(VICT) Re: NIxon update--LONG
- From: "Shelley L. Rhodes" <guidinggolden@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: <vi-clicker-trainers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 27 Jul 2011 22:21:46 -0400
Hi Jen, it sounds like the visit went really good.
I will tell you and Brian that Tim Horton's are here in Pennsylvania we have
one right down the block from my office, smile.
I do like it, though Star bucks makes a better chi tea, smile. I love their
yogurt though.
Shelley L. Rhodes, M.A. CVRT
and Ludden black Labrador Guide Dog.
Diamonds may be a woman's best friend, but a dog is mine.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jen&Nixon" <jenandnixon@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <vi-clicker-trainers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wednesday, July 27, 2011 9:24 AM
Subject: (VICT) NIxon update--LONG
> Brian was able to assess and see that, yes, the enthusiasm is not what it
> was once was; however, we were able to find a solution to pick up his pace
> and make him a little more excited. I give him a little encouragement with
> the leash, not a correction, but guidance to get him to move up in pace a
> little. Halt him while he still walking at the pace that I prefer, and do
> verbal and physical praise, don't stop when he is already slowing down as
> he
> will associate that praise for that behavior. The improvement was drastic
> when we tried this method.
>
> Also, we somewhat did a traffic checks so Brian could see Nixon's
> reaction,
> and so far, we are fine with this as well. He says I have muscle memory;
> whereas, NIxon and I are so used to moving off the curb *at the same
> time*,
> and not allowing Nixon to move forward at first. We attempted to have him
> move forward while I was still on the curb, holding the harness back a
> little bit. He was hesistant after several attempts to "forward".
>
> He definitely suggested I try the methods we worked on today and give him
> a
> call next week to give him an update on how things are progressing. He is
> hoping this will be a more consistent method, instead of his inconsistent
> pace, wanting to slow down after a certain period of time. His tail was
> wagging more once we attempted the method.
>
> I took him over to my work place (Canadian Red Cross) and he got the
> opportunity to see my large, personal office space and meet a few of the
> staff I work with. I also explained to him about the fact we work with
> vulnerable clients of varying ages and around medical equipmemnt all the
> time.
>
> We worked our way back to Tim Hortons where we originally parked and where
> Mom was waiting on us. We had a break and I was able to purchase coffee
> for
> Brian. "You know, one of the things I miss about living in Canada... Tim
> Hortons." Mom briefly asked questions about Brian's history working with
> guide dogs and his travels from England, Ontario then onto GDB in
> California. At this point, NIxon was beside mother, getting belly rubs
> from
> her foot! *grin*
>
> Lastly, we did the juno walk. He warned me, going from the left to the
> right
> side is *VERY* difficult! He simulated sniffing and distractions so he
> could
> get an idea of my ability to correct a dog as well. He was surprised at
> how
> comfortable he was and I was surprised at how comfortable I was as well.
> He
> is totally going to recommend my next dog be trained on the right side. I
> thought I'd have difficulty with the footwork, but I didn't at all! He is
> also noting in the file that I will need to have the dog capable of
> receiving leash corrections via the right hand, due to the possibility of
> dislocating my shoulder due to the quick movement.
>
> He will submit my file to the student selection committee and have them
> look
> at my file next Thursday's meeting for consideration so I get on the wait
> list right away, and possibly have a dog prior to October (yes our winters
> start early here!), if not, I'll have to wait until the spring, hopefully
> Nixon can hold out till then, but it is difficult to say during the
> winter,
> though.
>
> Brian is an exceptional person to work with and since he knows me through
> the pre-assessment class, my visits to the campus during the Alumni
> Association board meetings, and...
>
> he remembers the incident of one meeting, where I hurt my shoulder and
> required a visit to the hospital and he approached me, "How are you
> feeling?"
>
> I gave him a dirty look, "What kind of question is that?"
>
> We had a great laugh over that funny moment as well.
>
> So, yes, I have a history with Brian as well, as you can see!
>
> Overall, great day, cool, breezy, with some sunny cloudy periods, made it
> perfect walking conditions; although, I think Brian was a bit chilly,
> without a jacket!
>
> So, that's the scoop for the time being!
>
> Jen and Nixon
> Pampered Critters Pet and House Sitting Services
> Prince George, BC
> pamperedcritters@xxxxxxxxx / www.pamperedcritters.ca
> <http://www.pamperedcritters.ca/>
> "Like" us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pamperedcritters
>
>
>
>
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