Category Archives: Bipolar

Anxiety, Bipolar, Depression, Military, Navy, Night Terrors, Panic Attack, PTSD, San Antonio, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

CONGRATS TO WOUNDED WARRIOR STEVE AND “ELLIE”

CONGRATULATIONS TO WOUNDED WARRIOR (NAVY) STEVE AND HIS NOW SERVICE DOG, GREAT DANE “ELLIE”!!!!!!!!!! THEY PASSED THEIR PUBLIC ACCESS TEST – AND ELLIE IS AN OFFICIAL RED CROSS THERAPY DOG, AS WELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Steve suffers from PTSD, Bipolar Disorder, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and night terrors – but not much anymore since he’s had ELLIE!!

Laurie writes:

“What can I say? Service Dog Ellie is an absolutely perfect, on-point, sharp as a tack, loving Great Dane. Her relationship with her handler, Steve, is unbelievable. There is nothing this team can’t do! Ellie is truly a model Service Dog, and she brings so much joy to Steve and his whole family! Ellie does many extra tasks like “covers”, “deep pressure therapy”, waking Steve up from night terrors, and she goes from room to room checking on each member of the house before she lies down! Ellie had also earned her Red Cross patch, and accompanies Steve to disaster relief areas, where she provides therapy for those in distress! She is on her way to her third trip for flood victims, where she is treated like a queen at the places they stay! Here are pictures of Ellie on her first Amtrak train ride!

SCORING OF THE PUBLIC ACCESS CERTIFICATION TEST
Always=All the time
Mostly=Most of the time (more than half of time)
Sometimes=Some of the time (half or less of the time)
Never=Never demonstrated the skill
The team must score all ‘Always’ or’ Mostly’ ’ responses on the A-M-S-N parts of the test.
The team must score at least 80% “YES” answers on the “YES” “NO” portion of the test.
All questions marked by an asterisk (*) must be answered by a “YES” response.

CONTROLLED UNLOAD OUT OF VEHICLE:

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

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

APPROACHING THE BUILDING:

Relative heel position, not straining or forging.

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

CONTROLLED ENTRY THROUGH A DOORWAY

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

HEELING THROUGH THE BUILDING

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

SIX FOOT RECALL ON LEAD

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

SITS ON COMMAND

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

DOWNS ON COMMAND

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

NOISE DISTRACTIONS

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

Ellie remained composed during the noise distraction.* Yes

RESTAURANT

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

OFF LEAD

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

DOG TAKEN BY ANOTHER PERSON

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

CONTROLLED EXIT

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

CONTROLLED LOAD INTO VEHICLE

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

TEAM RELATIONSHIP

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

PASS TEST: Yes – 110%

Agoraphobia, Anxiety, Bipolar, Night Terrors, PTSD, San Antonio, Texas

CONGRATS TO KERRI AND BANDIT

CONGRATULATIONS TO CLIENT KERRI AND HER NOW SERVICE DOG, CORGI “BANDIT”!! THEY PASSED THEIR PUBLIC ACCESS TEST!!

Kerri suffers from PTSD, agoraphobia, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and night terrors which are a result of the PTSD. She also has type 2 diabetes and often forgets to eat properly or at the right times.

Trainer Beverli performed the PAT at the HEB Grocery Store in New Braunfels. They scored an “Always” on the questions marked by an asterisk (*), and will continue to work on the commands that had a “Mostly” response.

SCORING OF THE PUBLIC ACCESS CERTIFICATION TEST
Always=All the time
Mostly=Most of the time (more than half of time)
Sometimes=Some of the time (half or less of the time)
Never=Never demonstrated the skill
The team must score all ‘Always’ or’ Mostly’ ’ responses on the A-M-S-N parts of the test.
The team must score at least 80% “YES” answers on the “YES” “NO” portion of the test.
All questions marked by an asterisk (*) must be answered by a “YES” response.

CONTROLLED UNLOAD OUT OF VEHICLE:

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

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

APPROACHING THE BUILDING:

Relative heel position, not straining or forging.

Bandit stayed in relative heel position. Mostly
Bandit was calm around traffic.* Yes
Bandit stopped when Kerri came to a halt. Mostly

CONTROLLED ENTRY THROUGH A DOORWAY

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

HEELING THROUGH THE BUILDING

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

SIX FOOT RECALL ON LEAD

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

SITS ON COMMAND

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

DOWNS ON COMMAND

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

NOISE DISTRACTIONS

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

Bandit remained composed during the noise distraction.* Yes

RESTAURANT

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

OFF LEAD

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

DOG TAKEN BY ANOTHER PERSON

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

CONTROLLED EXIT

Bandit stayed in relative heel position. Mostly
Bandit was calm around traffic.* Yes
Bandit stopped when Kerri came to a halt. Always

CONTROLLED LOAD INTO VEHICLE

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

TEAM RELATIONSHIP

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

PASS TEST: Yes

Anxiety, Bipolar, Depression, Military, Mobility, Navy, Pain Management, San Antonio, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

CONGRATS TO WOUNDED WARRIOR BRIAN AND SD HOLLY!!

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

Anxiety, Bipolar, El Paso, Fibromyalgia, PTSD, Texas

CONGRATS TO JORDAN AND SERVICE DOG, “BELLA”!!

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CONGRATULATIONS TO JORDAN AND NOW SERVICE DOG, “BELLA”!! BELLA IS A PIT BULL MIX. THEY PASSED THEIR PUBLIC ACCESS TEST (PAT)!! Jordan suffers from Anxiety, Bipolar, Fibromyalgia and PTSD.

Our El Paso Trainer Terry writes:

After all the medical obstacles that Jordan faced, she and her Service Dog “Bella”, effectively and efficiently adapted, maneuvered, and overcame all the road blocks presented to become a Service Dog Team. Good luck and God bless Jordan & Bella in their future endeavors.

SCORING OF THE PUBLIC ACCESS CERTIFICATION TEST
Always=All the time
Mostly=Most of the time (more than half of time)
Sometimes=Some of the time (half or less of the time)
Never=Never demonstrated the skill
The team must score all ‘Always’ or’ Mostly’ ’ responses on the A-M-S-N parts of the test.
The team must score at least 80% “YES” answers on the “YES” “NO” portion of the test.
All questions marked by an asterisk (*) must be answered by a “YES” response.

CONTROLLED UNLOAD OUT OF VEHICLE:

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

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

APPROACHING THE BUILDING:

Relative heel position, not straining or forging.

Bella stayed in relative heel position. Mostly
Bella was calm around traffic.* Yes
Bella stopped when Jordan came to a halt. Always

CONTROLLED ENTRY THROUGH A DOORWAY

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

HEELING THROUGH THE BUILDING

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

SIX FOOT RECALL ON LEAD

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

SITS ON COMMAND

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

DOWNS ON COMMAND

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

NOISE DISTRACTIONS

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

Bella remained composed during the noise distraction.* Yes

RESTAURANT

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

OFF LEAD

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

DOG TAKEN BY ANOTHER PERSON

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

CONTROLLED EXIT

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

CONTROLLED LOAD INTO VEHICLE

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

TEAM RELATIONSHIP

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

PASS TEST: Yes

Agoraphobia, Anxiety, Bipolar, Depression, Diabetes, El Paso, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Panic Attack, PTSD, Texas

CONGRATS TO JANA AND SD ZIMBOO!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO JANA AND NOW SERVICE DOG, “ZIMBOO “!! ZIMBOO IS A LABRADOR MIX. THEY PASSED THEIR PUBLIC ACCESS TEST (PAT)!! Jana suffers from Agoraphobia, Anxiety, Bipolar, Depression, Diabetes, Gastroparesis, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Panic Attacks and PTSD.

Our El Paso Trainer Terry writes:

Jana & Zimboo performed marvelously in all aspect of their Public Access Test (PAT). She masterful handled Zimboo in a manner which displayed confidence in herself, and Zimboo as well. You can tell by their openly display of affection, that this team will be around for years to come. The Service Dog family send it’s Congratulation’s, and well wishes to Jana & Zimboo, and the entire family, for making this dream and certification a reality. Good luck and God bless in your future endeavors.

SCORING OF THE PUBLIC ACCESS CERTIFICATION TEST
Always=All the time
Mostly=Most of the time (more than half of time)
Sometimes=Some of the time (half or less of the time)
Never=Never demonstrated the skill
The team must score all ‘Always’ or’ Mostly’ ’ responses on the A-M-S-N parts of the test.
The team must score at least 80% “YES” answers on the “YES” “NO” portion of the test.
All questions marked by an asterisk (*) must be answered by a “YES” response.

CONTROLLED UNLOAD OUT OF VEHICLE:

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

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

APPROACHING THE BUILDING:

Relative heel position, not straining or forging.

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

CONTROLLED ENTRY THROUGH A DOORWAY

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

HEELING THROUGH THE BUILDING

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

SIX FOOT RECALL ON LEAD

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

SITS ON COMMAND

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

DOWNS ON COMMAND

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

NOISE DISTRACTIONS

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

Zimboo remained composed during the noise distraction.* Yes

RESTAURANT

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

OFF LEAD

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

DOG TAKEN BY ANOTHER PERSON

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

CONTROLLED EXIT

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

CONTROLLED LOAD INTO VEHICLE

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

TEAM RELATIONSHIP

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

PASS TEST: Yes

Anxiety, Bipolar, Depression, Military, Mobility, San Antonio, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Wounded Warrior Amber and SDIT Holiday

From our trainer, Beverli, who had her second session with Wounded Warrior, Amber, and her SDIT, hound mix,“Holiday”. Amber suffers from Bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, and back problems.

Beverli writes:

“Today we began Holiday’s introduction to the Public Access Test rules and skills at Petsmart. We worked on “heel”, “leave it” when Holiday got distracted by smells or other people, and a calm, controlled “entry” into and out of different stores. We also worked on “sit-stay” and “down-stay”.

I brought my own Service Dog, Luke, to test Holiday’s distraction with other dogs. Holiday was focused on Amber, regardless of Luke’s location and proximity to him.

Amber and Holiday’s bond has grown since our last session. He responds quickly to basic “sit” and “down” responses, and this shows Amber’s diligence in working with him.

Holiday’s overall comfort and ease in public locations needs improvement. He needs work with socializing and experiencing many new places.

Homework for next session is to work on “touch” in public, and to work on Amber’s handling of Holiday in public in a calm manner.

Anxiety, Austin, Bipolar, Military, MST, Pain Management, PTSD, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

CONGRATS TO WOUNDED WARRIOR, RANDI, AND SERVICE DOG, YORKIE GUNNERSON

CONGRATULATIONS TO WOUNDED WARRIOR, RANDI, AND HER NOW SERVICE DOG, YORKIE “GUNNERSON”!!!

Emmett, our trainer in Austin, helped this wonderful pair pass the Public Access Test! Randi suffers from Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, MST (Military Sexual Trauma), and Migraine Headaches that leave him physically paralyzed.

The PAT was held at Home Depot in Georgetown, TX.

Emmett writes:

Wounded warrior Randi and her now Service Dog Gunner (Gunnerson) did AMAZING on their public access test! Randi served in the Air Force and after some time began training with Gunner. He is an incredibly bright Yorkie and is ALWAYS focused on Randi. The highlight of their public access test was Gunner demonstrating his “leave it”. Randi threw out a few treats, commanded him to leave them and walked Gunner through. He did not so much as sniff at them! Gunner also did exceptionally well on the obstacle course we created from the carts at Home Depot. He sat and greeted a stranger with ease as well as kept composure when his leash was taken. Randi and Gunner’s dedication was very apparent. Congrats to this team! You have done phenomenal! We will continue to work on disability related tasks.”

The following were perfect:

CONTROLLED UNLOAD OUT OF VEHICLE,
Dog did not try to leave vehicle until given release command.
The Dog waited in the vehicle until released.* Yes
The Dog waited outside the vehicle under control. Yes
The Dog remained under control while another dog was walked past. Yes

APPROACHING THE BUILDING:
Relative heel position, not straining or forging.
The Dog stayed in relative heel position. Always
The Dog was calm around traffic.* Yes
The Dog stopped when the client came to a halt. Always

CONTROLLED ENTRY THROUGH A DOORWAY
The Dog waited quietly at the door until commanded to enter.* Yes
The Dog waited on the inside until able to return to heel position.* Yes

HEELING THROUGH THE BUILDING
The Dog was within the prescribed distance of the client. Always
The Dog ignored the public, remaining focused on the client. Always
The Dog readily adjusted to speed changes. Always
The Dog readily turned corners–did not have to be tugged or jerked to change direction. Always
The Dog readily maneuvered through tight quarters. Always

SIX FOOT RECALL ON LEAD
The Dog responded readily to the recall command–did not stray away, seek attention from others, or trudge slowly.* Yes
The Dog remained under control and focused on the client.* Yes
The Dog came within the prescribed distance of the client.* Yes
The Service Dog came directly to the client.* Yes

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

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

NOISE DISTRACTIONS
If the Service Dog jumps, turns, or shows a quick startle type reaction, that is fine. The Service Dog should not show fear, aggression, or continue to be affected by the noise.
The Service Dog remained composed during the noise distraction.* Yes

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

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

DOG TAKEN BY ANOTHER PERSON
Another person can take the dog’s leash and the dog’s partner can move away without aggression or undue stress on the part of the dog.* Yes

CONTROLLED EXIT
The Service Dog stayed in relative heel position. Always
The Service Dog was calm around traffic.* Yes
The Service Dog stopped when the client came to a halt. Always

CONTROLLED LOAD INTO VEHICLE
The Service Dog waited until commanded to enter the vehicle. Yes
The Service Dog readily entered the vehicle upon command. Yes

TEAM RELATIONSHIP
When the Service Dog did well, the client praised the Service Dog. Always
The Service Dog is relaxed, confident, and friendly. Always
The client kept the Service Dog under control. Always
The client was prepared with proper working materials and equipment in case of an access confrontation (laws, etc.). Yes

OTHER
Were there any unique situations that made any portion of this test not applicable (write comments below)? I marked “yes” for dog waited until exited the vehicle but Randi physically removes him to keep his joints in the best shape (it is a very high truck). That’s the only “non-applicable” part.

Agoraphobia, Anxiety, Bipolar, Depression, Panic Attack, PTSD, San Antonio, Texas

Kerri and her Corgi/Border Collie mix, “Bandit”

From our wonderful trainer, Beverli! She is working with Kerri and her Corgi/Border Collie mix, “Bandit”.  Kerri suffers from Agoraphobia, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Panic Attacks, and PTSD.

Beverli writes:

“Today, at Kerri’s home, we worked on the following commands: “cover”, “touch”, “stay”, and “give”. We worked very hard on Bandit’s ability to STAY while in a sitting position. He does well when he’s laying down and asked to stay, but from a sit was a little difficult for him. He was doing very well by the end of the session. We also introduced “cover” during our last session, and by this week, he has it nearly mastered!

Bandit will need more work with stay, both from a sit and stay in public places. We will work more on this during our next session. Bandit seems to have made huge strides with “cover” since last session, and is doing increasingly well with the ‘touch’ command.

For homework, Kerri and Bandit will work more on stay and cover, and ask him to “touch” at random, while at home and in public.”

Anxiety, Bipolar, Depression, San Antonio, Texas

Ossie and Hua Hua

From our brilliant trainer, Brian, who had his first session with Ossie and his new SDIT, German Shepherd, “Hua Hua”. Ossie suffers from severe anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.

Last week Brian met with Ossie and Hua Hua at the foster’s home to introduce the two to find out about handler/team compatibility, equipment testing, rapport instruction, and the final adoption of SDIT Hua Hua!

Homework given was simply to have Ossie and Hua Hua establish rapport and bond for at least one week, with no training. Let’s hope it works out!

UPDATE: “Hua Hua was officially adopted the other day! Her new handler Ossie was in love from the minute they met, and Hua Hua was eagerly taking food and loved being caressed off the bat! Hua Hua is a bit camera shy, so it looks like I’ll be sneaking pics from my phone from now on! Picked up a crate, martingale collar, food, oatmeal shampoo and Advantix on the way home… awesome experience with two beings that deserve each other!

Anxiety, Bipolar, Depression, Diabetes

Amazing session with Greg

Laurie had an amazing session with Greg, who suffers with bipolar disorder, severe anxiety, and severe depression. Greg also has diabetes. He is training with beautiful rescue, SDIT “Missy”. Laurie was simply stunned when she had her first session with Greg and Missy. Greg has an uncanny ability with dogs, and had read the training manual so carefully that he knew every command he needed to teach her. Greg truly has a brilliant mind. When he opened the door, he already had Missy in a sit/stay position when he let me in the door. I walked in, and Missy delicately accepted a treat, did not jump at all although her tail was wagging! It was extremely apparent that they had already developed a very close bond in the few weeks they had been together. Greg is a very, very kind, compassionate, loving person, and it showed by how Missy always wanted to be by his side, made excellent eye contact with him, and seemed happy, healthy, and content.

We went over basic commands such as “sit”, “wait”, “stay”, “down”, “watch me”, etc, and Missy and Greg were perfect. Next, we decided to go on a walk to the park area across from Greg’s apartment. Missy eagerly but calmly put on her vest and leash – with just a regular collar – and when we exited, Greg had Missy wait at the door until he gave her the command to “go through”. Missy stayed in an absolutely perfect heel alongside Greg at all times – no pulling whatsoever – even when people passed by or a cat appeared. She was focused on Greg. We walked around the apartment complex a bit, and then had to cross a very busy street to get to the park. When we got to the curb, Greg did not even have to give Missy a command – she immediately sat and waited until it was clear to cross!

When we got to the park, Greg explained that Missy had certain areas where she regularly eliminated, and we walked through the grass with Missy doing normal sniffing but absolutely no pulling. There was no time when Greg had to tell her to “leave it”. When we arrived at her “spot”, she promptly eliminated, and Greg reinforced this with “go potty”. Greg uses very little treats to motivate Missy – she seems to thrive on his love and the affection and positive reinforcement he gives her for being such a good girl. We passed by some children, and I asked Greg if he and Missy had encountered children before and how she reacted. Greg has a very large extended family with many children that visit or that he visits, and he said that Missy just loves children and is gentle and snuggly with them. We met a woman who asked if she could pet Missy, and Greg gave permission – and Missy was a perfect lady – first sniffing the woman’s hand and then accepting her pets. She even commented that she wished “all dogs were like that”.

When we arrived back at Greg’s home, Missy did the exact same sit and wait at the door until he gave her the command to go through. Missy was a bit tired after our long walk, and she laid down and when I went to pet her, she adorably rolled over and I gave her several well-deserved tummy rubs.

I sat with Greg and explained to him that after having done this for many years, I was genuinely astonished at how much self-training he had done with Missy. He even explained that Missy sleeps with him or very close by, and if he has nightmares, she is already alerting to them and will come and lick his face to wake him up. She also seems to be picking up on his sugar levels, because she gets very clingy and licks or paws him when they get too high or too low.

Unfortunately, Greg has to have a quite serious surgery on his foot due to a wound that will not heal due to his diabetes. However, he said that as soon as the surgery is over (it is in about one week), he will be ready to do more training in public. I mentioned that he will probably be in a lot of pain, and not to push it – but he cleverly answered that because he has neuropathy in that leg, he won’t feel the pain! But he promised he will follow doctor’s orders about walking and will take it slow. Of course, I told him that we can always do public training in a place where there are motorized chairs. Greg is also doing a magnificent job of weaning off of some of his many medications under his doctor’s supervision – he is a very, very determined and dedicated person who is ready, with his new beautiful buddy, Missy – to start making significant changes in his life to get out into the world and show them all he has and wants to offer!!! It was truly an honor to meet him. I honestly left with a tear in my eye by his inspiration.

PS Greg has learned a lot of training techniques from a you tube site called “kikopup”.