CONGRATULATIONS TO NAVY WOUNDED WARRIOR BRIAN AND HIS AMERICAN PIT BULL TERRIER, “HOLLY”!!! THEY PASSED THEIR PUBLIC ACCESS TEST!!!! Brian suffers from Anxiety, Bipolar, Depression, Mobility, and Pain Management (two hip replacements, extreme back pain issues, knee injuries)

Director and San Antonio Trainer Laurie writes:

Brian and his rescued American Pit Bull Terrier, “Holly”, have done an absolutely TREMENDOUS job training at home prior to “official” training – and have continuously worked daily on all required commands including extra commands to keep Holly’s mind sharp and Brian always thinking outside of the box. Holly immediately comes to Brian when he is having extreme anxiety or depression and offers deep pressure therapy, paws at him, or nudges his chest. They have an incredibly wonderful bond, and are truly best buddies! Brian said that through training Holly, he himself has learned how to react more calmly and have renewed confidence in himself.

Brain wrote, “We are so excited that Holly has done so well and we are now ready for our new life together as a team, and a totally different life for Holly. The training process itself is therapy worth its weight in gold. Not only have I learned more about myself and how to deal with my symptoms, but I have gained a partner in Holly, and an advocate and friend in Laurie. Now I can add something to my list of things I started and finished. Even though the training really never ends, Holly and I have reached that mark where we are given our wings, to now strive for excellence and healing together!!”

SO PROUD OF THEM!!! SUCH BEAUTIFUL AND INSPIRING WORDS!!!! YAY TEAM BRIAN AND HOLLY!!!

CONTROLLED UNLOAD OUT OF VEHICLE:

Holly did not try to leave vehicle until given release command.

Holly waited in the vehicle until released.* Yes
Holly waited outside the vehicle under control. Yes
Holly remained under control while another dog was walked. Yes

APPROACHING THE BUILDING:

Relative heel position, not straining or forging.

Holly stayed in relative heel position. Always
Holly was calm around traffic.* Yes
Holly stopped when Brian came to a halt. Always

CONTROLLED ENTRY THROUGH A DOORWAY

Holly waited quietly at the door until commanded to enter.* Yes
Holly waited on the inside until able to return to heel position.* Yes

HEELING THROUGH THE BUILDING

Holly was within the prescribed distance of Brian. Always
Holly ignored the public, remaining focused on Brian. Always
Holly readily adjusted to speed changes. Always
Holly readily turned corners–did not have to be tugged or jerked to change direction. Always
Holly readily maneuvered through tight quarters. Always

SIX FOOT RECALL ON LEAD

Holly responded readily to the recall command–did not stray away, seek attention from others, or trudge slowly.* Yes
Holly remained under control and focused on Brian.* Yes
Holly came within the prescribed distance of Brian.* Yes
Holly came directly to Brian.* Yes

SITS ON COMMAND

Holly responded promptly to the command to sit.
Holly remained under control around food–not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.*
Holly remained composed while the shopping cart passed–did not shy away, show signs of fear, etc.* Yes
Holly maintained a sit-stay while being petted by a stranger.* Yes

DOWNS ON COMMAND

Holly responded promptly to the command to down. Always
Holly remained under control around the food–not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.*
Holly remained in control while the child approached – child should not taunt Holly or be overly dramatic.* Yes

NOISE DISTRACTIONS

If Holly jumps, turns, or shows a quick startle type reaction, that is fine. Holly should not show fear, aggression, or continue to be affected by the noise.

Holly remained composed during the noise distraction.* Yes

RESTAURANT

Holly is unobtrusive and out of the way of patrons and employees as much as possible.* Yes
Holly maintained proper behavior, ignoring food and being quiet.* Yes

OFF LEAD

When told to drop the leash, the team maintained control and Brian got the leash back in position.* Yes

DOG TAKEN BY ANOTHER PERSON

Another person can take Holly’s leash and Brian can move away without aggression or undue stress on the part of Holly.* Yes

CONTROLLED EXIT

Holly stayed in relative heel position. Always
Holly was calm around traffic.* Yes
Holly stopped when Brian came to a halt. Always

CONTROLLED LOAD INTO VEHICLE

Holly waited until commanded to enter the vehicle. Yes
Holly readily entered the vehicle upon command. Yes

TEAM RELATIONSHIP

When Holly did well, Brian praised Holly. Always
Holly is relaxed, confident, and friendly. Always
Brian kept Holly under control. Always
Brian was prepared with proper working materials and equipment in case of an access confrontation (laws, etc.).

PASS TEST: Yes