(VICT) Fw: Progress!
- From: "Karyn and Thane" <bcpaws4me@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: "Vi-clicker" <vi-clicker-trainers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 1 Feb 2008 14:15:07 -0800
I meant to send this to you all yesterday and got side-tracked
---
It is really weird. Thane and I have been homebound for three days from the
snow. I really was not looking forward to the ten steps backwards that he
would take in this reprieve from walking and training. I was quite surprised
though when we caught a sun break from the rain this morning. We did some
stop and go working due to pulling a bit too hard, but honestly much of his
pull was about what I would want it to be for guide work. I had my cane with
us, but did not arc it from side to side, just held it straight out for
added safety. Of course I was also using the mini-guide. We did really well
considering the break. This was the first time I felt ready to trust my dog
enough to not arc my cane back and forth to navigate the path around us. As
long as its not raining, the mini-guide can be a great asset for us. Thane
stopped at the curb cut for a car that was coming all by himself. Then we
crossed the street lickety split. He seems to have the concept down that
streets and driveways we hurry across while otherwise we go at a slower
pace. When we cross that street, there is not a real curb cut. Up until now,
I have pretty much showed him the way we need to go by making the turn as I
said *Find the Curb* for the driveway entrance. Today I decided to test him.
I said *Find the Curb* before even making any subtle direction change and
automatically Thane turned to go up the driveway there. Now I know it is
possible its more about knowing what we usually do that made him climb up
the driveway entrance, but it is something he has not done without some
movement based direction from me before. It made me really happy. After we
crossed the street again further up the road so we could head home, Thane
stopped and was looking behind us. I stopped and allowed whatever was
distracting him to pass us by. He did really great. It was someone with
something on wheels I think. I felt some vibration whatever it was. I
thanked Thane and then we carried on. He did not try to get to the person to
say hello or show any sign of not being sure about what to do. As we got to
the curb cut to head home, the weather began changing. I put the mini-guide
away to be on the safe side. Boy was that a good decision as the skys opened
up! Even with the poor weather, Thane noticed a running car in a driveway
and stopped me before we got to it. He walked really nicely the rest of the
way home except for one quick shake on our street before we turned into the
complex. He was not wearing a raincoat though so can you blame him? I am
going to have to find or make Thane a coat I think. Its hard to find a long
enough one but small enough girth and chest-wise. Ordinarily when we turn at
the sidewalk, Thane starts pulling hard to get us home, but he walked a
really nice pace. I can't begin to express the level of pride I was feeling
in him and us as a team together. I am sure we will have our tougher days
still, as afterall he is in training right now, but it was a glimpse into
the future- of where we are headed together- and it just really rocked!
Karyn and Thane
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