From trainer Beverly, who is working with Rachel and her SDIT, Nova. Rachel has PTSD.
“Rachel, Nova and I started at my home discussing some of the smaller issues/new tasks and how to work on them, since Nova already knows the basics such as “sit”, “down”, “stay”, “heel”, “load”, and “unload”. One of these is to get Nova to put “pressure” on Rachel by laying on her when she is feeling particularly anxious. Since Nova likes to be where she can see Rachel, we discussed incorporating the “watch me” command with having Nova lay on Rachel with her head on her stomach or chest and her body on top of Rachel. She will use high value treats to coax Nova into position and use the “watch me” command to engage the eye contact.
We also worked on front and back “cover” more, having Nova use deep touch when she covers. Nova did very well. We then went to the D&D feed store, where they were having a couple major events to include a doggy costume contest and adoption event. Since crowds are one of Rachel’s triggers, this was a great experience for desensitization. We had Rachel use the cover (with more pressure on her legs from Nova) several times with good results. We also taught Nova “up” to put her paws and chest on Rachel’s legs when Rachel is sitting and needs to have Nova even closer. The session went very well and both Nova and Rachel handled all the many distractions and people perfectly.
Rachel will work on these skills and return within 6 months for another session (skill review) or sooner if needed.”
WONDERFUL SESSION, RACHEL, NOVA, AND BEVERLY!
It’s been so long since I’ve posted about training with a wonderful Wounded Warrior – Jesse, who suffers from extreme PTSD. When I first met Jesse, he was so anxious just talking that he had a towel with him at all times to wipe away the s
Jesse met Sasha, lovingly donated by Barbara who felt Sasha had a higher calling – and she was right. Since Jesse adopted Sasha, his world has changed. I noticed each time I met with him, he seemed happier, so much more hopeful – and was completely committed to taking the best care of Sasha. He literally doted on her like she was a queen – buying her the best of toys, food, and all things doggie. They had an instant bond, and from day one, they have been inseparable – sleeping together, playing, and week by week, starting to go out into public places that otherwise Jesse would have never dreamed of going to. I have watched their progression, and Jesse followed the training manual to a tee, training Sasha to perform as many commands as possible. Sasha is brilliant, and picked up commands easily. But Jesse had finally found his best friend, and life has changed so much for him.
Now, Jesse has a girlfriend. Now, Jesse has had the courage to get a job. Now, Jesse can go into places in public with Sasha and last longer and longer without the anxiety being so bad that he only lasts a few minutes. He looks forward to his future, has regained hope, and has found joy in a world that formerly looked hopeless to him.
Jesse, Sasha, and I have trained in several public places, and you can just see how much they love each other. Sasha can “sit”, “down”, “watch me”, “heel”, “load and unload”, “cover”, and does one thing that really helps Jesse – Jesse has extreme anxiety reactions to loud, unexpected noises – but Sasha is not bothered by them at all – and so Jesse sees Sasha’s reaction and knows “it’s ok”. I am so proud of Jesse, and they will soon be passing the PAT.
One thing I noticed instantly is how Sasha’s coat is changing. It is so shiny, soft, and always smells dreamy! That’s because Jesse love giving her a bath every week! He gets up every morning and makes Sasha eggs to go with her regular food!
Joseph adopted Viva, and then I said to Joseph – “You know, now we have to go to Petsmart to get all of Viva’s needed items”. Joseph quickly realized that this would be the first time he had gone into any public place for an extended period of time. When we got to Petsmart, I asked Joseph, who was already anxious, if he wanted me to go in and get the items, or if he wanted to try to go in to this crowded place. He took a deep breath, and said he wanted to try!
We met at a Petsmart, and worked on getting German Shepherd Addie used to distractions around her. I gave Hannah some basic tips to work on the duration of Addie’s “stays.” Addie knows “sit” and “down” very well and on command. I also started Hannah on loose-leash walking and heeling by her side, as well to incorporate the close behavior whenever Addie forges ahead.
Well, I have to admit I have absolutely fallen in love with Mastiffs of all types as Service Dogs. I have worked with so many recently, I am completely amazed at their perfect combination of sweetness and intelligence. I have had the wond
That being said, I want to talk about my first English Mastiff SDIT, Beatrice! Beatrice’s handler, Elizabeth, went into the training obviously very unsure if Beatrice would do well. Beatrice far surpassed all my and Elizabeth’s expectations. We had our first session at Elizabeth’s home, where we discussed Elizabeth’s need for a Service Dog and her expectations. On our first public outing, we went to Petsmart. Beatrice left me in awe! She can “sit’ and “down” no matter how many people or dogs are around her with the proper tone of voice and hand signals. She “loads” and “unloads” perfectly with a wait signal. Beatrice will sit and wait at doors until told “go through”. She knows “watch me”, and “heels” perfectly on just a regular flat collar! Beatrice performed several meet and greets with children, adult males and females, sitting first, then being petted or having the stranger offer a treat. She LOVES all other dogs – small, tiny and large dogs, and is submissive to dogs she meets who seem afraid of her large size. She will even go into a “down” if she feels the child or dog she meets is a bit nervous! We practiced 20 ft off-leash sit/stays and down/stays and she was marvelous. She also stays in a heel position when the leash is dropped for a few steps. I would say Beatrice’s only fault is her occasional massive drool when thirsty or excited!!! It was completely a dream to train Beatrice – who even ignored created distractions. Poor Beatrice recently suffered from a prolapsed uterus, and had to have major surgery. But she has healed just fine!
Unfortunately, I didn’t get pictures at Petsmart because I was so amazed, but here are some from our first meeting at Elizabeth’s house.
GUESS WHO PASSED THEIR PUBLIC ACCESS TEST? BEAUTIFUL, BRILLIANT YOUNG ALAINA, who suffers from severe anxiety, AND HER SERVICE DOG, HARMONY! Alaina’s dad, Wounded Warrior Andrew, has had SD Rio for a long time, so Rio, Andrew, and Alaina’