup! Mission accomplished.

Leaving it at the Cedar Bar

2012-01-05T19:13:00.000-05:00

Living north is subtly (and sometimes not so subtly) changing our lives.

We can't get cable TV here, and we're not about to pay for the high cost of satellite TV (we already cut loose for satellite Internet, which is a small step above dial-up) just to have a gazillion channels to flip through to find nothing worth watching. The two channels (and sometimes three) that our roof antenna usually picks up are enough to blank out our minds in the evening.

But. It was New Year's Day and the Lions were playing Green Bay at Lambeau field.

So far my only regret in life is that I did not answer the call to shovel snow from Lambeau when Andy and I were there one Christmas a few years ago. No one in the family wanted to join me making $8/hour shoveling snow in the greatest stadium in the Midwest!

Now, don't misunderstand me. We are not football fans. (I just thought it would be fun to shovel snow out of that stadium...for money!)

After witnessing history being made in the form of a midnight ball drop the night before in West Branch (the nearest "big" town), it was a lazy day, perfect for lounging around and watching a game.

Except. We couldn't. No TV reception at all.

I'm not sure who said it. "Let's go over to the Cedar Bar and watch the game."

The Cedar Bar, with banner announcing that the "Kitchen is Open"

The Cedar Bar is exactly 1.5 miles from our house. Last year, the night before New Year's Eve, fire trucks from across the county sirened up our hill through the fog to put out a grease fire in their kitchen. While the 1930's wood building did not burn to the ground, it took over eight months to re-open, and four months longer for the newly built kitchen.

We don't frequent bars, but there is something about living north that makes having a neighborhood bar appealing. The log walls, the informal attitude, the place where locals hang out and gossip. Oh, and did I mention no smoking, $2 beers, and free freshly popped popcorn?

The warm ambience of the Cedar Bar's bar.

Off we went, FLD Scout in tow.

There was a crowd, at least a crowd for the Cedar Bar on a wintery Sunday afternoon, but we snatched a spot near the pool tables with a clear view of the TV hanging above the stone fireplace. The waitress, sporting knee-high winter boots, brought us beer, and a heaping basket of salty popcorn.

FLD Scout could have cared less when a group of fans across from us erupted into hoots and hollers at every other play. She lifted her head, but made no attempt to join in the fun.

FLD Scout was focused. On one lone kernel of popcorn lost under our table.

Good girl, Scout! I encouraged in between sips of beer when she looked, but didn't lunge. She was sneaky, and Marine-crawled on the slippery wood floor to work her way closer. I sat on her leash and whispered, Leave it. She backed off. Good girl!

FLD Scout peered and stared and try as she might, she could NOT levitate that kernel to her drooling chops. I was sure that by the end of the game her gaze would burn that kernel black.

The Lions lost, but FLD Scout scored big on treats for leaving that popcorn alone!

Happy New Years!

2012-01-02T21:31:00.000-05:00

FLD Scout, taking a nap on the day after New Years.

Four Seasons Recap

2011-12-29T14:58:00.000-05:00

The view today. It really is snowing!

Per my post from yesterday, Scott over at the blog, "Views Infinitum", recapped his Four Seasons photographic assignment with links to all bloggers who submitted.

Click "Four Seasons Recap" and check out the beautiful submissions!

In the backyard, our Hawken is smouldering away across from the (almost) full woodshed.

Gus is happy to pass the Leader Dog baton to FLD Scout, who loves to snuggle.

AHHHHHHRRRRRGGGG! Deadlines.

2011-12-28T18:47:00.001-05:00

By now, you'd think I'd be tuned in to "deadlines." Even though the Ogemaw County Voice only publishes twice a month, our Monday deadlines come oh-so-quickly.

Last May I came upon "Assignment: Four Seasons 2011" on the blog "Views Infinitive" by Scott Thomas Photography. Scott challenged bloggers "to show four distinct seasons from the SAME location."

I was sure that the beautiful views from the windows of our new northern Michigan home would pose no problem in accruing the appropriate shots.

I was wrong.

Not for lack of picture taking from our windows. (Andy says, "I'm glad I don't have to buy film.")

I just plain forgot the assignment.

EXCUSES: adjusting to our new life, starting a new "career" with the Voice, turning in and picking up yet another Future Leader Dog puppy.

Scott's deadline is TODAY.

What I really wanted to show is the view from our foyer window, especially after catching this scene. It reminds me of my sister Cathy's art. (Check it out--Catherine Peet.)

A winter view.

If only I had followed up in spring and summer. Alas, I took this shot in October and suddenly remembered.

A fall view.

Whoops.

In a scrabble to come up with a submission, I searched my photo archives (oh, why didn't I develop a better filing system?) but could never find the same location in all four seasons.

Summer is the culprit. I found a theme among my photos--the colder the better. (I sometimes joke with Andy, We didn't move far enough north!)

I almost had it with shots of the woodpile, but again, no summer view.

February 9, 2011.

February 17, 2011. What a difference in just over a week!

May 23, 2011. We have a covered woodshed that we take from first, just to the left of the tree. Didn't need to dip into this pile much until fall.

October 5, 2011. (See, summer missed!)

November 12, 2011. All the wood gone in just over a month! (That's my step-daughter's husband, Jeff, coming in from a morning hunt.)

Instead, what follows is what I unearthed from my archives. Shots of Gus, the Leader Dog puppy I raised from September 2010 to his return this past September, taken in the backyard of our new place in the woods.

A young FLD Gus "comes" with enthusiasm! Photo taken January 22, 2011.


Gypsy and FLD Gus take in the pretty view from our back porch on May 23, 2011.

FLD Gus smells the flowers on July 7, 2011.

"Forest Gus" returns to us in early November, "career-changed" from Leader Dogs for the Blind. (See my post from November 4.) He's back to his old tricks here, on November 20, 2011.

Thanks Scott, for the fun assignment!

Tuesday's Training TIP: FOOD!

2011-12-27T20:37:00.000-05:00

Labs I know think everything is edible. Sticks, scraps of paper (or paper torn into scraps--see my post "My Dog Ate It"), fuzz, bits of material, just about anything below their noses or in your hand. They lick the promise of your hand and look up at you with sad brown eyes that say, "I'm STARVING here, don't you have anything for me to eat?"

Labs I know fall over themselves and anyone else in the way to their food dishes with the mere mention of "Do you want to eat?" Drool, stretching at a snail's pace to the floor answers, "Are you kidding me? You're kidding me, right? No, I don't want to eat, I'd rather just sit here and think about how deeeeliciiiooous my kibble is going to be. Is it bacon? Bacon! Bacon! Bacon, bacon, bacon!!!!"

Labs I know need self-control at meal times, otherwise, I'd be flat on my *ss on the floor with Purina Pro Plan skittering about, a victim of Lab-over-exuberance. At our house, our Labs sit and wait for the "OKAY" before eating. (Then you'd better not be in their way!)

HOW DID I GET THEM TO DO THAT?

FIRST

From day one at our house, puppy does NOT get her food dish on the floor until she is sitting. Granted, initially I'm lucky to get 1/2 second of "sit" but you need to start somewhere. (TIP: hold her collar as you set the dish down, coax her back into a "sit," THEN say "okay" and release her.) In fact, host families for Leader Dog moms and litters work on this before us raisers ever get the pups at seven weeks of age. Puppies must "sit" before being picked up, and before being fed. If you are consistent, it doesn't take long for this smart puppy to figure out what to do to get FOOD.

SECOND

Gradually lengthen the "wait" and the distance to the food dish. (TIP: feed young puppies in an "x-pen" away from other dogs in the household.) If the puppy leads off before being released, lift the bowl from the floor. You'll be amazed how the action of lifting the bowl drops the rear end!

THIRD

Eventually the puppy will hold her sit, even with the distraction of the other dogs in the household. (TIP: Have someone else hold the puppy's collar, or put the puppy on a leash when first introducing feeding with others. Fill one bowl at a time.) Of course, it helps if you have an old grouch like Gypsy, who lets the new puppy know that HER food is OFF-LIMITS! I always like to feed the "home" dogs first, before the short-timer Leader Dogs for the Blind puppy. It just helps develop self-control.

Here is a short video of a morning feeding not long after cc'd (career-changed) Gus came back to stay with us. I had Gypsy and the two Labs sit. Gus and Scout sit together on the "mat." I fill Gypy's bowl and release her to eat with an "okay." The others wait until I release each of them in turn, Gus first. Gus and Scout get two helpings, in an attempt to slow their eating down. Between helpings they are expected to return to the mat for another "sit."

You can see that it will take a while for everything to settle out, because Gus is so new to being home. If I had filmed them this morning, almost two months later, you would see how Gus and Scout know just what to do.

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-25T14:30:00.000-05:00

Gyps, Gus, and FLD Scout pose in front of our Christmas tree.

From our house

to your house,

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

FLD Scout waits on the "mat" for breakfast. Gus lays near by and Gypsy relaxes over by the tree. We had to put up the x-pen to protect the lower ornaments (and the tree from morning "puppy-rips").

Strategy Fails

2011-12-21T11:22:00.000-05:00

So.

Every evening since my "Picture This" post, I've set my camera strategically next to the couch.

And every evening the pooches decide NOT to snuggle in a "puppy-porn" pose.

Gus gazes up at me on the couch. I think HE wants to snuggle. Scout is in the background, looking for trouble.

"Come on Gus! I'm not ready to settle!" Scout seems to say, grabbing his ear. "Let's play!"

Picture This...

2011-12-19T16:01:00.001-05:00

...because if I got up to get my camera, the moment would be lost.

Evening time means relaxing with my sweetie on the couch. Gypsy commands the loveseat. Gus sometimes tries to snuggle with us above, but he's too big. He settles for the floor instead, and cozies up close to the couch.

Scout wiggles by and after a few licks and scratches, she nuzzles on the floor against Gus.

Last night, it was spooning, head-to-tail. Scout just fits the space between Gus's front and rear legs when he lies on his side.

I roll over to sneak a peak and now Gus is on his back, rear legs spread wide, front legs curled in an up-side-down leap. His jowls flap open with gravity. Scout has scooted end-to-end with him on her belly, laying her head between his back legs.

Puppy-porn, I say to Andy. He leans forward to see and the creak of the couch causes Scout to lift her head, always ready for the next thing. Gus rolls to his side.

I need to remember to grab my camera BEFORE hitting the couch!

Tuesday's TRAINING TIP (on Thursday!): "What's that?!"

2011-12-15T10:27:00.001-05:00

Elaina and Natalie made their way into Total Soccer before I could get FLD Scout's blue working jacket on. They each had a game at the indoor arena.

Elaina, aka "Beast," shakes it up during her game.

Natalie kicks the ball toward goal for an assist!

Scout easily heeled at my left side to the entrance, but as we passed into the space between the big double glass doors, she balked.

"Wooooof!" I couldn't tell if she was startled by her own reflection in the glass, or the toddler kicking a soccer ball around just inside.

Scout, sit, I said to get her attention back on me. I had to coax her with a finger tap above her tail.

Scout, heel, I said, once she was sitting and settled down. I opened the inner door. She stepped across the threshold with me and yipped a couple more times, overtaken by the yells and whistles coming from behind the two-boarded soccer fields to the right and left of us, and groups of youngsters bouncing balls while they waited for their own games to start.

Scout, settle, I commanded, this time with a finger poke to her side. She whipped her head around to look up at me, and strained forward against the leash.

I waited.

When the tension on the leash relaxed, we went to find the girls.

Taking FLD Scout to her first indoor soccer game gave her good exposure to kids, noise, slippery metal bleachers, ball distractions, and the always-a-temptation public arena floor. She needed some reassurance negotiating the bleachers, but after the second time moving (we inadvertently sat with the opposition) she gained confidence.


An alert FLD Scout shows interest in soccer-arena activities.

IF YOUR PUPPY BALKS AND ACTS AFRAID

1. STAY CALM Your reaction will travel through the leash to your puppy.

2. REDIRECT Give your puppy a command to take her mind off whatever is scaring her. Use name recognition or a finger poke to refocus her attention to you.

3. GO SLOW Don't overwhelm your puppy. Stay at a distance from the offending object until your puppy calms down. Turn the other way and approach again, stopping before your puppy acts nervous.

4. REWARD APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR Don't forget to praise your puppy when she gathers her confidence!

It didn't take long for FLD Scout to settle down in the arena. She was very interested in the kids (and their soccer balls) who were waiting to play, but she was happy to hang out and observe instead of participating.

FLD Scout settles into a "down-stay" in the bleachers. She is tied to the rail while I take pictures.

Young John takes a seat next to FLD Scout...

...who can hardly contain herself to greet him! John did a remarkable job ignoring her, even though he was just as interested in her as she was of him.

Both girls' teams won their games! YAY!

Cookie-Bake Tired-Puppy Recipe

2011-12-12T20:34:00.000-05:00

Cousins Sofia, Claire, and Natalie--sugared out at our annual family cookie-bake.

INGREDIENTS

one puppy

one Lab

six kids + six "big" kids

cookie-dough

powdered sugar and sprinkles galore

send puppy and Lab out to the fenced-in yard for a couple of hours of hard Lab-wrestling
bring inside to chill

mix six big kids with cookie-dough of various types
let six little kids decorate cookies with sugar and sprinkles

Russian tea-cakes get powdered.

Elaina gets powdered, too!

Logan attempts the closed-eye technique with spritzer cookies. Zoey is skeptical.

Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho!!!

allow puppy to wander underfoot

FLD Scout gets floured and sugared!

bake

no need to clean floors afterwards

Sugared cookies.

Candy-cane cookies and "Belgium" waffles.

Just before my camera clicked, Scout's chin was flat on the floor between her paws, eyes slammed shut.

Tired puppy dreams of sugar-crumbs.

My cookie-bake FIB:

holiday mixings

two

Labs

six kids

cookie-bake

extravaganza

no need to clean floors afterwards

What Dogs Do

2011-12-07T13:33:00.001-05:00

What two tired puppies do...

FLD Scout squeezes into the dog bed with Gus.

...when I'm baking cookies.

Christmas cookies cool on a rack with the lighted Christmas tree behind. See those two silly puppies still sleep in the bed?

A Winter Precursor

2011-12-06T12:03:00.001-05:00

"The computer weather says it will clear up after 1:00," Andy announced. The morning was a dreary drizzle. "Let's take the dogs to Ogemaw Hills Pathway for a hike later."

The dogs were all for it, never mind that the sky refused to turn blue.

Gypsy is remarkably generous, allowing FLD Scout and Gus to sit with her on the way to Ogemaw Hills Pathway.

We parked off Sage Lake Road to explore the "most difficult" section of the Pathway's more than 13 rolling miles of hiking and cross-country ski trails.

We are familiar with the "easiest" and "more difficult" trails accessible off Fairview Road, most recently last February when we lost Elaina and Andy and I skied as much of the route as we could in attempts to find her.

Natalie leads the group last winter on the "easier" trails (minus Elaina).

Anne gives a whistle.

She showed up later, oblivious to our send-Anne-and-the-girls-to-town-for-help concern (cell phones don't work well up here). Her first-time skiing and she took off ahead of us, following the trail markers and having a great time.

Elaina back at marker #1, where I eventually found her.

Lesson learned--announce "stay in contact with the group" BEFORE strapping skis on athletic teens!

Back to our Sunday afternoon hike.

The "most difficult" section proved once again that trail designations always overstate the difficulty. The "backslide" was appropriately named--a long, gradually winding downhill through 100' pines and hardwoods. Beautiful. And contrary to "what goes down must come up," the subsequent uphills were not as difficult as we imagined they might be. But. We weren't on skis!

After almost three miles of hiking down and up in the saturated forest, three dogs (and two people) were ready for a rest.

Three tired dogs on the drive home. Gypsy looks like she's thinking, "Jeez Scout, you're the littlest one and you're taking up all the room!" Gus did the smart thing and opted for the floor.

I, for one, am looking forward to snow and revisiting the "most difficult" trails at Ogemaw Hills Pathway!

Saturday Morning Sport--Two-on-One

2011-12-03T10:40:00.001-05:00

FLD Scout and Gus wake up exuberant. Gypsy, not so much. But they all want to play with me. After breakfast, I indulge them.

Now that Gus is career-changed, I can toss him things to fetch. Or catch. He has to learn to do both.

I pick up a small red Kong and have three dogs at instant attention. Catch it, I say to Gus with a toss. He leaps into the air like a Michael Jordan about to dunk, but whiffs it--the Kong slips through his paws and rebounds crazily away, quite unlike a basketball. Somehow, he touches down and beats the other two, snatches it up, and brings it back to me.

He's got retrieval down.

This time I toss the Kong toward the far end of our living-room court. This time Gus flies up with four paws tucked to his body and amazingly twists himself around in mid-air. He whiffs it again, but this time he forgets about the landing.

WHAMM! He shakes the court as he slams the floor. He recovers, but not fast enough this time to get to the Kong before Gypsy.

It's a standoff. Gus, at the far end of the court, feigns a steal. Gypsy faces off with him, her growls muffled with a mouthful of Kong. Scout lingers near me, weighing her options.

Gypsy drops the Kong to heighten her threat and Gus bounces backwards into a play-bow. She snarls and barks. Gus echoes with a deeper WOOOOF. Scout has her eye on the Kong, which has taken a defensive rebound away from Gypsy.

Scout lowers her head, crouches like a stealth-cat, and creeps forward, one sneaky paw at a time. Gypsy yowls to the ceiling and has no clue that Scout is about to steal the Kong.

Kong-in-mouth, Scout nonchalantly turns away and wanders back to the living room proper, as if nothing untoward has occurred.

But Gus sees all. He bullets past a still-howling Gypsy and carries on the action with Scout, who is more than happy to share a grapple.

FLD Scout and Gus--best buds.

On Assignment. West Branch Puppy Outing

2011-11-30T20:30:00.001-05:00

The pre-winter storm that hammered the Bay City area didn't hit our northeastern corner of the state last night. The wind howled and moaned in the trees, but only the stars filled the night sky. At mid-morning, when Phyllis and Dick pulled up in their monster van to pick up FLD Scout and me for a puppy-outing, they sky burned blue and clear.

FLD Scout peered up into the van when I opened the side door. It was too high a jump for her, so I scooped her in. Camera bag, Leader Dog puppy-clean-up bag, and hand bag bopped her from my shoulder; she didn't care. She spotted FLD Autumn hunkered down between the two front seats.

FLD Autumn is a full-of-herself 8-week-old yellow lab. Phyllis and Dick picked her up from Leader Dogs for the Blind not long after they returned LD mom Amber's eight bouncing black lab puppies. Dick said, "One is a lot easier than eight!"

During the 20-mile drive to West Branch to meet Tammy (and FLD Ruckus) and Judy (and FLD JD) for some group socialization at the Tanger Outlet mall (and lunch at the LumberJack), Scout and Autumn went from crazy-wild-puppy-play to puppies-asleep-in-a-pile.

FLD Autumn flies to play with FLD Scout.

"What?"

Tired puppies--and we haven't even reached West Branch yet!

I think they are going to be good friends.

FLD Autumn begs FLD JD to play, but...working bandanas are on means it is time to go to work.

FLD Scout shows FLD Autumn how to hold a SIT/STAY.

I always like the commotion BEFORE a group photo is taken! Phyllis has FLD Autumn under control, but the others have their hands full. Sam with FLD JD, Dick with FLD Scout, Judy and Tammy with FLD Ruckus.


It was a beautiful sunny day and FLD Autumn decides to make the most of it.

Thanks, Tammy, for getting this together!

(Story to follow in the next issue of the Ogemaw County Voice.)

Tuesday's Training TIP: Body Language

2011-11-29T18:57:00.001-05:00

Watching dogs interact can be more entertaining than television (I know, that's not saying much). But, if you have more than one dog in your household, you know what I'm talking about.

Before Gus came home, there really wasn't much interaction between FLD Scout and my old mutt, Gypsy. Grouch that she is, Gypsy let Scout know (in no-uncertain-terms), "leave me alone!." Curled lip, guttural growl, and a few "air snaps" of her teeth were all it took for Scout to take heed.

But observing the behavior of dogs as they engage each other can also be a learning experience. Canines communicate a great deal just with body language!

Take a look at the communication going on between FLD Scout and Andy's daughter's two German Shorthair Pointers, Gauge and Odo, during a recent visit.

Gauge is a year younger than my Gypsy, and almost as grouchy! Here he is asserting his presence to Scout by putting his head over her. She "submits" to him by making herself smaller and lowering her head.

Gauge is crabbing at Scout, who has now taken a seated position. Notice she averts her eyes and is still "hunkering" down beneath him.

Scout hunkers down even further as Gauge is distracted by Gus, who offers a toy in play.

Gauge circles around Scout, still vocalizing. Scout moves her head in his direction and stays low.

Here Scout sits up a bit and tests the situation, turning her face toward Gauge. I wonder if she's thinking, "Awww, he's all talk!"

Whoops! Scout has second thoughts as Gauge pushes against her snout--she pulls her head back in defense. Gypsy watches from the other room.

Odo and Gus move into the discussion. Gauge gets distracted away from Scout, who now stands up. Gus rolls onto his back--he doesn't want any trouble!

Here's a blurry shot of Gus inviting Gauge to play. (He wasn't successful.)

BODY LANGUAGE HINTS DURING TRAINING

Here are some signs to look for that might indicate your puppy is starting to get overwhelmed during a training session.

lip-licking

yawning

dropping the head

dandruff--this really isn't a behavior, but it can indicate stress

If you notice any of these in your puppy, go back to something your puppy knows well--and end your training session on a positive!

Spend some time watching...you might be surprised at what you can learn.

Fourth Puppy Syndrome

2011-11-28T08:50:00.001-05:00

I think I'm suffering from "4th-puppy-syndrome."

Not taking as many pictures of FLD Scout. Not blogging as often. Just going with the flow.

I could rationalize it.

Frequent trips downstate. Puppy-counselor duties. Too busy with writing assignments for the Ogemaw County Voice. Cutting and stacking wood.

But I won't. FLD Scout is a very easy puppy, and now that Gus is home the two of them keep each other amused.

In photos, let me show you how my 4th Future Leader Dog puppy has grown--and some of the places she's been!

SEPTEMBER

FLD Scout at a puppy-outing to Lake Superior State College, posing next to a Leader Dogs for the Blind working harness. She looks as if she's thinking, "I can do it!"

OCTOBER

FLD Scout makes herself comfortable in the sometimes-very-uncomfortable stadium, arena, or gymnasium stands!

Here FLD Scout snoozes through Elaina's Cousino High School Marching Band performance. Drum lines, no problem!

FLD Scout yawns with a wee bit of "stress" after walking around the Lake Superior State hockey arena--blaring music, thick crowds, food distractions on the ground, all while passing other Future Leader Dog puppies walking the other direction. (Puppy-counselor Tammy holds FLD Scout so I can take a picture.)

That little bit of stress wasn't enough to prevent FLD Scout from taking a nap in the stands during the game. Even with slamming hockey pucks and players checking each other into the boards right in front of us!

FLD Scout followed the basketball for awhile during the benefit game between the Habitat Hoops and the Harlem Ambassadors at Ogemaw Heights High School. But then, nodded out again!

NOVEMBER

FLD Scout is suddenly big enough to wear her baby-blue "Leader Dog in Training" jacket. No more tiny bandana for her!

A group of FLDs and their raisers pose at the MBS Airport near Midland during a recent outing. We all got "patted down" in security--including the puppies!

FLD Scout in a nice "down/stay" while I re-lace my boots after going through security at the airport.

No Scout, we already went through security. The nice TSA man just wants to pet you.

Checking out the moving luggage turnstile. FLD Scout acts like she could have a second career as a bomb-sniffing dog.

It's not ALL work for FLD Scout!

Gus looks like he's advising FLD Scout...

...Gus says, "Look Scout, you get a BIG stick, like this!"

"Like this?" Scout asks.

Gus shows Scout what to do after playing all day.

Scout is learning!

The following two photos were taken during a recent visit at my sister's home downstate.

Scout thinks, "THIS is more comfortable!" Gus isn't convinced.

But maybe THIS is! Gus and Scout pile up with Sofia and Natalie.

Little Scout is growing up!

Assistance Dog Blog Carnival Links

2011-11-13T14:52:00.001-05:00

Cyndy Otty, blogger of Gentle Wit has hosted the 5th Assistance Dog Blog Carnival. The theme for this edition is Achievement. Please visit her post with brief descriptions and links to posts from participating bloggers at: Assitance Dog Blog Carnival #5: Achievement.

Take a few moments to peruse these posts, they will give you a new perspective on the role these amazing assistance dogs play in real people's lives.

Thank You Veterans

2011-11-11T13:52:00.001-05:00

Thinking of Andy's son, Josh, this Veteran's Day, who is stationed in Kuwait. His National Guard unit from North Carolina is helping to extricate US equipment from Iraq.

Keep your head down Josh!

Josh hikes through our woods last July, during our family gathering.

Thinking also of Andy's niece, Patti, who is serving in Korea. Thank you Josh and Patti, and ALL veterans, for your service.


FLD Scout helping Andy in the Habitat for Humanity Warehouse. We wish safe passage for all our troops!

I was a Guest Blogger!

2011-11-10T08:00:00.001-05:00

I recently wrote a "guest post" for a fellow blogger, Jenny, over at Paws for Thought. (If you click on the title of her blog it will take you right to the post I wrote for her!)

Jenny has been blogging since 2007 when she was paired up with her very first guide dog, OJ. Jenny had to wait two years before Irish Guide Dogs found her a match with "the lovely black Labrador Retriever." She started her blog to document her experience with him.

Thank you, Jenny, for sharing your life working with OJ with all of your readers, and for letting me share a little bit of my life raising Future Leader Dog puppies with you.

Here's a picture that should have gone along with my post on Jenny's blog!

A very well behaved FLD Scout was a big hit at the Lions' Club Zone meeting held in West Branch on October 25. All thanks to a long walk in the rain.

Tuesday's Training TIP: Stand

2011-11-09T16:16:00.000-05:00

Try as I might, I could not get all these videos processed in time to publish this post yesterday. So, here's a "Tuesday's Training TIP" on Wednesday!

STAND is a helpful command to teach a Future Leader Dog puppy. A standing puppy is easier to groom, and later she'll need to stand for her handler to put on the harness.

I video-taped a training session to demonstrate how I'm teaching FLD Scout to "stand"on command. This particular session lasted just over seven minutes. In the video, FLD Scout is wearing her working bandana and leash.

Step One. WARM UP.

Before any training session it is a good idea to "warm up" your puppy with some things she already knows. (Okay, "might" already know!)

I start working FLD Scout with a heel, sit, stay, and down. As I pass my dog Gypsy I tell Scout to "leave it" when she makes a move toward her, and praise her when she ignores Gypsy.

(I really missed an opportunity to let Scout make up her own mind before telling her what to do.)

Scout needs work on her "sit in a heel position" because she tends to wander out in front of me before sitting. I merely slide her back into the heel position, but to work on correcting this I will practice heeling close to a wall with no room for her to swing out.

At the end of this video, Scout is on her way to a "sit" when I give her the "down" command. Scout came home to us with such a good "sit" that I've had to work on her NOT sitting whenever we stop during a walk on leash! (While puppies are still in the breeder homes they learn to "sit" before getting picked up or eating.)

Step two. First attempt with the STAND command.

FLD Scout likes to swing out with her "down" too. Notice that I just slide her right back into the heel position.

When I give her the "stand" command, you can see that she moves a little--a sign that she's thinking about what I want her to do. This is not the very first time she's heard this command. Normally, I would have waited a second or two to see what she would have done, but I wanted to demonstrate the little step forward that will encourage her to get up.

When I "fake" the first step, Scout sits, so I fake a second step forward to get her to stand. I immediately step back, which causes her to take her more familiar position--the sit!

(I should not have said "nope" under my breath when Scout sits, but putting her into the "stand" is the right thing to do.)

I rub her belly a bit to keep her in the stand position. I think she would have held it after I stand back up myself, but to ensure that she doesn't drop into a sit, I immediately take her into a heel.

Step three. STAND from a "sit" and demonstration of leash technique.

FLD Scout's "sit" this time was a little better. (See, repetition helps!) You can see that I wait a moment this time after giving the "stand" command to see if Scout would make a move.

The whining you hear in the background is cc'd Gus from his crate in the other room. This creates enough of a distraction that I have to add a verbal cue to get Scout's attention back to me. She stands with my fake step forward, but sits back down when I praise her (and Andy finally notices that I am working with her).

Again, I merely stand Scout back up. This time I loop her leash around her belly--a technique that can help keep her standing while I straighten back up myself.

Step four. STAND, almost!

I treat FLD Scout for looking at me when I say her name because she still needs work with "name recognition."

This third try at the "stand" command is the first time Scout stands without sitting first! You can see that she started moving and if I had just kept still she probably would have stood without me taking that step. (See where patience comes into play?)

Then, I praise her a bit too enthusiastically and she anticipates me reaching into my pocket to treat her. I place her back into position with a belly rub and immediately have her "stay" to try to reinforce her "stand."

After this segment, I could tell that FLD Scout was getting a bit overwhelmed. She acted like she forgot how to walk next to me and she flopped onto her side when I asked for a "down." I knew that we needed to end the session on a positive, so I picked up the pace on our walking, had her sit and stay, and threw in a "come," which she readily did, so I gave her the "OK" that released her from working. Lots of praise and fun (while keeping her four feet on the floor) and we were done.

LATER THAT DAY....

I did another session with FLD Scout. We "warmed up" and tried the STAND again. Success!!! It wasn't perfect, but I was more patient and she stood on her own with no cues.

That's what I call PROGRESS.

HINTS

be patient

repetition is important

work a new command without distractions

add distractions as your puppy masters the command

Don't be afraid to try this for yourself. Have fun and you can easily see that even if the trainer isn't "perfect" the puppy can still learn!

Guster Buster

2011-11-04T22:39:00.002-04:00

In a gleeful mood visiting family downstate for Halloween, ironically on "issue day" (see note below) at Leader Dogs for the Blind, I received the dreaded call.

"I'm so sorry to tell you," the Leader Dog employee said, "but Gus was career-changed today."

No matter what they tell you, it is never enough information. Questions abound, you just can't believe it. MY puppy??? He was GREAT! What happened?

You second-guess yourself. Where did I go wrong in raising him? Should I have done something different? Did I take him into the woods too much? What more could I have done to switch on the working-gene in this dog?

You can't help but think back and try to identify a clue that this was coming. Those times he hesitated getting out of the van and then when he did he bolted to the end of his leash. Maybe it wasn't that he was trying to avoid my bag banging against his head, maybe he didn't really want to get that working vest on and come with me into the grocery store/bank/library/restaurant...

You can go crazy thinking about it. You can despair for the puppy you are raising now. All your effort, all the hope. For naught.

You second-guess the training protocol at Leader Dogs. But you have to trust that this organization, in the business of training guide dogs since 1939, knows what it is doing; that the trainers understand the dogs and do their best to bring them along; that they've used all their tools in their training-box. That they gave him every opportunity.

In the end, the dog decides. It's like the rest doesn't even matter.

Two months into his formal training at Leader Dogs for the Blind, Gus decided that a job as a guide dog wasn't for him.

The official reason? Gus "lacked responsibility" and his "body sensitivity was too high." Simply put, he shied away from the harness and didn't want to work.

So.

GUS IS BACK!

Gus found his old bed, but he almost doesn't fit in it anymore. What do you suppose he is thinking?

Gus can hardly keep his eyes open after several hikes through our woods this day. On our first walk, on the way back, he suddenly grabbed up a HUGE tree limb, breaking it in two between two standing trees, and merrily dragged it back to the house. FLD Scout assisted--with the tree limb, and the nap. She is very happy to have a playmate now.

Waiting for the "OK" at breakfast, FLD Scout and Gus share his old mat, while Gypsy sits closest to the food dishes.

"Issue day" is the day each month that the blind and visually impaired "students" in class at Leader Dogs for the Blind first meet their new four-legged-furry partner.

FLD Scout. On Assignment Again.

2011-10-29T20:48:00.001-04:00

WHO

Intrepid reporter for the Ogemaw County Voice (aka "puppy-raiser patti") on assignment in Rose City, with her sidekick, FLD Scout.

WHAT

1st Annual Fall Wine Festival. Free hayrides between two wineries, wine-tasting, and food.

WHERE

Rose Valley Winery and Valley Mist Vineyards in Rose City, Michigan.

WHEN

Saturday, October 29, 2011. (This was the second Saturday of the event.)

WHY

To get the inside scoop on this inaugural event with the added bonus of self-control exercises for FLD Scout with people, food, and animal distractions. (There's my two-birds-with-one-stone thing again--see my post from July 27, 2011, "FLD Gus Goes Loony".)

(and sometimes HOW)

It was a misty fall afternoon at the wineries, but FLD Scout didn't seem to mind. Inside the tasting rooms were crowds of engaging people and scraps of food on the floor to keep~~her~~me busy.

Even the sight of "witch" Elaine (proprietress of Valley Mist Vineyards) with her witch's brew had no adverse effect on FLD Scout.

What caught Scout's attention was outside. Horses. The winery was old-hat, but horses...this was a first!

As we approached the staging area for the hayrides, FLD Scout didn't notice the two blanket-clad Percheron teams tied up to the semi-trailer. She had her eyes on Matthew and Nathan, who were waiting for the word to harness up the beasts to the wagons. Puppy-tail-waggle going full-force for the two young men, FLD Scout suddenly saw the horses.

"Rrrrruuuffff," Scout muffled, not so sure what to think. Her waggle paused.

Scout, sit, I commanded, but she needed a finger-tap on her rump to follow through. She peered at the horses, glanced back at me, and went back to studying. I kept her in position until she settled.

FLD Scout catches site of the horses.

Her nose gets busy as we get a bit closer.

Scout, heel, I said and we took a few steps forward. I didn't want to frighten Scout, or the horses! (Matthew assured me that Scout would not spook them.)

FLD Scout walks on a loose leash toward the Percheron teams.

Scout, sit, I said. This time she sat without a tap. Good girl, Scout! I said and slipped her a treat.

We inched our way closer as I observed Scout's demeanor change from a tightly gathered "I'm not so sure" cautiousness to a waggle-returning "hey, what IS that?" curiousity.

You can see the change in her body as she takes an eager interest.

Soon FLD Scout was almost nose-to-nose with one of the horses, which quickly decided that the little black ball of fur wasn't so interesting after all.

Two creatures, almost nose-to-nose.

The big one...no longer interested. FLD Scout sits back as if dejected.

The hayride part? Not a problem. FLD Scout negotiated the metal grated steps into the wagon with just a bit of coaxing, and seemed to enjoy the rock-along pace of the heavy horse team.

Matthew and Nathan prepare to harness the team.

Our driver, Paul, and Nathan guide the team.

FLD Scout would like to climb on my lap during the ride, but soon curls into a ball on the floor when I don't pick her up.

Two wineries and two hayrides later, I had my story.

And a very tired puppy.

FLD Scout found an open corner in the busy winery to rest.

Oh. And two bottles of wine to take home.

A Puppy-Raiser's Achievement

2011-10-24T10:03:00.001-04:00

The 5th Assistance Dog Blog Carnival (ABDC) is hosted this quarter by Cindy Otty on her blog, Gentle Wit.

The topic is ACHIEVMENT. This post is my submission.

To learn more about the ABDC and find links to all past Carnivals, check out Sharon Wachsler's post about it on her blog, After Gadget. Sharon got this Carnival rolling over a year ago!

A PUPPY-RAISER'S ACHIEVEMENT

What can I achieve as a volunteer puppy-raiser for Leader Dogs for the Blind?

The obvious end-result goal is to raise a puppy that graduates from Leader Dogs and is partnered with a handler. But how can I realistically take credit for that? It is the dog's achievement, not mine.

I did not achieve this with my first puppy, Rosie. Rosie made her way through four phases of progressively challenging training levels. She had a "fast" working pace, and when it came time to be paired with a handler, a suitable person could not be found. Not the first time when Rosie was ready. Not the second. Not the third. By then, Rosie had had it--enough was enough and she made the decision to be career-changed.

Did I fail as a puppy-raiser?

ACHIEVEMENT, according to the dictionary, means succeeding in doing something that takes effort. With effort, I was successful in raising a well-behaved, socialized puppy that went through the Leader Dog training program.

But why did that not feel like an achievement? Rosie did not graduate.

And yet. It is impossible for a puppy-raiser to achieve the goal of raising a puppy that will DEFINITELY become a working guide dog. Too many factors can influence that outcome--the dog's core personality and potential; medical issues; the ability of the dog to handle kennel stress while living through the training; the experience of the training team that works with the dog; and even the person at the end-game, anxious to be paired with the dog.

It is a miracle. Really. That suitable teams end up working in the world, that dogs can be trained to assist blind and visually impaired people gain enhanced mobility and independence.

Perhaps I should reevaluate the goal. Instead of raising a puppy to "become a Leader Dog," what if I set my goal to raise a puppy that is READY TO TAKE ON THE NEXT STEP, training at Leader Dogs for the Blind?

But what does "being ready" really mean?

Leader Dogs for the Blind describes three traits that are important in a working guide dog.

Soundness
Friendliness
Happiness

(To read more about these traits, visit my post from March 11, 2011, or Leader Dogs' on-line puppy-raiser application.)

Raising a puppy that exhibits these traits is an achievable goal.

Goal setting, however, is a tricky-thing--achieving one goal often leads to setting another, higher goal. Istn't it just as important (and no small achievement), to raise a puppy that is housebroken, socialized, and able to perform basic obedience commands?

Where does it end?

Fortunately, Leader Dogs for the Blind is establishing "in-for-training" standards to define what "being ready" really means. A work-in-progress, these standards attempt to pinpoint self-control behaviors, obedience skills, and behavioral traits that, if achieved, will prepare a puppy to succeed at the next level.

These standards, then, will be the goal I will shoot for with my puppy. Attaining these standards will be my achievement.

After that, it's up to the puppy.

Hear that, Scout? (FLD Scout, peaking around my leg at a hockey game at Lake Superior State Univserity.)

Energizer Puppy

2011-10-20T09:29:00.000-04:00

You know a friendship is special when someone with severe dog allergies comes to visit our house. It is not too difficult to keep the old dog away. Gypy's next-to-favorite thing lately is taking a nap.

But a puppy? That is a whole different thing. Last weekend presented opportunities for FLD Scout to work on self-control and people distractions. My secret strategy was simple. A tired puppy is a good puppy.

In the morning, I told our guests, Come on, let us show you our woods. (The puppy went too.)

In the afternoon, I said, Have you ever seen the Au Sable River? (The puppy went too.)

The Au Sable River from the lookout at Iargo Springs.

If you've never seen the magnificent Au Sable River in northeastern Michigan, it is worth a trip. High bank overlooks present a panoramic view; hundreds of wooden steps lead the strong of heart to water's edge.

Iargo Springs.

Here, at Iargo Springs, FLD Scout got her first taste of the open stairs down to the river. Multiple landings meant we stopped to SIT frequently as we re-gathered attention to the task at hand. By the time we were two-thirds of the way BACK UP, Scout was stepping like a well-seasoned trooper.

FLD Scout, still full of energy, at river-level at Iargo Springs.

Andy and our friends, Pete and Nancy, tackle the stairs UP from Iargo Springs.

I smiled to myself later when our non-dog-person guest remarked, "Boy, puppies have SO much energy!"

FLD Scout, looking a little bit "pooped out" after climbing all the stairs.

Tuesday's Training TIP: Whoa, What is THAT?

2011-10-18T13:18:00.000-04:00

A recent Monday morning at the Bicegos. Sleepy girls zip their backpacks and munch on toasted bagels before school.

Nat in the am.

I take FLD Scout out to "park" and decide to help by taking the trash to the curb. Anne has these nice cans that roll, so it's easier than dragging. I grab the trashcan handle and tip it onto its wheels.

FLD Scout balks. As I turn to look at her, the trashcan rumbles forward a few inches. Scout is now writhing at the end of her leash, trying to get away from that GREAT-BIG-SCARY-BEIGE-MONSTER.

Ah-ha! My perfect little puppy is afraid of something. The five-minute job of taking out the trash turns into a 20-minute training session.

What did I do? I took advantage of the situation. Here's how.

THINGS I DID NOT DO

I did NOT try to console Scout by saying things in a baby-voice like, "It's ok puppy! I won't let that big bad garbage can hurt you."

I did NOT let Scout run away.

I did NOT pick her up and coddle her.

THINGS I DID TO HELP SCOUT GET OVER HER FEAR OF THE ROLLING TRASHCAN

I stayed calm and confident. I tipped the trashcan back into place and squatted next to it.

I re-directed Scout's attention. I used name recognition to get Scout to look at me. I praised her when she did. I told her to SIT and because I always have puppy food in my pocket, I rewarded her after she sat.

I gradually re-introduced her to what frightened her. I touched the trashcan and encouraged Scout to come closer. When she did, I rewarded her with another treat. I touched the trashcan again to get Scout to sniff it. When she did, she got alot of praise and more treats. I stood up and praised Scout when she stayed where she was near the trashcan. I gently tipped the trashcan and moved it slightly. When Scout then backed away, I set the can back and repeated everything. Again. Eventually, Scout stayed close when I tipped the trashcan. I re-directed her again by telling her to SIT. Then I rolled the can back and forth. If she got up, I set the can down and put her back into a SIT. When Scout finally stayed in her SIT when I gently rolled the trashcan, I had a party and she got more treats!

I rewarded the behavior that I wanted. Every step of the way, if Scout acted curious, I treated her. If she acted confident, I treated her. If she sat when I commanded her, I treated her.

OKAY! Now you should have the idea. I took BABY STEPS to get Scout used to the trashcan, to learn that it would not hurt her. I GRADUALLY re-introduced her to the can and PRAISED and REWARDED the behavior I wanted. I stayed CALM and CONFIDENT.

YOUR reaction is key! I like to compare this to when a child falls and skins a knee and the startled youngster looks to his or her parent. If the parent freaks out and rushes over, no doubt the child will erupt into tears. If the parent takes a more matter-of-fact approach, or even jokingly yells something like "Safe!" the child might brush him or her self off and not be a drama-star. It is the same thing with your puppy--she will look to you for guidance in how to react. Make it a "no-big-deal" and that is what it will be!

HINTS for taking advantage of a training session.

Have puppy-food morsels in your pocket at all times!
Learn to recognize a training opportunity. This means paying attention to your puppy and your own reactions.
Be calm, patient, and consistent.

Eventually, FLD Scout walked at my side as I rolled the not-so-scary-anymore trashcan down the driveway and out to the curb. In fact, she happily accepted two more rolling trashcans!

Cc'd Rosie next to a tired-out-from-learning FLD Scout.

"But how can you give them up?"

2011-10-12T20:10:00.000-04:00

In answer to one of my most-heard questions, I say, Yes, it IS hard. But...

Read this letter from Alicia, the handler of Leader Dog Vera.

This is why, even though it is a sad day when my puppy returns to Leader Dogs for the Blind for her formal training to become a guide dog, this is why I CAN.

Good morning All.

Today is a very special day for a very special friend. On September 29, 2004, I met this very special friend. Who would know those 7 years later, she would be the light in my step, the inspiration behind my future, and the one who gave me strength to face my fears and reach high for my dreams. If it wasn't for my very special friend, I wouldn't have the college degree I have, I wouldn't have had the strength to reach for my dreams and achieve goals, and most importantly I wouldn't have a heart that is full of love.

My special friend turns 9 years old today, and she truly is one of my very best friends. She is black, her loving warm eyes have made many bad days better, her wiggly black tail has been the center of countless conversations, and boy is it not funny when the "black bullet" bolts the door and is running down the street like a maggot in hot ashes.

Yep, you guessed it! Today is Vera's 9th birthday. Happy birthday to one of the best friends I have and the first four legged partner I had that compelled me to put one foot in front of the other and walk those college halls.

My black bullet isn't much a black bullet any more. She is slowing down and really showing her age, but the love in my heart for her will never, ever slow down. She is the foot prints, and will always be the foot prints, in the sand walking next to me on a rainy day, she will be walking next to me on the proudest days of my life, and she will be waiting for me on the other side of the rainbow bridge after I grow old and it is my turn to go.

Thank you Leader Dog for putting Vera in my life and thank you for the independence she has given me. Vera, as well as Baci, truly is the most precious gifts I have ever had and it is my pleasure to honor her on her very special day.

Vera has already gotten an extra cup of dog food in her bowl and will be getting a frosty paw treat and new toy this afternoon. It is not enough for the joy she has given me over the past 7 years, but I know those warm, loving , brown eyes won't look at me with puppy dog eyes today. They will be looking at me with gratitude for the extra pets, the extra love, if that is possible, and the new toy she will receive.

If you have read this far, thank you for reading my tribute to the finest black labby every born, Vera. She is the step in my step and the motivation behind every new milestone I successfully complete.

Alicia, LD Baci and Vera, CGC, The birthday girl.

Thank YOU, Alicia, for sharing your story!

FLD Scout, my 4th Future Leader Dog puppy. She has a long way to go!

FLD Scout. On Assignment.

2011-10-08T22:39:00.000-04:00

Photo-story assignment for the Ogemaw County Voice:

harvesting grapes for the Rose Valley Winery.

Luscious grapes awaiting the pick.

FLD Scout comes along to supervise.

It was a gorgeous day, if a little warm.


FLD Scout watches from the shade.

FLD Scout oversees the take.

Not a Black Cat

2011-10-07T10:47:00.000-04:00

FLD Scout is eager and tries to jump up into the passenger-side floorboard of my Chevy S10 pickup. She's still a bit small to make the leap, so I scoop her up by the belly and plop her in.

Every other Future Leader Dog puppy I've raised gave me a battle about staying put when they first learned to ride alone with me, but not Scout. It's like she knows just what to do. She sniffs out the Nylabone left from our last assignment and settles in for a chew.

We're off to take pictures for an article I'm writing about a medically-discharged Army veteran of 21 years and the woman who sent him handmade cards and letters during his tour in Iraq. I interviewed the vet last week, but I wanted to photograph the two together. Theirs is a touching story, even if there doesn't seem to be a resolution.

Writing letters to soldiers-in-war is Sonja's mission. In her words, "Every one I've written to has come home safe." When she started writing to Charlie, she had no idea who he was or where he was from, but they were almost neighbors. Charlie figured it out, and when he returned from war, he came knocking on Sonja's door.

Charlie is now like a son to Sonja, and she wants me to tell Charlie's story, not hers.

According to the Army, a back injury makes him 100% disabled and unable to work. Charlie doesn't want to be retired, he misses being in the Army and serving his country. He is frustrated with the VA, not only for himself, but also for other war vets who don't get the help they desperately need.

Charlie suffers from PTSD. The little bits of northern Michigan from Sonja helped bring Charlie home safe, if damaged.

Charlie looks at the letters he saved from Sonja.

It is an Indian-summer afternoon when FLD Scout and I arrive. We sit on Sonja's porch in the shade and Charlie shows me the letters. I take pictures and get a few quotes from Sonja.

FLD Scout is a perfect puppy. She greets them, and Sonja's old mutt who wants nothing to do with her, so Scout leaves her alone and settles at my feet.

At some point, Scout gets up to quietly explore, sniffing at yellow leaves stuck to the doormat. Just inside the screen door a fat cat crouches as if she's about to pounce. Scout doesn't notice her at first and ventures closer to the door.

The cat bares her teeth and hisses. Scout freezes, her nose still on the mat. Her eyes roll up, she spots the cat.

The cat growls.

Without lifting her head, Scout tiptoes backwards in wary slow motion, one paw at a time. Off the mat, she stops and stretches to cautiously catch a whiff of this new thing. Should she be scared?

Guess not.

A puppy-breath later, Scout loses interest and bounces over to Charlie. He reaches to pet her. Her tail threatens to lift her like a helicopter. Charlie bends to embrace her and now his face is fair game to her licky-Lab tongue.

I can only match his smile as Charlie starts goo-ing over her and says, "Do you want to go home with me Scout?"

FLD Scout makes friends with Charlie.

Sonja and Charlie on a beautiful October afteroon in Ogemaw County.

Thank you, to all who serve our country!

Tuesday's Training TIP: LEAVE IT (again)

2011-10-04T09:25:00.002-04:00

The LEAVE IT command can be extremely useful as we negotiate our way through stores and restaurants with our Future Leader Dog puppies. But ideally, we want our puppies to learn to make their own decision to "leave" something. When they eventually work with their handler, they need to be able to walk anywhere without being tempted away from their job. After all, their blind handler won't be able to see that wayward bit of French-fry on the sidewalk in front of McDonalds and tell their guide dog to "leave it."

But how do we help our puppies learn to make the decision on their own?

First they need to learn the LEAVE IT command.

Then we need to help them "generalize" it in all settings (For more information about generalization, check out this website article: Generalization. What it is and Why it Must be Taken into Account for Training Success).

Finally we need the patience to give them the opportunity to figure it out for themselves.

LETS GET STARTED

The following video demonstrates how easily you can start teaching this to a puppy. FLD Scout was less than eight weeks old in this video; in fact, we only had her five days and we worked on the LEAVE IT command twice before filming this session.

The first time I worked with Scout, I held some food in one hand so she could see it. When she attacked my hand I closed it so she couldn't get at the food. Eventually she lost interest. AT THAT EXACT MOMENT I praised her and gave her a treat from my other hand. I showed her the food again, but again kept her from getting it. When she lost interest, I praised her and treated her from my other hand. We repeated this for four or five minutes.

At the second session, Scout started to look at me after she couldn't get the food. I REALLY praised her and again, treated her from my other hand. And repeated the process for a few minutes, not very long at all.

You can see from the video that by the third session with Scout, I started to introduce the command LEAVE IT. Subsequently, I use the command with other things (like a dropped napkin in the kitchen) and in other settings (like walking down the sidewalk or in a restaurant). Because Scout is still young and learning to "generalize," I've been treating her generously. As time goes on I will wean here off the treats and just use praise.

For more details and hints for teaching LEAVE IT, check out my previous blog posts "LEAVE IT" (June 22, 2010) and "ADVANCED LEAVE IT" (September 7, 2010).

Don't be afraid to try this with your puppy. You should be able to notice in my video that I sometimes "missed" an opportunity to reward Scout when she looked at me. That's when she added her "sit"--evidence that this little puppy is starting to think on her own! "If looking at her doesn't get me a treat, what else can I do? Oh, yea, I can SIT!"

HELP YOUR PUPPY "LEAVE IT" ON HER OWN

Take a walk with your puppy. When you spot a temptation ahead, keep the leash snug enough so your puppy can't reach whatever it is, and WAIT to see what your puppy will do before saying "leave it." Chances are, once your puppy has a few "leave its" under her collar, she'll give up trying to get it and will look to you for reinforcement.

THAT'S when you need to push the praise volto-meter off the charts! Your puppy just left it along without being told!

YIPPEE!

(FLD Scout and I took a short walk while the video was loading. From the other room she whined because she had to "park." Yay, progress on that front! Anyway, we worked on loose-leash walking, standing when we stop, sits and downs. And yes, there were lots of acorns, sticks, and stones on our country-road that she oh-so-wanted to snatch! Some she left on her own when I held her leash so she couldn't reach it (and then she was praised and treated), others I said "leave it," and yet sometimes she still managed to grab this or that. Time to sweep my finger and clean out her baby mouth! Training doesn't happen overnight, you need patience and persistence.)

FLD Scout, a Rose Valley Winery Regular?

2011-10-03T16:05:00.000-04:00

FLD Scout has been with us just over four weeks.

In this time we've had overnight houseguests three times, friends for dinner, and a busy trip downstate visiting family and friends.

Can I help it that when we enter the Rose Vally Winery we're greeted with, "Awwww...the puppy is here. Wow, she's grown in a week!"

BEFORE: FLD Scout at the Rose Valley Winery tasting bar...

...while Andy and our friends (me too) enjoy a round of tastes.

AFTER: FLD Scout snoozes, tired of waiting while we sip.

"Disclaimer: no puppies imbibed any wine during or after our visit to the winery."

FLD Scout at (almost) 11 Weeks

2011-09-29T08:23:00.000-04:00

A busy, busy six days in the city for FLD Scout.

FLD Scout finds nature in the city.

Visiting friends, mall-shopping, restaurants, doggie play-dates, soccer games, Home Depot trips, Lab-wrestling at the Bicegos, a meeting at Leader Dogs for the Blind, walking with traffic, hanging out with my nieces.

FLD Scout gets thirsty at Elaina's soccer game.

On our way back north, a quick stop back at Leader Dogs for puppy-shots. All is good.

In just less than four weeks, FLD Scout is DOUBLE the puppy she was.

Weigh-in = 15.8 pounds!

FLD Scout's First Swim

2011-09-22T08:24:00.000-04:00

Scout, safe on shore.

Andy launched Gypsy with a throw of a stick and Scout bounded unknowingly after her. Gypsy hit the water with a tsunami-splash.

Scout reversed on a dime, had there been one in the sand.

She was content, then, to sniff around the water's edge and wander into the shallows.

FLD Scout gets down and dirty.

Testing the water to get to a stick.

Later, when I waded into Grousehaven Lake, she bounded in to me without regard to the water's depth. Suddenly, she was swimming! And not the usual puppy's-first-time-in-water-slap-the-front-paws swim. She swam like a pro!

But headed back to shore anyway.

FLD Scout's muddy face.

Did she decide to wash it?

Yes, Scout, you are a pretty puppy!

Coyotes and Owls and...Bears? Oh my!

2011-09-20T10:02:00.000-04:00

COYOTES

1:30 am. I dream of coyotes squalling under moonlight, but it's just Scout complaining from her mini-crate under the blind-covered window in our bedroom. I slip out from the warmth to find my jeans and flannel shirt that I strategically placed on the floor when we went to bed.

I lean against the dresser. Right leg in; now left. Wait. It's stuck. I teeter back onto the bed and match up the correct legs. Jeans on. If I put my shirt on backwards or inside out, no one will know.

It's dark, in spite of the moon. On my hands and knees I blindly feel for Scout's collar where I left it next to the crate. I've learned to leave it attached to her leash.

FLD Scout curled up in her mini-crate in the truck, on assignment with me.

I whisper, sit, hoping I will feel the fur ball as I open the door. No worry, it is all wiggles and licks and I curse the skinny collar buckle as I fumble to snap it on her. I'm awake enough now to trust myself to pick her up and find the back door.

Scout. Park, I say after putting her down on the arid ground. No rain tonight, even though the Milky Way is a cloud across the heavens. There is some advantage to these middle-of-the-night excursions.

In mid-park Scout alerts. A coyote chorus fills the southern darkness like a waterfall. Scout bolts for the back door. I reel her in and we pause together, until the song fades.

Blaine Bailer calls for coyote.

FLD Scout raises her head, briefly, when she hears the predator hunter make a coyote call at a Hunting 101 class in the Rifle River Rec Area. Does she know it's not for real?

OWLS

4:00 am. A repeat, sans coyotes. Although I manage to get my jeans on right at first try.

Scout finishes her "park" and sniffs while I crane my neck. It is still clear. The moon has dipped behind the trees. I don't know why I can never get enough of the night sky.

WHOOOOOOO, WHOOOOOO, WHOOOOOOOT!!! A branch cracks beyond the black tree-wall ringing our yard. Scout hustles back to me and leaps up in desperation. I half expect to hear her yelp, "Pick me up! Pick me up! Hurry up, PICK ME UP!!!"

So. I do.

We listen a while longer until the pounding behind her ribs (that I feel against my chest) settles.

and BEARS?

An Ogemaw Voice assignment to the Besser Museum in Alpena. With permission, I tie Scout's Future Leader Dog bandana two times around her tiny neck, work her up the short flight of cement stairs, and enter the building. A room to our left holds stuffed wild animals in a central display, including a 600-pound black bear.

No big deal!

FLD Scout bounces around the exhibit at my side, sometimes needing a pat on my leg to get her attention away from whatever it is she smells on the floor. She takes no mind to the dead critters. Perhaps she knows.

I set her atop a bear-rug bench and she licks the back of the grimacing head.

FLD Scout licks the bear-rug bench.

Funny puppy, or maybe just a bit smart. She's afraid of howls in the night, but stuffed bears? Not.

Gypsy is comfy in our woods. FLD Scout looks over her shoulder. Just in case.

Puppy Update 2: FLD Gus

2011-09-16T10:31:00.001-04:00

STATUS:

FLD Gus passed all his physicals with flying colors! All is good. He's just about his ideal weight of 64 lbs--weighed in at 63.8. He's been neutered, and now is playing with his puppy pack at Leader Dogs for the Blind.

NEXT STEP:

FLD Gus and his group will be evaluated by the trainers at Leader Dog, and assigned to a team.

LET THE TRAINING BEGIN!

YOU'VE COME A LONG WAY, GUS!

(now go show 'em how it's done)

This picture of FLD Gus was taken just about one year ago!