Pellet Fan
All Things Considered => General Discussion--Non food Related => Topic started by: Kristin Meredith on January 23, 2019, 07:39:28 AM
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Meet our new little guy Sigmund. He is 3 months old today and 16 lbs. Never raised one this young and small. He has lots of energy!!
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Awwww.
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I have had 3 yellow labs and 1 black lab. Currently I have 2, 8 year old yellow labs in my house. I kind of have a soft spot for them. If it they did not shed non stop, they would be perfect.
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Correction -- got his age wrong, 11 weeks, not 3 months.
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Very cute
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Here he is modeling his kerchief. Still a bit big for him.
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Does the breeder do some work to "train" the dogs before they get to you?
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GEB runs its own breeding program and has folks who are in charge of the breeding dogs at their facility. The pups stay with Mom until about 5-6 weeks and then are separated from Mom.
They still stay at the training facility and are worked with by staffers for a few weeks -- not a whole lot of "training" per se, but getting them use to different things. They walk over different surfaces and have toys and jungle gyms to play with, some exposure to noises. They play "follow me" with humans and try to teach them a little about sit and food bowl manners.
At 8 weeks they are tested. If they pass, they are then ready to be sent to a puppy raiser. If they don't, they are put up for adoption (I was told the other day the adoption list is currently closed because it had gotten to be something like a two year wait).
If they have to wait for a few weeks to go to a raiser (like Sig did) they stay at the training center during the week and go home with volunteers on weekends so some can actually have been exposed to a bit of a home environment.
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So what kind of SAT score do they have to achieve to go on?
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So what kind of SAT score do they have to achieve to go on?
They need to pass the Bentley test
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To my knowledge, Guiding Eyes for the Blind is the only guide dog organization training dogs to "run" with a blind person for exercise and fun. They have even partnered with an outfitter to develop a special running harness.
On Sunday, March 17, 2019, a team of Guiding Eyes dogs will help accomplish something that has never been done before. Thanks to a special accommodation from New York Road Runners, three Running Guide Dogs will guide-run the 2019 New York City Half Marathon… with one dog aiming to cross the finish line and receive the team medal.
Three very good dogs selected from our training team -- Labs Gus, Lynx, Westley, Waffle, Fred and Yukon will pace the blind runner, Tom. one at a time on the 13.1-mile racecourse. Veterinarians and volunteers will be stationed along the course to provide check-ups and ensure the team’s hydration, health and safety. Each dog will set their own pace, running three to five miles to bring awareness to the Guiding Eyes mission: providing guide dogs to people with vision loss.
Amazing how they are training these dogs to help folks enjoy any aspect of life they want to participate in.
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That is truly amazing, super neat.
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Maybe see him at the Royal?
Al
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I thought folks might enjoy an update. From a GEB e-mail:
Our third training run brought the Guiding Eyes team to New York City’s iconic Central Park for a spin around the half-marathon route’s last few miles, which trace a loop around the park before finishing near 75th Street. And while it snowed yesterday morning in New York, Our team was able to squeeze in a mid-day training run in clear, cool weather.
This reprieve from the snow brought the day’s biggest challenge: the park was bustling with distractions as tourists and locals alike came out to enjoy the break in the weather, with horse-drawn carriages lumbering by and Central Park Conservancy crews working hard to clear the roadways.
Mimicking the strategy for race day, our team set out in three relay segments. I ran out in front to lead the group, which reminded me of my NYPD days… I was on a mission to clear the way for these VIPs: Very Important Pooches. Tom, running with a guide dog, followed behind me, and Ben swept behind the group on his electric bike. Jolene worked pit crew and managed transitions, getting the dogs geared up and ready to take part in the relay.
Three members of our training team - Lynx, Westley and Waffle - pawed the line for the day’s workout, with Gus and Yukon each taking a well earned rest day. The dogs suited up in their Ruffwear high-visibility harnesses and boots to protect their paws from the slush.
Lynx ran first, starting at Tavern on the Green and completing a five-mile loop with a confident stride and careful attention to other runners. His biggest challenge is usually birds, but pigeons held no allure for him today: he was more interested in the horses, wanting those giant dogs with hooves to come along for the jog.
Westley ran second on the same route, drawing attention from a utility worker who pointed and exclaimed, “He has his running shoes on.†This social boy loves to visit other dogs; he is learning to resist the temptation to stop, say hello and exchange high-paws as he passes other canines.
Waffle, who is new to the team and still building up her endurance, anchored the relay in the last position. Refreshed from her weekend walking in the woods at home with Tom and Gus, she was excited to show off her speed during her two-mile run.
In total, Tom ran 12 miles yesterday. That’s a long time to hold a harness, but the job was made easier by his Ruffwear custom handle, which the company 3D-printed from a clay mold of his hand to make it easier to grip. The team also learned a logistics lesson: in Energizer Bunny fashion, our runners outlasted Ben’s e-bike as he had to stop and switch batteries at mile 10.
Given today’s beautiful conditions, our biggest challenge was working on pedestrian clearance: getting the dogs used to navigating Tom through crowds at a safe distance while managing the park’s many distractions. Distance runners love the mantra, “nothing new on race day.†By acclimating the team now to the sights, smells and obstacles of Central Park, we help ensure that the dogs will be calm, focused and ready to run on March 17.
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On Thursday night, Prince William County Fire and Rescue Station 15 hosted our puppy raiser classes. We were split into two groups -- an early group and a later group. Sig was in the early group and we forgot to take a group photo, so he isn't in the pic (sorry).
It was a great session. The firefighters were so patient and kind. They practiced greetings with the dogs, they had placed their equipment around so the pups could smell and examine it. They allowed the dogs to climb on the vehicles and then they operated the lights and siren so the dogs could experience that. They then took the extra step of putting on their full gear and interacting with the pups so that they would have some experience with folks in a different "outfit". What terrific folks!!! Thanks Station 15!!!!
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The dogs suited up in their Ruffwear high-visibility harnesses and boots to protect their paws from the slush.
My dogs sometimes hunt in prickly pear and sand burr country but they have not learned to avoid them. They just stop and hold a foot in the air until we pull the cactus needles or burrs out with the needle-nosed pliers we all have in our pockets. I've not had good luck keeping similar boots on them, and when they're "thrown" they're usually lost.
It sounds as though the NYC dogs retained their boots. Do you know what the handlers did to secure them?
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Sorry Paul, I don't know how they were secured. I have read other post by graduates with guides who state that they will only use the Ruffwear brand of booties, I don't know if that is because the bootie is better and stays on better or because the company is supportive of GEB.
The CEO, Tom, is coming to Virginia in April to participate in a 5K in Richmond and then hopefully will come up to our area to meet with raisers. I will try and remember to ask him how the booties are secured.
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I will try and remember to ask him how the booties are secured.
Thanks. You may be able to tell by simply casually observing.
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GEB Dogs train for half marathon (https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/video/blind-runner-and-guide-dog-team-up-for-half-marathon-1456838723978)
Yes, I know I am breaking the rules, but what is the use of being the owner of the site if you can break the rules occasionally? ;D I thought folks might like to see a video of Tom running with a dog. The trust between him and the dogs is incredible!
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I fixed it so you dont have to break the rules and post a facebook link...
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A very exciting night last night for all the Pups on Program in the Prince William Region. We went to Dulles International Airport for training and were treated just superbly by the TSA (who arranged this all and validated our parking!!), Dulles International and United Airlines. We arrived in baggage claim with all those smells, sites and noises, went up through TSA security, went up and down several sets of really long stairs, rode on the AeroTrain out to a remote terminal, got to go down a sky-ramp and then board an empty United plane and practice seating a dog. Then returned via mobile lounge to the main terminal. What a tremendous experience for our pups. Thanks again to TSA and particularly Joel Bolton for making this possible.
Bent took a lot of photos and some video but I have trouble posting more than one photo, so I think he will post more later.
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That is really neat, I bet the pups and the handlers had a blast.
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A smart looking group; dogs and handlers.
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We have 9 raisers and pups in our region and they all showed up for this training -- that might have been a first! It lets you know what a special and unique experience this was for both raiser and pups!
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GEB/Guiding Eyes for the Blind Dulles Airport Trip
(https://youtu.be/UYqWd1e-dWg)
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In the first video going down the stairs, Sig is the youngest pup and wears a scarf instead of a vest. I have a bad knee which means I go very slowly down steps -- not the best way to train a puppy on how to take steps. So our regional manager took Sig on the steps for me.
On the plane -- what can I say? Sig selected First Class, I guess he is just that kind of pup!!! :pig:
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Puppy cam of a GEB litter. The Mom, Asti, was raised in our region. Dozer was one of her puppies.
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Marcia and I watched that puppy cam...and watched...and watched. We're still smiling.
It might be therapeutic if we're feeling down one day.
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Marcia and I watched that puppy cam...and watched...and watched. We're still smiling.
It might be therapeutic if we're feeling down one day.
Yes, I have done the same. I also like reading the posts they are now starting. They said the puppies turn two weeks today and will be moved from the wading pool to a pen to help them start walking and gaining muscle strength. They are also suppose to keep their eyes open longer and be more active from here on out, so I can only imagine how much time I will spend in the next 3 weeks watching this! (they go to the GEB center at 5 weeks to start training).
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Thought folks who were looking at the puppy cam might like an update -- they are 5 weeks old and they already try little harnesses on them to see how they will react. So cute!
More Puppies! (https://www.facebook.com/lorrie.shaw/videos/10216934667177206/)
This video shows the work an actual guide does. But to understand what the dog is doing, you need to read the accompanying explanation of her actions. It is amazing what these dogs can do and how they can be trained to think and make decisions.
Living With a Guide Dog (https://www.facebook.com/livingwithaguidedog/videos/627257187738363/)
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Yes, by all means read the explanation. I'm astounded.
I love to watch my hunting dogs evaluate situations and make decisions or correct me with a look when I miss a shot or direct them in a direction that they know is foolhardy. But this short video displays skills far above those I've witnessed.
I've always said that my dogs, based on their vocabularies and reasoning, seem as smart as a three-year old. I may be undervaluing them.
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I never knew guides were this highly skilled and trained. It has been a lesson for me this last year and really reinforces how important it is for me to work with Sigmund and let him process and evaluate situations and try to learn to think them through and not just force him to do something. It also explains why a lot can't move on to guide work. I really admire the professional trainers that work with these dogs!
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We are puppy sitting another pup on program, Halsey, a 12 month old female lab. This photo is prima facie evidence that girls are smarter than boys!!! Halsey is about 10 lbs heavier than Sig and quickly figured out she did not have to win by tugging -- she could just lay on the ground and let him wear himself out pulling her around! Sig has never really learned how to play with other dogs, so having Halsey here has been great for this aspect of his learning. Some rough going to start, but we are making small good strides
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www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/dog-amazing-doesnt-her-dog-042238891.html
Going to get on my soap box this morning for a minute. Thank you, thank you, thank you to this author who gets the difference between a comfort animal/ESA/ pet and a service dog. I was reading another article this morning about a family who has a DAD (Diabetic Alert Dog) for their 9 year old who were thrown out of a Smashburger because the manager didn't like their "pet" in his store. Sorry, but I think the rise of ESA's in public places has caused a lot of harm to service dogs and we need to get folks to recognize the difference.
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This was kind of a test. We have been out and about and I have taken some good photos of Sig, but when I go to post, it says my attachment was to large. I got a new camera and Bent looked at the settings and saw I had it on large so changed it. So I took one this morning as a test. Sig, out standing in his field!!!
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Summertime and the livin' is easy!!!
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It appears that a dog's life is pretty DOGgone good at your house.
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It appears that a dog's life is pretty DOGgone good at your house.
Well, he does have to share the pool with Bent!!!
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It appears that a dog's life is pretty DOGgone good at your house.
Well, he does have to share the pool with Bent!!!
He has to share or is it the other way around?
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Happy Fourth of July from Sigmund!!!!
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Is he mortified or simply resigned to it?
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Is he mortified or simply resigned to it?
Probably mortified. I am sure he is thinking "Maybe if I close my eyes, when I open them, this will all have just been a bad dream". :pig:
Seriously thought, they like us to try and get them to accept hats and hairbands and things on their head without a fuss. I guess it has to do with body handling and the dog accepting things being done on and around his head. I am sure most blind handler's are not the most adept at putting on leashes and harnesses when they start and they want the dog to be calm and patient no matter what.
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Seriously thought, they like us to try and get them to accept hats and hairbands and things on their head without a fuss. I guess it has to do with body handling and the dog accepting things being done on and around his head. I am sure most blind handler's are not the most adept at putting on leashes and harnesses when they start and they want the dog to be calm and patient no matter what.
I hadn't thought about that.
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He really is a good looking dog.
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Thanks, I think he is good looking too. He came to us at 11 weeks, so never had him as a real baby, but I found a GEB "baby picture" of him --maybe 8 weeks? Sig is on the right and a cutie even then.
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Such a nice morning after days and days of nasty heat and humidity, so Sig and I went for a training walk in downtown Culpeper. Here he is in front of the "Love" sign (these signs are all over Virginia as part of the "Virginia is For Lovers" campaign). The sign was made using old film reels donated from the Library of Congress film library which is housed here in Culpeper.
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Funny, I never noticed that. An I wonder why I flunked out of detective school!
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Culpeper recently built a splash park so Sig and I went today. Lots of little kids, screams, noise, color and activity to observe. Culpeper has also put in some type of obstacle exercise course near the splash pad, so we also checked that out. More adults over there, but lots of activity.
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Kids love dogs. Dogs love kids.
A perfect training location.
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Yes, the problem is that Sigmund has to learn to ignore them, so I can't let any of them pet him.
I do have to recount a sweet story. Two little girls were watching Sigmund, I thnk sisters. One was probably 8 and the other was about 5. The 5 year old said she wanted to go pet Sig and her older sister said "No, you can't do that, he is working. See he has a jacket on and that means we can't pet him." I gave her a big smile, said "thank you, you sure know a lot about service dogs." She seemed pleased. So some education is seeping down to the younger ones at least!!! If only the adults would also learn!
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Yes, the problem is that Sigmund has to learn to ignore them, so I can't let any of them pet him.
Yep. A perfect training location.
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Yes, the problem is that Sigmund has to learn to ignore them, so I can't let any of them pet him.
Yep. A perfect training location.
Except for me!!! :pig:
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This story is not about Sigmund, but I just have to share it because I am constantly blown away by what working guides do. This is from a lady with a working guide. She is a teacher in a high school and school has just started back with all its commotion and chaos:
"Enjoy this story of what happened with me and Nacho the other day at school. These dogs are amazing.
⚪️ Arriving back to school mid-day after meeting with four new teachers and a principal,
⚪️ Walking the halls during a hectic passing period,
⚪️ Approaching the commons during the transition between two crowded lunches right down the way,
⚪️ Encountering unbroken streams of loudly talking students going multiple directions,
⚪️ Pausing with Nacho as he surveys the scene,
⚪️ Trusting he will weave his way through the commons as he has done every day after school this year,
⚪️ Feeling him move to the right and following his lead,
⚪️ Realizing his direction is not cutting across the commons,
⚪️ Trusting him anyway,
⚪️ Holding my breath when I realize he has taken a side hallway,
⚪️ Holding my breath even more as I wonder if he will turn at a hallway parallel to the commons,
⚪️ Grinning ear-to-ear when he turns at a hallway parallel to the commons,
⚪️ Blinking back tears as I realize he chose a safer way and pictured the exact route ahead of time,
⚪️ Stopping a colleague to babble with Joy about this dog’s decision making ability,
⚪️ Arriving safely at my office after circumventing the commons completely,
⚪️ Celebrating with a crazy, rambunctious, exuberant game of tug-the-elephant with a dog who is my buddy, my champion, my hero."
I am in awe of these animals and what the professional trainers do to get them to think and analyze a situation and make decisions which are best for their human. I share this because these are the stories which make it easier to give up your pup at the time of parting -- the dog can make a huge difference in how a visually impaired person travels through life and I get to say I was a tiny part of that.
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That tops any hunting dog story I've ever heard. And I've heard some amazing stories and seen some amazing things.
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Big day for Sig today -- first time in a sit down restaurant (not fast food). He was pretty good -- no barking or whining, had a little trouble settling at first because it was a new environment with a fairly good size lunch crowd. But after a while he just laid down under the table and snoozed. It was actually kind of funny to see the look on the table of folks behind us (who came in afterwards) when they saw Sig come out from under the table when we went to leave. I don't think most folks can beleive a dog could behave like that -- especially not at 10 months!
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That is one well behaved dog! Some very lucky and deserving person is going to have a helpful friend thanks to your help.
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That is one well behaved dog! Some very lucky and deserving person is going to have a helpful friend thanks to your help.
Thanks. We shall see. Only 45% of the pups born go on to become working guides. There are several points in which Sig may chose a different path than a guide. It is an interesting journey to undertake.
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Thought folks might enjoy this video of a recent GED graduate team. You get to see a bit about daily life of a GEB guide.
https://www.newscenter1.tv/faces-in-the-crowd-pam-blossom/?fbclid=IwAR2IN2PogsoPHWcGmCWvoJXGR70Zi1iYpsxbuklnjwpKxLB6Az0AmH-HMag
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Hope folks aren't getting too bored with these videos, but I am constantly blown away at how much of the world a guide opens up for a blind handler. Thie is Terry (handler) and Mac (guide) on a walk on a forest trail. Terry wrote and sang the song accompanying the video. It may be difficult to see everything Mac is doing. Terry wore a camera around his neck to record.
They are walking forward on a rocky dirt path, obstructed by a large root, the walking slows down and then speeds back up again. The path turns to the left and begins to ascend upwards, you can see Mac on the left side, looking towards the left, right and forward as he guides Terry. They approach several large protruding roots, and the pace slows slightly as they navigate over them. The terrain is uneven, with many roots and rocks in the path, and Mac carefully guides Terry around them and sometimes stops to let Terry feel what is in front of him. The path turns to the right, and there is a large drop-off directly ahead; Mac keeps Terry on the narrow path that hugs the drop-off. A large fallen log blocks their path; they stop and Mac lets Terry know it is there and carefully guides Terry around it and continues on the dirt path. As they continue to ascend, you can see Mac looking ahead to guide Terry on a safe path as they climb.
Terry most likely could not have done this walk with a cane, but Mac gives him the freedom to participate more fully in life.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ismrl2VycUk&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR0LQWM76x3Pvmovlc37nEhikEa7EoqUaPi6IZuUnBvkBZ9Uuso-Tmk3yOE
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In my continuing quest to work on things on Sigmund's head and getting him to tolerate it, I present -- Sigmund as Lawrence of Arabia!!!!
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Why does he need to tolerate things on his head?
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I guess not so much on his head, but over and around his head and folks touching his head at all angels. He needs to get use to a harnass being put on over his head. The harnass is stiff and can be clumsy and may knock against him, especially if he is the first guide for a handler. Also, visually impaired folks can reach for the dog's collar and may get his head. Also, if he had an illness or an accident involving his head, they want the dogs to be calm and patient if handled by a vet.
Really, just calm and patient and not moving their heads all over if someone is doing something around their head. Not an easy task -- it was a big effort just to get him to sit still and tolerate the scarf without the head band. When I moved towards his head, he wanted to move also even when in a stay.
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(https://iwzhjq.ch.files.1drv.com/y4mrLdFaBqz2N0HkfhiZLeovH3ho6msmJhAX1FNaR83xz0L0gwh6jl2PAJh_YUNzNmrirTUO7VJU6ecW5NK0iTQ2JHrhVRDqdpKEBh2ICRO85jQjKOM7pta_HMj6bUhNGM7lFg3Kc8gbgTeI_I1iH-EacGBrdvDUgzFCzqahak8LQSAETJDnJKWuI-NjR9hIbw6M41H9_ubOCXLi-Eem82LMQ?width=262&height=364&cropmode=none)
Weimaraners are fairly calm about things like that.
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That is one highly trained dog -- or he is stoned.
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That is just to rich!
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(https://iwzhjq.ch.files.1drv.com/y4mrLdFaBqz2N0HkfhiZLeovH3ho6msmJhAX1FNaR83xz0L0gwh6jl2PAJh_YUNzNmrirTUO7VJU6ecW5NK0iTQ2JHrhVRDqdpKEBh2ICRO85jQjKOM7pta_HMj6bUhNGM7lFg3Kc8gbgTeI_I1iH-EacGBrdvDUgzFCzqahak8LQSAETJDnJKWuI-NjR9hIbw6M41H9_ubOCXLi-Eem82LMQ?width=262&height=364&cropmode=none)
Weimaraners are fairly calm about things like that.
I hear The Grateful Dead playing in the background...
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Guiding Eyes for the Blind raisers from 5 regions around Washington DC and their pups on program visited the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center today. By taking a tour of the Capitol Building, the pups were exposed to real world situations that they will experience when they are partnered with those needing their specialized skills. The pups got to walk stairs, navigate crowds, ride elevators and be exposed to all sort of folks, activity, noise and several very active elementary school groups -- and all 18 of them did fantastic!!!! Our thanks to the Office of Congressional Accessibility Services, United States Capitol Police, and the Capitol Visitor Center staff for their warm welcome and assistance. And special thanks to David Hauck for his assistance and warm welcome.
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Man that is neat. Just to be a part of it has to make you feel fantastic, whatever role the dogs end up in.
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It was Sigmund's birthday yesterday -- 1 year old!!! Growing up so fast. We had a party for him at class last night.
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How do these dogs react when several of their former trainers/handlers are in the room at the same time or when one of them walks into a room after they have not seen them for months/years?
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Like it is any other day. They live for the moment! I have seen the videos of dog sees owner after months away, just tear jerking...it dont happen in my world.
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Sig glanced at us several times while we were there (sitting behind him) but he remained focused on Dawn who brought him to class and who is sitiing him for another week. That is actually why they encourage sits, so the dog learns to work and focus on different handlers. We also do group outings with the dogs and will pass them around for the same reasons.
When he does back to NY for his "college entrance exam" there will be two different trainers in the area who he has never worked with and part of the exam is to see if he will focus on them and what they are asking. If he goes into harnass training, he will also have a couple of different trainers over the 6 months, so he needs to understand when he is working, he focuses on his handler.
When he was "freed" last night he did come up to say hi with tail wagging and greeted us. And he was happy to see Bent and was wagging his tail and kissing him. I think he was happier to see Bentley than me!
I have seen videos of really excited reunions, but when I watch, it is usually the human who starts the excitement and the dog then follows. Personally, if he eventually guides, I want him to be very attached to his handler and am happy if I am just a distant memory.
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I asked because our small dog goes nuts when he sees my parents a few weeks in between seeing them, my mother in law months in between seeing her, and others as well. Same way when I come home after a business trip. It is great that the dogs being trained can still do their job, but are allowed "free" time off the job to remember their friends.
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If Sig gets to guide, he will definitely learn the difference between working and non-working. When he is in harnass (right now in a vest) he needs to learn focus and discpline and that he is on duty. That is why folks really need to leave working service dogs alone and not try to pet, talk to them or distract them. When he is out of harnass he is treated much more like an ordinary dog -- he can run and play and be goofy. Many handlers take the harnass off when they are at their offices because they want the dog to know s/he can relax. And they don't have a harnass on at home.
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Sigmund's last day at work with "Aunt Dawn" and her team. I know he has had a blast and will miss all the action. Watching beans grow just is not going to cut it anymore!
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So he is on to his next phase of training?
He sure is a good looking dog.
I hope the rest of his training goes well for all involved.
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No, he was just with another raiser for an extended sit. She had him while we were on the cruise and the kept him for a few extra weeks to allow my shoulder more time to heal. She is in public school admin and has a staff of 13, so Sig not only got to experience being in another home and around other dogs, he got to go to work with her for a month and be in that environment. Just another great experience as part of his puppy raising. He will most likely go for his "college entrance exam" sometime between the first of March and the first of May 2020. Coming home will be boring I am sure!!!
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I get it, I should have paid more attention to the "beans aren't going to cut it part".
I got a question for you though, do places have to allow service animals in even though they are in training?
Or is is more of a decision that is made by the owners-managers-etc. of a location that the animal would visit?
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Actual working dogs are covered by the ADA, puppies in training aren't. So states have stepped forward to each pass their own laws re pups in training. Some laws are very comprehensive and require pups in training to be treated the same as a working dog (i.e. Maryland). Some are a bit more ambiguous and talk about the dog being given entry as long as they are with their "trainer" and some use language such as "professional trainer".
We can go nearly any place outside or on public streets. GEB instructs us to simply ask any place we go if we can come in with the pup -- restaurants, businesses, museums, etc. I have yet to have any place refuse and so many are welcoming and helpful such as the U.S. Capitol Visitor's Center, Dulles International Airport, TSA. They seem to recognize that the dogs need to have these experiences early in order to have a good chance at success. And some places, like TSA, have benefitted because some of our pups who don't choose guidework go on to successful careers with the TSA.
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After over a month away, Sig is back home and we are happy!! I think he is too.
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Dog hugs! A great photograph.
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Sigmund has had a busy afternoon. The Culpeper Downtown Association sponsor's a Christmas Open House every year and it was today. They have music and carolers, Santa and horse rides and even some miniture "therapy" horses (that was a new one for me, forgot to get a photo). Sig got to see it all and also some Christmas decorations. He was a good boy, even when the band started playing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" fairly loudly.
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Sigmund has received his IFT (In For Training) test date -- April 14, 2020. It is equivalent to a college entrance exam. If he passes, he will go into harness training where he will have to successfully complete 4 stages before he is matched with a visually impaired person. If he doesn't pass, he will be considered for other career options as a working dog.
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Since the date is set (I assume that means he shows great promise), does that change how you train him in order to make sure he is "top of his game" for the exam?
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Every puppy that is raised is tested. The test is suppose to reveal if they have promise or not ;). The training remains the same because the test has very little to do with the things we train him for.
The pups come into a big room (one at a time, by themselves) and are given a minute to "check out" the room. It has various objects in it -- some they may have seen before like a table and chair, some they may not like small statutes and columns. After a minute, a trainer comes in and does certain things -- calls his name and sees if he responds, someone throws the trainer a beach ball and it then rolls around the floor, a vacuum cleaner is turned on, a fake bird flys overhead, an umbrella is opened, etc.
I don't know anything about the level of training they do, but I think the test is designed to show does he get startled or nervous or frigthened or is he calm or even just curious. Some things I can help prepare for like him being in the house while I vacuum and being on the street and hearing a loud truck or sirens, but I think they are more trying to judge temperment and attitude.
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Well I sure hope he does well.
Be awful neat to know he ended up helping someone, in any capacity.
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Last night, several raisers got together at the Spotsy Towne Mall in Fredericksburg to watch the "sound and light show" in the outside mall area. We then went into the mall and worked the dogs and saw Santa (hope to post that photo later!). Boy was it crowded so a good experience for the pups. As always, I have no photos skills, but maybe you can get a feeling for all the lights aound us, some were flashing and the big Christmas tree changed color and had lights that went on and off. The lights were paired with music. They played carols,and songs from the Nutcracker and Polar Express. Dogs on the outimg ranged from 4 mos to 13 months -- Sig is now the old man of the group. Sig is at the far right being held by Nick so I could take a photo.
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Sigmund's Christmas gift arrived in time -- a quick release tag clip. I don't really need it to be a quick release, but I like that I can fasten it on his collar and don't have to try and put the O ring on the collar fasteners.
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Such a good looking dog..Special in so many ways!
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Sig's IFT date has been moved to March, so leaving a bit sooner. Today, we met up with some raisers at the USMC Museum in Quantico and I realized that I am now starting into what puppy raisers refer to as the "first of the lasts" phase of raising -- i.e. this will probably be the last outing to the Marine Corp Museum for Sig and me. So a few photos to commerate.
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Good for him that he gets to advance early. Most likely sad for you as you have to give him up early. When will your next pup arrive for his Meredith house training?
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I want to take a little time off and am going to sit a pup for a week in April. Then I think I may start a puppy for another raiser. After that -- we will see where we go from there. I may take a year and be a puppy starter and sitter.
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Sigmund and other pups on program from the Prince William and other surrounding DC regions attended a "Pups and Popcorn" event at the Washington Hilton last night. This was a reception for folks attending a corporate conference. We mingle with them and get to share about puppy raising and GEB and we get a small contribution in return. Our pups get exposed to a lot of people, noise and distractions and this is one event where folks are allowed to pet and I try to teach Sig the difference between "Say Hello" and interacting with folks and not giving that command. People were very interested in what we were doing and loved all the pups. There were a lot of folks and noise so it was a good place to encorage calm energy and practice simple commands in a distracting environment. All the pups were great!! No barking, no issues, all good dogs! As always, Hilton was a joy to work with -- had a separate "rest area" for pups with water bowls (we could take them for a break if we thought they were getting too overwhelmed) and a little goodie bag for each dog with treats and water. What a class hotel it is.
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Sigmund is celebrating Mardi Gras as the King of the Meredith household and wants everyone to "laissez le bon temps rouler", And eat a doughnut for Sig since he can't have anything fried!!!
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Another last for me and Sig -- last time Sig will accompany me to our polling place (Virginia has off year statewide elections so he was with me when I voted in 2019). Sigmund would like to encourage all those in Super Tuesday states to exercise the franchise!
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Well, the big boy is in the van heading north to New York. He was pretty excited to go -- new sounds, new smells, look at all these dogs to keep me company, new experiences, finally rid of winter wheat and old people!!!! :pig:
GEB made the decision, because of health concerns for its graduates and staff, to close the IFT to the public. They also decided that any raiser taking their dog had to just drop the dogs in the parking lot and a staff member would take them into the kennels etc. So we decided not to drive 14 hours RT just to drop him in a parking lot and instead drove 2 hours RT to put Sig on the van. GEB has advised that they are going to live stream the IFT for the raisers, so I am grateful for this thoughtfulness and will kind of get to be with Sig on Tuesday, even by internet. He is a great puppy -- smart, hardworking, big and powerful, lots of zest for life. I hope he decides to guide, but if not, whomever he ends up with will be a lucky person!!!
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Great work you did raising a dog that can possibly assist someone in need
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Truly a fantastic journey. May he continue to be happy and share his talents to enrich others lives.
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Thank you for sharing your story Kristin. I found it most interesting and informative as well seeing people that care about others as much as you is touching.
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Well, the big boy did well at his IFT and is now in harness training. He looked good and happy and calm to me when I watched the IFT on the internet. Now to see if he likes training and will eventually guide. The future looks bright Siggy!!!
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ROCK ON, SIGMUND!!!
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Not that anyone may care, but I realized I have not updated folks on Sigmund. Three days after his IFT, GEB closed their NY campuses because of the virus. I had already committed to taking Knight and did not know if I could handle a 10 pound baby pup and a non-neutered, 85 pound teenage boy (I specifically asked if they would allow him to be neutered and was told no). So Sig went to a foster home in Ohio. The first of June, Knight left for Tn. I also found out that they were going to allow Sig to be neutered, so I asked for him back. For reasons which still have never been explained to me, he was not allowed back (even though his fosters did say he was so big and strong that they were having issues with him).
So, I will cut the sob story short. In mid-July, I was told he was neutered and on August 8 he returned to the Yorktown Heights campus to begin harness training. I am eagerly awaiting his first report. I know they spend the first 10 days just getting to know their initial trainer and doing some simple exercises. But I think he should now be in the first stage of training and I hope for a report in about 3 weeks. He may not make it through all 4 stages, only time will tell -- but I sure hope so because he is a good boy!
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He is handsome as xxxx and we hope he excels. Thanks for sharing your sob story, I on the other hand am known to tell blubber stories, especially when it comes to babies and dogs.
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So just received the first training report and I am relieved to find he has not started drinking and smoking and running with a bad crowd at college! Instead he seems to be doing fairly well:
Trainer's Comments:
Sigmund is progressing nicely so far in the early stages of training. He is a bright dog that learns quickly and has a high food drive. Sigmund is very enthusiastic about targeting and working in general. He can often times get frustrated easily and will resort to vocalizing at his trainer while working or while in the crate. This behavior has improved and he is no longer vocalizing while working or barking while in the crate. We have started working in the harness and he is doing a great job of leading out in harness with a consistent pull. Sigmund is a higher energy dog that performs everything with much enthusiasm but benefits from calm handling. In most situations he is able to channel his energy into the work. He is currently running in community run with about 20 other dogs and he loves playing with the dogs but often checks in with instructor. Sigmund has one roommate, a female black lab named Roma. It has been a lot of fun to work, play and relax with Sigmund, he is very smart and so loving! I can’t wait to see how he progresses throughout training!
So, on to Phase 2 Sig and hope things go well!!!!
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Just received Sig's second report. He seems to be doing well at guide college. He has successfully guided/worked with his handler being in a blindfold and mastered escalators. They say he is an eager worker with a natural drive and seems to be slowly building confidence and getting better at his tasks. He will now move on to training in bigger cities, including NYC, and will also start working on traffic and train/subway platforms. So proud of how well he is doing!!!!
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Just got an update on big boy Sig's training. He is back in harness training after a two month pause, but things seem to be going well. He was able to complete his platform and traffic training. He will continue to practice these skills in the next few weeks and is currently practicing how to apply everything he has been taught to everyday life. The trainer reports that Sig does very well in a multitude of environments but really flourishes in busier environments and works very hard not to make any mistakes and has a very strong, firm pull when in harness. What a great boy!!! It seems like he enjoys his training and learning things, so I hope that continues and that he elects to guide!
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Just received this report on Sigmund. It is his final training report and now they will match him with a blind handler and they will train together. No exact date on when that will happen, but the big boy's journey is coming to a happy conclusion!!!!
"Sigmund has continued to work hard in this phase of training. He went through his final blindfold assessment and did really well. Sigmund has demonstrated strong foundational skills and has done a nice job of taking on responsibility for the team. Sigmund has been doing a lot of traveling to destinations, long exercise routes and polishing his already well established skills. Now that he has completed his training, Sigmund is a potential candidate for one of the upcoming classes if a suitable match is brought in. Sigmund is a responsive boy so I would be comfortable placing him with someone who can handle an average control dog. He has demonstrated that he is capable of training in any size environment. He prefers to work at an upper moderate speed with firm pull, although he moves quickly he is very conscience and great with decision making. When Sigmund is working he takes his job very seriously and does not need too much support but he has a fun personality when he is out of harness. He works hard and plays hard. It has been a pleasure working with Sigmund and I’m excited to see where this next stage of life takes him."
So proud of my boy!!!!
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Such good news.
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Reading this truly reminds me of the old Irish saying, something like........me chin be quiverin.
Such amazing things from amazing animals, nicely done!
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Congratulations!
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Thanks for the update. Great job! It has been fun to read of his progress along the way. It is hard imagine all the hard work, time, and energy that goes into training a service dog. What a great accomplishment. Hats off to you, Sigmund, and everyone who had a hand in his education. Someone will be getting a wonderful dog to help them navigate all that life has to offer! Congratulations!!
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He was a Wonderful dog!
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I just realized I have not updated on the exciting news -- I am extremely happy and proud to announce that Sigmund was matched with a visually impaired handler the end of March and officially graduated as a working guide on April 9. Sigmund was matched with Angel Adorno . Below is their official graduation picture (I had to take a photo of the photo). He will be living in Queens, NY -- I wish I could start a fb page called "Sig in the City". I met Angel by telephone and he is a lovely warm person who I can tell both loves and "gets" Sig. We hope to meet up in the future . Angel is a radio DJ and stand up comic and has had several guide dogs from GEB. He is also a jujitsu practitioner and Sig has already started going to practices/meets with him and he tells me Sigmund is loved by all he meets. I am so looking forward to hearing more about their adventures together. Love you always Sig!!!
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So exciting to see this.
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Oh Wow, that is truly fantastic.
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He has turned into a fine dog. The person he was matched with sounds like a fascinating guy. I would say what a great ending to the story, but the journey has just begun!!