October-November
Newsletter
|
|
|
Manners
On that sunny September morning, the atmosphere was crisp with excitement. Selected families gathered to meet their new charges, 8-week-old puppies destined for a career as guides for the blind. After a thorough interview process, the families agreed to foster the pups for a year and teach them house manners. They agreed to socialize the pups and not leave them unattended in the yard or house. The families also committed to attend group classes several times a month to work on age-appropriate behavior.
Three families would be receiving their first puppies, usually Labrador, or Golden Retrievers or German Shepherd Dogs. The children, members of 4-H Clubs, restlessly moved around the room in anticipation. The parents questioned their sanity in taking on this project until the puppies were brought in and given to their new human families. Could anyone possibly resist a furry bundle of squirming cuddles and wet kisses? Littermates, Fantasy, Freedom and Frolic were placed in the arms of the Smiths, Millers and Carters. Tears flowed, laughter rang out and the room vibrated with human and canine energy!
The pups were taken to their new homes where life lessons would be taught in a loving, but firm manner. An important first lesson was house breaking. The families were told to give frequent breaks to their young charges, taking them out on leash and repeating a "potty" word as they performed. Fantasy caught on quickly and was reliable in the house in no time. Frolic wanted to use these outdoor times to roll and sniff, but the Carters were persistent and she did conquer the idea. Freedom, always a bit obstreperous, took a long time to potty. The Millers hadn't considered the time commitment in their busy family schedule, so often allowed Freedom to relieve unsupervised in their fenced-in yard.
Another important life lesson was crate training. By learning to love these private dens, the pups could be kept out of mischief. When the activity in the home was hectic or everyone in the family was occupied, the pup could relax and sleep unmolested by the family cat! Frolic and Fantasy learned not to bark or jump on guests, but Freedom's good behavior was not re-enforced. The Millers thought it was cute when Freedom barked at the mailman and believed her jumping on guests showed how much she remembered and like them!
During outings in the community, everyone admired the pups. It was impossible to just run into the supermarket for a quick shop without stopping to talk to interested shoppers andeducate them about guide dogs and the fostering of young recruits. Those adorable faces drew people to want to touch the pups, but it was important for the families to teach their charges restraint. Without much prompting, Fantasy sat quietly to be petted. Frolic wiggled and wagged, but learned to sit while being admired. Freedom also enjoyed public attention, but was allowed to solicit affection, climbing on her admirers while licking their faces.
Since guide dogs would be accompanying their blind partners into restaurants and other public places, manners around food were essential lessons. During family mealtimes at home, pups were to lie quietly under the table and not dive or beg for scraps. Picking up, chewing or swallowing food or other objects outside the house could lead to serious medical or behavioral problems in their future working careers. Freedom was a handful and the Millers thought it was funny when the pup picked up dirty socks at home and scoffed down tidbits during walks. In contrast, the Smiths were firm with Fantasy and she maintained her lady-like demeanor in public. The Carters had a lot of work to do to curb some of Frolic's youthful exuberance but they were committed to preparing her for a future goal as guide.
The families shared similar emotions when the now large puppies were sent off to guide dog college. Part of their hearts wanted to know their work paid off in a graduation as guide and part of their heart hoped the dog would fail and come home to live with them. At guide dog school the dogs live in large kennel blocks where they are given extensive physical and behavioral work-ups. Our three littermates were bright and conquered guide dog tasks quickly. Living in a kennel environment and handled by experienced trainers, house manner issues were not addressed.
The day the families both dreaded and longed for came to pass and a heart-warming and tearful graduation ceremony drew the puppy raisers together with the blind people who were partnered with their now working dogs. Emotions ran high, and it was important to remember that the gift was in the goodbye.
Fantasy would now be sharing her life with Linda in St. Paul, Minnesota. Fantasy, an easy pup to raise, was equally easy to handle as a grown guide. She relieved on command, was gentle with toys, did not bark, scavenge or solicit affection from the public. She came immediately when Linda called and touched Linda's hand to let her know she arrived. The dog loved to be brushed and quietly accepted nail trimming from the groomer.
Susan was thrilled with her new partner Frolic. Although the dog was headstrong and required firm handling, she was an enthusiastic worker. She was sometimes a bit rambunctious in the house, but settled down with a firm reminder. Her pattern of wiggling and wagging begun in puppy hood when admired continued, but the Carters had instilled a good sense of self control and a good work ethic.
Barbara was delighted when told her new partner's name was Freedom. Having recently lost her sight, she looked forward with anticipation to the new life she would have with her new canine helpmate. However, when she and Freedom returned to Peoria, Illinois, her transition to working with a guide dog did not go smoothly. It was apparent from Freedom's house manners, or lack thereof, that the dog had not been asked to follow many rules. Following recommendations, Barbara kept Freedom on leash for several weeks before allowing her off leash time in the house. Freedom was a disaster! She did not relieve on leash outside when asked to and had several accidents in the house. She barked at the doorbell and did not settle down while Barbara and her family ate dinner. In fact, when not supervised, Freedom stole thawing meat from the counter and chewed up Barbara's husband's favorite pair of shoes! When allowed to play in a fenced-in area, Freedom seldom came when called and enjoyed digging up the family garden. Grooming, ear cleaning and nail trimming were battles, which created bonding problems for Barbara. Although Freedom's guide work was good, stopping at curbs and avoiding obstacles, she was out ofcontrol when greeting friends and admirers. On one rainy occasion, Freedom jumped all over Barbara's neighbor, leaving muddy footprints on his coat.
Almost every week, Barbara phoned her trainer in tears. Every new partnership goes through a transition period, but this partnership was turning out to be a nightmare. On two occasions trainers were sent to Barbara's home in the effort to iron out these issues. Meanwhile, Freedom had lost her freedom and was kept on tie down while in the house, so Barbara could relax. Sorrowfully, after six months of frustrating efforts, the decision was made to retire Freedom from guide work and Barbara returned to school for a new dog. Freedom was a bright, energetic dog with great potential, but was now unmanageable because of her poor house manners.
Written & Submitted by: Toni Eames
How to Train a Raiser
Ok Puppies, your mission is to train your raiser to the best of your ability. Here are a few suggestions to get you off to a good start.
1. "Puppy eyes" These are the first and foremost of your assets. You will use them first thing off the puppy truck to "hook" your raiser and you will use them often afterward. Practice "the look". Use it early. Use it often.
2. "Puppy breath" This is the second thing raisers can't resist. It only lasts a short while, so take full advantage of it. It won't be long before your raiser is saying,"eww!" to your kisses. Early training in enticing hugs is essential.
3. "The Grab and Run" This is a game where you grab something (preferably something forbidden, like a shoe) and run with it. Your raiser should be fast enough to quickly step on your dragline. However, for first time raisers this is a real challenge. Even experienced raisers have to relearn this skill. It is your job to give them enough practice that they stay in top form.
4. "The Disappearing Food Act" In this game, it is your job to eat your meal as quickly as possible. Pushing your food bowl around the room at the same time is particularly helpful. Your raiser is sure to assume you are "starving". It won't be long before he/she is telling the club leader that you need more food.
5. "You Expect Me to Eat That?" This is just the opposite of the previous idea. This time after you have been given the "OK" to eat, you just sit and stare at the bowl. I know this is hard, but the results are well worth it. Both of these ideas make sure your raiser is keeping a good eye on you.
6. "You Want to Do WHAT to My Nails" Raisers think it is their job to keep your nails as short as possible. It is your job to be as wiggly as you can. This helps teach your raiser patience. This also works well with ear cleaning, tooth brushing and grooming.
7. "The Pull and Lag" I know this sounds contradictory, but that is the idea. In this training session you alternately switch between lunging ahead and lagging behind. I will eventually give you a collar correction, but it is sure to keep your raiser on his/her toes. This is important in training a good raiser.
8. "I Can't Hear You!" This lesson can be lots of fun. When given a command, just pretend you didn't hear it. An inexperienced raiser will often repeat the command several times until you comply. It is your job to teach your raiser to only tell you something only one time. Once they start to get the hang of this you can gradually increase your obedience response.
9. "The Perfect Puppy" This one has to be my favorite exercise. When you are old enough to go out, always be "the perfect puppy" on outings. In combination with your good looks, this polite behavior always invites comments from the adoring public. It is great publicity for all of us Guide Dogs and the boost of confidence makes your raiser work even harder.
So, puppies, as you go out on your journey to becoming a Guide Dog, use these basic principles to train your raiser. Guide Dogs depends on you to make sure your raiser is properly educated. Enjoy your family and keep up the good work!
Submitted by: Karen H.
Puppy Raiser OLYMPICS
By
Marianne McKiernan, CCI Raiser
Opening Ceremony: Puppy proudly waves with your bra or panties while
running through the house.
100 Meter Dash (Home): Scoop up squatting puppy and make a mad dash for
the nearest door.
200 Meter Dash (Work): Scoop up squatting puppy and dash for the lobby
door; Points deducted if you forget to grab your key card and a poop bag.
Hurdles: Scoop up squatting puppy, jump over baby gate and run for the
back door; this event can be combined with the 100 Meter Dash.
Long Jump: Step on knobby chewy toy and leap to the air, holding injured
foot and hopping up and down. Points deducted for using naughty language around
the puppy.
Marathon: Stand at the end of the leash and say "Do Your Business.” Pull
leaf/stick/twig/rock out of the puppy's mouth. Repeat endlessly. Extra points
awarded for 2 a.m. start time. (Cont .)
Weight Lifting: Pick up Puppy. Pick up Puppy. Pick up Puppy. Pick up Puppy. Pick
up Puppy.
Diving: Lunge toward puppy and fish contraband item from his mouth; extra
points awarded if you don't get stabbed by tiny puppy teeth in the process.
Style points awarded if you can continue conversation with neighbor or co-worker
without pause.
Synchronized Swimming: Give squirmy, gleeful puppy a bath and get
drenched in the process.
Gymnastics: Prepare dinner and clean up kitchen while dodging puppy,
other dogs, and many puppy toys scattered over the kitchen floor.
Rhythmic Gymnastics: Tumbling and leaping over both the puppy and
puppy-related items trying to avoid falling on puppy or one's own bottom. Music
required. Style points if you "stick" the landing.
Wrestling, Flyweight: Sit on floor. Get a hold on a squirmy, exuberant
puppy and wrestle him down onto his side, holding him there until he submits.
Wrestling, Heavyweight: Sit on floor. Grab squirmy puppy and put on baby
coat and Gentle Leader. Points deducted if the puppy grabs the coat before you
get the belly strap buckled or gets the GL off his nose.
Steeplechase: Jump over furniture and other objects while chasing your
puppy to get the inappropriate object out of her mouth before she swallows it
while admonishing "DROP!" Automatic disqualification if the puppy swallows or
destroys the object before you reach her. Style points awarded if the puppy
actually drops the object as commanded.
Closing Ceremony: Puppy races between your legs and out the door while
you're bringing in the groceries. He/she circles the back yard about 20 times
(doing the butt-tuck run) and collapses into a sound sleep under the bushes.
Found on the website of “Have Paws will Travel” out of Arapahoe county, Colorado.
Birthdays!!!!
October 3--------------------------Max T.
November 6----------------------Cierra V.
November 9-----------------------Joe T.
November 16---------------------Chloe B.
Scheduled New Arrivals!!
Lauren received “Edgar” a male Black Lab born on 7-17-04.
Mary received “Rainey” a male Golden Retriever born on 8-15-04.
Cierra received “Genevieve” a female German Shepherd born on 8-4-04.
Phase Reports as of
Oct. 28 ,
2004
Bradley---------------------------Phase 4
Joan-------------------------------Phase 7
Yolanda---------------------------Phase
9
Halsey-----------------------------Phase 10
Michael-----------------------------Phase 3
Obedience Class!
Obedience has started up again for the fall. It is on the first and third Wednesday of every month. Meet at Bicentennial Park in Clovis at 6 pm. All dogs are welcome, but please make sure that they have had their rabies shot. This is a good opportunity for both pups in training and career changes or pet dogs. The November dates to meet for obedience are the 3rd and the 17th. If you have any questions contact Mary.
Optional Activities for December
Friday, December 3-Clovis Children’s Electrical Parade-6-8 p.m.
Wednesday, December 15-Walk Huntington Blvd as a group. 6 p.m. Meeting place to be determined. Pizza afterwards.
Monday, December 20-Bell Ringing for Salvation Army. Fig Garden Longs. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Tuesday, December 21-Bell Ringing for Salvation Army. Vons in Clovis at Fowler and Herndon. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
