Service Dog Training 101

The Retriever Clip

 29 Feb 2012

I want to tell you all that Ailbe has now began his basic training with the
Service Dog Program. How did he do on his 1st day of training -- AWESOME!!!

He did less of his nervous pees this time around. There were about 6 teams that
got together at Fiesta Mall in Mesa, AZ. The others are either in training or
just finished their training. Ailbe was so excited to see all the dogs. So, a
very happy five month old had to learn to sit and stay near the other dogs (what
a challenge that was) plus lay down and stay put...

He learned how to walk down 4 steps (he was not sure of what they were and so
baby paws was all I asked) and then back up -- Service Dogs do one step at a
time. The next thing he learned today was loading and unloading in an elevator
-- he handled it like a seasoned pro.

He did no barking at all with the other teams -- YEA!! He was a true gentlemen.
The last thing to do after an hour of working was to go too the Food Court and
have the teams lay down either "under" the table or chair. He got to touch
noses with another team and didn't engage in any goofy play. After a few times
of giving him the command of down he finally settled and fell asleep. He slept
under the chair where my grandson was sitting and stayed put for 45 min.. YEA!!!

It looks like Wednesday's will be meet up and training days at different
locations in the Chandler, AZ area. They LOVED his "Retriever" clip.. The Service Dog trainers wife is also a
groomer -- YEA!! and she gave me more tips on grooming today. Plus she said for
a newbie on grooming I did pretty darn good on scissoring his feet (I did them
about 3 wks ago).

My first time I used the scissors to trim his feet

So, the house is nice and quiet.. I have one pooped out puppy and my grandson
also crashed..

I'll have to add this info to my blog now that his Service Dog training has
begun.

Ailbe got weighed the other day and he's now 35 lbs at 5 months. The Vet said
he's lean and great muscle tone. I have to keep up the 4 cups of food a day (2
feedings a day) plus his training treats ..

He loves to retrieve.. and we'll do it for 15 min because he loves getting what
I throw to him..