CONGRATULATIONS TO WOUNDED WARRIOR (NAVY) CHELSEA AND HER NOW SERVICE DOG, “ATHENA”!! ATHENA IS A MASTIFF/ ST. BERNARD MIX. THEY PASSED THEIR PUBLIC ACCESS TEST (PAT)!!

Chelsea suffers from PTSD, anxiety, and hypervigilance. She also suffers from anger issues, and major depression,(recurrent, moderate).

Our Wichita Falls Trainer Barbara writes:

Chelsea and Athena stated they were ready for the PAT test. I agreed! We began in PetSmart, and walked past a busy dog training class. Athena ignored all the dogs, children and people in the class and continued with Chelsea, keeping her focus on Chelsea. Men, women, and children with and without hats were in PetSmart and Office Max, and did not affect Athena in any way. Athena always checked the rows as the team passed them, and when they stopped, Athena was looking behind or to the side of Chelsea – wonderful vigilance!

Chelsea asked a young lady to pet Athena, and she remained in the “sit” position and waited for her pat under the head. A new trainer at PetSmart (Robert) came and offered assistance, and we used him as another person to pet Athena. Athena remained in place and had one bark, to which Chelsea told her “it’s okay” and Athena relaxed, quieting down and allowing Robert to pet her. (Robert had squatted down within arm reach to Athena and he was looking away from her). This was a good thing, as Athena is usually more comfortable around women.

Athena and Chelsea did very well in Office Max, and managed to heel perfectly through the items in the isles as well as in tight areas, weaving in and out of them. Different men (employees) approached Chelsea to offer their assistance, and Athena was perfectly behaved.

At Taco Bell, a small child around 3 or 4 yrs old came up unnoticed behind Chelsea. Athena had an appropriate “grumble” alert, and Chelsea checked behind her to find the child taunting Athena. Chelsea told Athena “it’s okay – I’ve got it”, and Athena calmed down, put her head on the floor and rested. Chelsea went to pick up her order and returned to the table with Athena. Athena again went under the table, facing Chelsea so she was able to watch people coming up behind Chelsea. The child again began approaching Athena. I advised Chelsea about what was happening, and we called for the child’s father who was at the opposite end of Taco Bell. The father came and got the child and walked away.

Athena never moved and remained quiet after the initial alert on both occasions. Athena did not have any further grumbles or barks.

During the PAT, Athena gave “covers” very well when needed. Athena leans in on Chelsea’s leg and sits on Chelsea’s foot.

Location of where PAT took place: PetSmart, Office Max and Taco Bell in Denton, Texas.

SCORING OF THE PUBLIC ACCESS CERTIFICATION TEST

CONTROLLED UNLOAD OUT OF VEHICLE:

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

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

APPROACHING THE BUILDING:

Relative heel position, not straining or forging.

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

CONTROLLED ENTRY THROUGH A DOORWAY

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

HEELING THROUGH THE BUILDING

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

SIX FOOT RECALL ON LEAD

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

SITS ON COMMAND

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

DOWNS ON COMMAND

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

NOISE DISTRACTIONS

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

Athena remained composed during the noise distraction.* Yes

RESTAURANT

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

OFF LEAD

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

DOG TAKEN BY ANOTHER PERSON

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

CONTROLLED EXIT

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

CONTROLLED LOAD INTO VEHICLE

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

TEAM RELATIONSHIP

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

PASS TEST: Yes