Summer Time Fun!

Daniel and American Assistance Dogs were invited to put on a demonstration at our local town festival in June. We did a 15 minute demonstration on what things a service dog could do and the process in which they learned to do these things.

We showed how we initially taught the dog to pick up items such as keys. Keys are an especially hard thing to teach along with silverware and other metal objects because most dogs do not like the taste or feel of metal in there mouths.

We also demonstrated how we start teaching nudge and touch with a touch lamp.

After Daniel was over a year of age we started teaching the command BRACE. This is when the dog at a standing position will lock his front and back legs so a person can use the dog to help him return to a standing position if he has fallen.

North Carolina Here We Come

In June Daniel accompanied a group from my church to North Carolina on a mission trip. Since Dan is a service dog he was able to ride on the plane with us. This was a new experience for Daniel and he did show some signs of stress during the 1st and 2nd take off and landing. He was slightly agitated and panting more than usual. During this time I continued to tell him that it was fine and he was being a good boy. It must have worked because by the time to were on the 3rd, 4th and 5th leg of the trip Daniel did not act any different than if he was loading into a car. Down the ramp he went and curled up at my feet and slept till it was time to get off the plane. During this trip which included around 100 kids in North Carolina Dan went from work site to work site. It was evident that he was always anxious to see what we would be doing next or where the bus would stop. He loved all the people and made many friend young and old by the time we were on our way back to Minnesota.

It's Spring

Since I last wrote Daniel has been a very busy dog. We have continued basic training with Dan on his obedience and also skills. This included working in public places such as malls and physicians offices. When we are in places such as doctor or dentist offices it is important that Dan stay in one place and just wait.

Public places like this are also great places for the service dog to learn about elevators. Daniel is learning the skill of pushing the up or down button in this next picture.