We are on our way now. Today, the ice had melted and the temperature was moderate with a sunny sky. Puffin and I did our first real solo. Our walk is one that I have done as a first venture with most if not all of my previous dogs. We walked the perimeter of two blocks amounting to about .5 miles. It is all residential with two street crossings that have actual curbs. We faced the on-coming traffic all the way. Two sides were very quiet streets. There were two work errors, but she did well over all. I think we both were glad to be out walking.
Thanks to all of you for following me on this journey. The fact that you were reading has given me support and encouragement. Now, I hope it is several years before I am in a position to write about my new dog again.
For years to come, I hope we will still be Huffin' and Puffin
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
THANKS TRINITY
A huge thanks goes to my previous dog, Trinity. Without knowing it, she has helped my transition to home withPuffin. WithTrinity, my friends and relatives learned to ignore her when working and to avoid making contact with her. Thanks also goes to all of you from my community who are remembering these rules for Puffin’s smooth transition to her working life with me.
I thought people would see the similarities between Trinity and Puffin. They are both yellow labs and both light in color. However, people see them as different in their body type and facial expression. This is interesting to me.
I have had some questions that I will answer here in case others may be wondering the same thing.
I have been asked how my new dog knows where I want to go. The fact is that I am the one who needs to give directional information to my dog such as Forward, Left, or Right, and it is Puffin’s job to follow these commands and negotiate crowded areas without bumping me into things. Now, she knows the basic commands. As she learns my routines, she will show me places we often go, by slowing or turning her head toward a door. It will be my command to continue on our way or turn in that will determine our course. These become very subtle and possibly seen only to those trained to observe our movements. We can travel anywhere now with the basic training she has learned if I know what directions to give her, but it will take us six months to a year to be a smoothly working team. We will learn more and more to read each other’s body language. The harness handle is a two-way communication device between us in addition to the words and gestures that she knows.
A dog’s field of vision is about 250 degrees where as humans have about 180 degrees. This means that Puffin sees farther behind her on either side and is aware of my hand movements even though I am walking farther back near her back legs.
Huffin' and Puffin
I thought people would see the similarities between Trinity and Puffin. They are both yellow labs and both light in color. However, people see them as different in their body type and facial expression. This is interesting to me.
I have had some questions that I will answer here in case others may be wondering the same thing.
I have been asked how my new dog knows where I want to go. The fact is that I am the one who needs to give directional information to my dog such as Forward, Left, or Right, and it is Puffin’s job to follow these commands and negotiate crowded areas without bumping me into things. Now, she knows the basic commands. As she learns my routines, she will show me places we often go, by slowing or turning her head toward a door. It will be my command to continue on our way or turn in that will determine our course. These become very subtle and possibly seen only to those trained to observe our movements. We can travel anywhere now with the basic training she has learned if I know what directions to give her, but it will take us six months to a year to be a smoothly working team. We will learn more and more to read each other’s body language. The harness handle is a two-way communication device between us in addition to the words and gestures that she knows.
A dog’s field of vision is about 250 degrees where as humans have about 180 degrees. This means that Puffin sees farther behind her on either side and is aware of my hand movements even though I am walking farther back near her back legs.
Huffin' and Puffin
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
PUFFIN SETTLING INTO HER NEW HOME
With all the focus on getting home, I neglected to share what happened when we arrived. Things went pretty much as expected. First I parked Puffin and then went inside to greet our basset while my husband held Puffin’s leash. Next, I took Puffin's leash and my husband went inside to bring our basset, EZ out on leash to meet Puffin on more neutral ground. Puffin’s hair went up initially, but within minutes they both seemed to be doing well with each other. EZ has access only to our family room and the back yard, so it was easy to let Puffin explore the rest of the house on leash. She was very excited and wired. Next we put EZ outside and took Puffin into the family room where we also have two cats. They are as different as their color. Scooter, mostly white wasted no time in getting acquainted. He went right up to puffin and began rubbing himself against her legs. She on the other hand seemed a bit frightened of him and her hair went up again. Our black cat, Cinders kept her distance. Neither cat ran from her.
Puffin remains very curious about the cats and Scooter continues to make himself completely available to her. This morning I put Puffin on tie down at her place in our bedroom. I stepped out briefly and heard a strange noise. Our white cat had gotten out of the family room and gone there and was lying in another dog bed that was inside a garbage bag. It made a nice nest for scooter. Puffing was at the end of her tether, nosing him as he lay calmly purring his contentment. He seems to have no fears. Puffin did mouth him a bit and my concern is that she may want to nibble at him to see what he is like.
It is still much to icy to venture out for a walk. Puffin and I did visit a friend at the hospital this afternoon. I was able to work her from the entrance, up some stairs, and through the treatment area where my friend was.
Puffin is very affectionate. She is very curious about everything and is really cute. When she lies down, she often crosses her front legs. This makes her look sophisticated. She is a sensitive and responsive girl.
Huffin' and Puffin
Puffin remains very curious about the cats and Scooter continues to make himself completely available to her. This morning I put Puffin on tie down at her place in our bedroom. I stepped out briefly and heard a strange noise. Our white cat had gotten out of the family room and gone there and was lying in another dog bed that was inside a garbage bag. It made a nice nest for scooter. Puffing was at the end of her tether, nosing him as he lay calmly purring his contentment. He seems to have no fears. Puffin did mouth him a bit and my concern is that she may want to nibble at him to see what he is like.
It is still much to icy to venture out for a walk. Puffin and I did visit a friend at the hospital this afternoon. I was able to work her from the entrance, up some stairs, and through the treatment area where my friend was.
Puffin is very affectionate. She is very curious about everything and is really cute. When she lies down, she often crosses her front legs. This makes her look sophisticated. She is a sensitive and responsive girl.
Huffin' and Puffin
Monday, January 23, 2012
THE PUFFIN MIGRATION
The short of it is that we did get home safely yesterday afternoon. There is much to tell about our journey, and I will give details below.
Thursday, January 19
Morning came even earlier than usual with my personal wake-up at 4:00. I put my own morning routine ahead of Puffin and was ready to feed and take her out about 4:30. Then there was time for a quick muffin, last minute packing details and many Good-bys. We left for the airport at 5:30. We students, soon to be graduates, were divided among the five instructors according to flight times and departure gates. Even so, it was a quick trip through security for Puffin and me. My flight was already boarding when we reached the departure gait. The 6-hour flight was rather smooth, but Puffin was not at all impressed. By the time we were ready to take off, I had almost dozed off. Puffin, though, decided to follow suit and tried a take-off of her own. Her leash was fastened to my seat belt and this helped to keep her from escaping into the aisle past the two empty seats in our row. I did manage to entice her back into position under the seat in front of me when something new triggered her and she was up and out again. This time, she almost slipped her collar because she was moving in reverse. I managed to call for help and the flight attendant retrieved my purse where some treats were stashed. With these, I managed to break off small pieces and “bribe” puffin back to me and to shape the appropriate position of “down “. I chose my battles and did not insist on perfect form under the seat in front of me. First she was stretched out full length across in front of the three seats. Gradually, she folded up and pressed against my legs until she was in rather good position by the end of that leg of our journey.
Then it was my turn for anxiety. We heard that our descent would be rough and the runway was being kept open. The airport was closed to through traffic. Some how, though, the pilot managed to make a very smooth landing on the ice and slush of the tarmac.
Once at our flight destination, I learned that the second leg of our journey was cancelled due to the weather. We had an escort who was afraid of dogs, but he was a good sport. He had visions of spending the rest of the day with me because of my long list of needs. Our itinerary was changed to a flight that was to leave for our final destination that same evening. I then went to relieve Puffin. The relief area was in a room and was a litter box arrangement. I have no idea of its size, but Puffin was not impressed and ignored it completely. I asked my escort to find me a place to sit near a restaurant while I considered my options. With that he was on his way.
After making a few phone calls, I learned that the president of Horizon was on TV stating that all flights to my area were cancelled for the rest of the day. A relative helped me by calling to make a hotel reservation for the night. My task then was to find a more suitable area to park Puffin, change my ticket for the following day, and find ground transportation to my hotel. I had only taken a few steps when a restaurant person offered to obtain another escort for me. It took about 15 minutes for that person to arrive and we set off. The outside dog relief area was a very icy patch indeed. Puffin considered it a wonderful place to play while I was in no mood to practice my ice skating maneuvers. The ticket counter was crowded, but I managed to change my flight to the following afternoon. The hotel shuttle took quite some time to arrive in the snowy weather, but my escort insisted on staying with me until it came.
Thankfully I had packed the 8-lb bag of dog food in my carry on and could feed and relieve Puffin once we had reached our room. . A plastic bag does work for giving water and I could feed Puffin from my hand. The door to take Puffin outside was next to my room making it an easy though icy trip each time.
Once settled in our room, I chose to have dinner there instead of venturing out to find the restaurant. It worked so well that I also chose to eat breakfast in my room. Luckily Puffin did not chew her leash turned tie down for the night. There was a small rug in the bathroom that I put beside the bed, It served as her “Place”. When she wakened me at 2:00, I decided that I should respond by 2:30. She demonstrated that she had good reason by producing both a #1 and #2 when we got outside. That room was difficult to heat and they brought in a space heater to bring the room temperature above 59 degrees.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Still wearing the same clothes as the day before, I set out for the lobby to meet my nephew who would take me to my gate at the airport. Puffin did the security routine very well. She sat and waited for me to go first on this and every occasion as if she had been doing it for years. We did board the plane for my final destination and we did arrive above the airport. At the critical moment, the pilot said he could not see the runway and had to abort the landing. He was still unable to see it in two additional tries and said we must go back to are starting point while we had fuel enough to do so.
We arrived at about 3:30 and the process began again. I had to reschedule my flight, relieve Puffin, and make a new hotel reservation. This time it would be for two additional nights as there was not a place on the mid-day flight on Saturday. I decided not to chance any evening flights to avoid the possibility of cancellation or return to find no available lodging. This time, I remembered to request my checked luggage. Puffin would have a toy, her Mutmat from the school, and I would have some clean clothes. Thankfully I had washed them before packing.
I felt a bit less exhausted and decided to strike out for the restaurant. I managed to be helped by a couple who invited me to sit with them. They insisted on paying for my dinner. WE had a very nice visit while Puffin snoozed at my feet. They had returned to the airport an hour and a half into their trip to Hawaii and were waiting for their next opportunity to fly. They were delayed due to mechanical problems.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
This was a quiet day for us as we did not have the possibility of a flight. The flight of the evening before had managed to land and I could have been home, but I chose what I chose. This day, the mid-day flight was full before I had a chance to make a reservation. I could have chosen the Saturday evening option, but chose against it for the reason mentioned earlier. I learned later that the Saturday evening flight was cancelled. Puffin and I had some bonding time together in the room. I spent much of the day sitting by her on the floor.
That Morning and evening, I found the restaurant for breakfast and dinner and enjoyed two delicious meals. Following dinner, I was invited to sit and visit with two flight attendants. It was a nice way to spend some time.
The hotel had 850 beds and two towers. It was sprawling and most difficult to negotiate. I tied two plastic bags to my hotel door as is my custom. Puffin knew immediately that this was a target, but I didn’t have treats or a clicker. She found it wonderfully on the first return and we had a party. However, she missed the treats and seemed less inclined to locate our room on subsequent occasions. I was forever getting turned around and needing help. This was not the way a team should begin life together. Ideally a team should go straight home and begin work together on short, well known routs. We had none of this.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
We had a leisurely morning with breakfast and packing. Then we headed for the airport on the hotel shuttle. The airport security people were much more informed and more pleasant than they had been on Friday making my day a better one. On Friday, Puffin clearly was the one setting off the alarm, but the person said they could not tell because I was holding the leash.
Our plane was late because they had hit a bird at a different airport and had to deal with the paper work and other details related to it. There was no damage done to the plane.
It was a rough ascent and descent. Puffin tried several times to crawl into the seat and get behind me. On the Friday flight, she had been very restless and I let her look out the window with her feet in my lap (her choice). I thought that looking outside might help her. My seat mate was very understanding of Puffin’s issues. On Sunday, she was still restless and shivering at times. She did want to get into the seat, but she didn’t head for the aisle.
Monday, January 23, 2012
What a day for a dental appointment. Knowing that Puffin has had some issues with sounds, I asked that my husband attend my dental appointment and take care of Puffin as needed. He did stay and she needed no special attention. She did well.
It is still very icy here. Our relieving spot is like glass and she wants to work off pent up energy there. The sidewalks are not cleared and we have not been able to walk except to get out of the car and go into places. Friends have estimated that it may be a week before the ice will melt enough to walk outside. Bad news for us.
Still Huffin’ and Puffin
Thursday, January 19
Morning came even earlier than usual with my personal wake-up at 4:00. I put my own morning routine ahead of Puffin and was ready to feed and take her out about 4:30. Then there was time for a quick muffin, last minute packing details and many Good-bys. We left for the airport at 5:30. We students, soon to be graduates, were divided among the five instructors according to flight times and departure gates. Even so, it was a quick trip through security for Puffin and me. My flight was already boarding when we reached the departure gait. The 6-hour flight was rather smooth, but Puffin was not at all impressed. By the time we were ready to take off, I had almost dozed off. Puffin, though, decided to follow suit and tried a take-off of her own. Her leash was fastened to my seat belt and this helped to keep her from escaping into the aisle past the two empty seats in our row. I did manage to entice her back into position under the seat in front of me when something new triggered her and she was up and out again. This time, she almost slipped her collar because she was moving in reverse. I managed to call for help and the flight attendant retrieved my purse where some treats were stashed. With these, I managed to break off small pieces and “bribe” puffin back to me and to shape the appropriate position of “down “. I chose my battles and did not insist on perfect form under the seat in front of me. First she was stretched out full length across in front of the three seats. Gradually, she folded up and pressed against my legs until she was in rather good position by the end of that leg of our journey.
Then it was my turn for anxiety. We heard that our descent would be rough and the runway was being kept open. The airport was closed to through traffic. Some how, though, the pilot managed to make a very smooth landing on the ice and slush of the tarmac.
Once at our flight destination, I learned that the second leg of our journey was cancelled due to the weather. We had an escort who was afraid of dogs, but he was a good sport. He had visions of spending the rest of the day with me because of my long list of needs. Our itinerary was changed to a flight that was to leave for our final destination that same evening. I then went to relieve Puffin. The relief area was in a room and was a litter box arrangement. I have no idea of its size, but Puffin was not impressed and ignored it completely. I asked my escort to find me a place to sit near a restaurant while I considered my options. With that he was on his way.
After making a few phone calls, I learned that the president of Horizon was on TV stating that all flights to my area were cancelled for the rest of the day. A relative helped me by calling to make a hotel reservation for the night. My task then was to find a more suitable area to park Puffin, change my ticket for the following day, and find ground transportation to my hotel. I had only taken a few steps when a restaurant person offered to obtain another escort for me. It took about 15 minutes for that person to arrive and we set off. The outside dog relief area was a very icy patch indeed. Puffin considered it a wonderful place to play while I was in no mood to practice my ice skating maneuvers. The ticket counter was crowded, but I managed to change my flight to the following afternoon. The hotel shuttle took quite some time to arrive in the snowy weather, but my escort insisted on staying with me until it came.
Thankfully I had packed the 8-lb bag of dog food in my carry on and could feed and relieve Puffin once we had reached our room. . A plastic bag does work for giving water and I could feed Puffin from my hand. The door to take Puffin outside was next to my room making it an easy though icy trip each time.
Once settled in our room, I chose to have dinner there instead of venturing out to find the restaurant. It worked so well that I also chose to eat breakfast in my room. Luckily Puffin did not chew her leash turned tie down for the night. There was a small rug in the bathroom that I put beside the bed, It served as her “Place”. When she wakened me at 2:00, I decided that I should respond by 2:30. She demonstrated that she had good reason by producing both a #1 and #2 when we got outside. That room was difficult to heat and they brought in a space heater to bring the room temperature above 59 degrees.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Still wearing the same clothes as the day before, I set out for the lobby to meet my nephew who would take me to my gate at the airport. Puffin did the security routine very well. She sat and waited for me to go first on this and every occasion as if she had been doing it for years. We did board the plane for my final destination and we did arrive above the airport. At the critical moment, the pilot said he could not see the runway and had to abort the landing. He was still unable to see it in two additional tries and said we must go back to are starting point while we had fuel enough to do so.
We arrived at about 3:30 and the process began again. I had to reschedule my flight, relieve Puffin, and make a new hotel reservation. This time it would be for two additional nights as there was not a place on the mid-day flight on Saturday. I decided not to chance any evening flights to avoid the possibility of cancellation or return to find no available lodging. This time, I remembered to request my checked luggage. Puffin would have a toy, her Mutmat from the school, and I would have some clean clothes. Thankfully I had washed them before packing.
I felt a bit less exhausted and decided to strike out for the restaurant. I managed to be helped by a couple who invited me to sit with them. They insisted on paying for my dinner. WE had a very nice visit while Puffin snoozed at my feet. They had returned to the airport an hour and a half into their trip to Hawaii and were waiting for their next opportunity to fly. They were delayed due to mechanical problems.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
This was a quiet day for us as we did not have the possibility of a flight. The flight of the evening before had managed to land and I could have been home, but I chose what I chose. This day, the mid-day flight was full before I had a chance to make a reservation. I could have chosen the Saturday evening option, but chose against it for the reason mentioned earlier. I learned later that the Saturday evening flight was cancelled. Puffin and I had some bonding time together in the room. I spent much of the day sitting by her on the floor.
That Morning and evening, I found the restaurant for breakfast and dinner and enjoyed two delicious meals. Following dinner, I was invited to sit and visit with two flight attendants. It was a nice way to spend some time.
The hotel had 850 beds and two towers. It was sprawling and most difficult to negotiate. I tied two plastic bags to my hotel door as is my custom. Puffin knew immediately that this was a target, but I didn’t have treats or a clicker. She found it wonderfully on the first return and we had a party. However, she missed the treats and seemed less inclined to locate our room on subsequent occasions. I was forever getting turned around and needing help. This was not the way a team should begin life together. Ideally a team should go straight home and begin work together on short, well known routs. We had none of this.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
We had a leisurely morning with breakfast and packing. Then we headed for the airport on the hotel shuttle. The airport security people were much more informed and more pleasant than they had been on Friday making my day a better one. On Friday, Puffin clearly was the one setting off the alarm, but the person said they could not tell because I was holding the leash.
Our plane was late because they had hit a bird at a different airport and had to deal with the paper work and other details related to it. There was no damage done to the plane.
It was a rough ascent and descent. Puffin tried several times to crawl into the seat and get behind me. On the Friday flight, she had been very restless and I let her look out the window with her feet in my lap (her choice). I thought that looking outside might help her. My seat mate was very understanding of Puffin’s issues. On Sunday, she was still restless and shivering at times. She did want to get into the seat, but she didn’t head for the aisle.
Monday, January 23, 2012
What a day for a dental appointment. Knowing that Puffin has had some issues with sounds, I asked that my husband attend my dental appointment and take care of Puffin as needed. He did stay and she needed no special attention. She did well.
It is still very icy here. Our relieving spot is like glass and she wants to work off pent up energy there. The sidewalks are not cleared and we have not been able to walk except to get out of the car and go into places. Friends have estimated that it may be a week before the ice will melt enough to walk outside. Bad news for us.
Still Huffin’ and Puffin
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
GOING HOME TO A NEW LIFE TOGETHER
There is certainly a flurry of activity today. I began by doing a load of clothes in preparation for packing. During our morning trip, we walked on some very narrow sidewalks with clearance issues along our path. We also stopped at a department store for some shopping. We arrived back at the dorm in time for park and then a lecture on pet insurance options.
During the afternoon trip, our entire class worked from various routs to a creamery and had some ice cream as a sort of party.
Once back at the dorm again, I had an exit interview and met with another person to settle up for purchases that I made. I said good-by to friends and began packing for a long trip home tomorrow. Surprisingly, my suitcase is well under the 50-pound limit this time although there are still some items to be tucked into my bags.
The weather may be a factor in my going home plans. We’ll see what happens. It looks as if we will be flying into arctic-type weather conditions for sure.
It will be good to get home, but leaving here is something like leaving camp. We have been thrown together with a common goal and have had many laughs mixed with some sadness. No matter what, this particular group will never be here together again. I am sure that each class has its personality, but this has been a good one. As many of us are leaving, there are six who will be staying for one additional week. They are folks who have come to complete training with their first dogs. I’m sure that the dorm will be a quieter place.
As far as I know, Trinity is still here waiting for a match with placement to a wonderful home.
During the afternoon trip, our entire class worked from various routs to a creamery and had some ice cream as a sort of party.
Once back at the dorm again, I had an exit interview and met with another person to settle up for purchases that I made. I said good-by to friends and began packing for a long trip home tomorrow. Surprisingly, my suitcase is well under the 50-pound limit this time although there are still some items to be tucked into my bags.
The weather may be a factor in my going home plans. We’ll see what happens. It looks as if we will be flying into arctic-type weather conditions for sure.
It will be good to get home, but leaving here is something like leaving camp. We have been thrown together with a common goal and have had many laughs mixed with some sadness. No matter what, this particular group will never be here together again. I am sure that each class has its personality, but this has been a good one. As many of us are leaving, there are six who will be staying for one additional week. They are folks who have come to complete training with their first dogs. I’m sure that the dorm will be a quieter place.
As far as I know, Trinity is still here waiting for a match with placement to a wonderful home.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
AN ARCTIC MORNING FOR THE PUFFIN
There was an ice storm during park last evening and the grounds crew had done its work at park before our 5:30 trip outside this morning.
All four of us in our class went together to Starbucks this morning and waited for each of us to do a shorter walk with clearance work on the rout. There was some ice, the dogs were wearing their winter boots and were going slower and more carefully.
We had a chance to purchase items from the school store during the lunch hour today. Then we all went again to Starbucks this afternoon. We then went to a department store and worked through the narrow aisles. This time, the dogs were wearing their gentle leaders.
We visited the statue of Morris Franck at the Green. Our hope was to find some squirrels out, but they were much smarter than we were. They were staying in out of the rain. We did get a picture of Morris and me with both of our dogs. Morris Franck is the first blind person to travel with a guide dog in this country. He helped to start the Seeing Eye. Check out http://www.seeingeye.org/news/default.aspx?M_ID=197
I had my vet visit with Puffin when we returned to campus. She is healthy and has had her teeth cleaned recently. Her only medical issue has been a left ear infection last summer. That is a non-problem now.
After dinner, we had a lecture on dog attacks and how to deal with them and eliminate them if possible.
I am told that Puffin has her tail between her legs in the picture. Her puppy raiser commented that she puts it there and wags it from there when she sits.
I groomed her after the last park today and then we took some time to play together in the room. She is very cute when she plays. I like how she rolls the ball to me and then I roll it back to her. It is very cute.
Tomorrow is the day we will be packing in preparation to strike out on our own the following day. I hope to have time to write a quick update before my computer gets packed.
Huffin' and Puffin
All four of us in our class went together to Starbucks this morning and waited for each of us to do a shorter walk with clearance work on the rout. There was some ice, the dogs were wearing their winter boots and were going slower and more carefully.
We had a chance to purchase items from the school store during the lunch hour today. Then we all went again to Starbucks this afternoon. We then went to a department store and worked through the narrow aisles. This time, the dogs were wearing their gentle leaders.
We visited the statue of Morris Franck at the Green. Our hope was to find some squirrels out, but they were much smarter than we were. They were staying in out of the rain. We did get a picture of Morris and me with both of our dogs. Morris Franck is the first blind person to travel with a guide dog in this country. He helped to start the Seeing Eye. Check out http://www.seeingeye.org/news/default.aspx?M_ID=197
I had my vet visit with Puffin when we returned to campus. She is healthy and has had her teeth cleaned recently. Her only medical issue has been a left ear infection last summer. That is a non-problem now.
After dinner, we had a lecture on dog attacks and how to deal with them and eliminate them if possible.
I am told that Puffin has her tail between her legs in the picture. Her puppy raiser commented that she puts it there and wags it from there when she sits.
I groomed her after the last park today and then we took some time to play together in the room. She is very cute when she plays. I like how she rolls the ball to me and then I roll it back to her. It is very cute.
Tomorrow is the day we will be packing in preparation to strike out on our own the following day. I hope to have time to write a quick update before my computer gets packed.
Huffin' and Puffin
Monday, January 16, 2012
TURNING OUR THOUGHTS TOWARD HOME
I went right after breakfast with one other student and our trainer today. We visited a grocery store working on clearances. The trainer reserved the middle of the day to take the other two students into New Your City. Once they were back, we went out again and worked our way through an office building with narrow halls and many tight corners. On the way back to the van we stopped at Starbucks again and Puffin remembered the clicker training from before and took me right to the counter. She did fail to stop at one down curb and she did suddenly stop for a #1 along our way. I will need to be scheduling extra park times before trips to minimize and avoid these once we are home. I relate these stories to let you know that we are still a work in progress.
We had another evening lecture. This time it was on going home with a new dog. We must remember that our dogs will be leaving everything familiar and finding themselves in a strange new world. This means that others can help us by not throwing a party with lots of excitement. We will need to introduce our dogs to their new homes and other occupants in a prescribed way so as to allow the best possible acceptance by other pets.
As with Trinity, it will be very helpful for those we meet to refrain from making eye contact with Puffin. Try to avoid any interaction with her initially. We will begin with shorter routs that I know well and gradually build up to the longer walks that Trinity was able to do. Please try not to make comparisons among Sydney, Trinity and Puffin. Each dog is as different as any three people. Some work errors will be expected as Puffin learns her new job. I like to make the comparison that she is now “green broke” as in horses. She knows the basics, but can be easily overwhelmed at first. She certainly does not know my favorite stopping places. Having said that, she is a quick learner and I think she will be catching on quickly. Remember that it takes six months to a year to become a smoothly working team. We cannot rush that process.
We had another evening lecture. This time it was on going home with a new dog. We must remember that our dogs will be leaving everything familiar and finding themselves in a strange new world. This means that others can help us by not throwing a party with lots of excitement. We will need to introduce our dogs to their new homes and other occupants in a prescribed way so as to allow the best possible acceptance by other pets.
As with Trinity, it will be very helpful for those we meet to refrain from making eye contact with Puffin. Try to avoid any interaction with her initially. We will begin with shorter routs that I know well and gradually build up to the longer walks that Trinity was able to do. Please try not to make comparisons among Sydney, Trinity and Puffin. Each dog is as different as any three people. Some work errors will be expected as Puffin learns her new job. I like to make the comparison that she is now “green broke” as in horses. She knows the basics, but can be easily overwhelmed at first. She certainly does not know my favorite stopping places. Having said that, she is a quick learner and I think she will be catching on quickly. Remember that it takes six months to a year to become a smoothly working team. We cannot rush that process.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
A DAY OF REST
For those of you who do not know, “Rest” means “Stay” with our dogs. However you say it and whatever you mean, this was a quiet and restful day for this team. Our trainer had a much deserved day off today. It was nice to begin our day an hour later.
The only activity for Puffin and me was to attend church. In fact, four students chose to worship at the same church.
Lucky for me, Puffin handled it as if she had been attending there every week of her life. Often a new dog will get up every time I do, but Puffin stayed down and was totally calm. She did offer a few comments during the sermon in the form of groans. She is about the most vocal dog I have had.
When we returned to campus, it was time to water and park the dogs. The next scheduled event was lunch. The afternoon was free for me and I spent it in our room, playing with Puffin and making phone calls to friends and relatives. There is little time for this most days because of our busy schedule and the 3-hour time difference.
We also had dinner as scheduled and the last park of the day. In between, I also listened to several audio files provided to us on a thumb drive early in our training process. Much of the information that we receive as lectures is included. Early on, I copied the files to Drop Box making them readily accessible from my iPhone. They are an excellent review for me as I also listened to them when I was here training with Trinity.
Until recently, we were working with used harnesses so that there would be minimal damage to new equipment should any dog see a nearby harness handle as a convenient chew toy. Recently we got our new harnesses and will begin gradually to use them as they are stiff. Yesterday, my trainer gave me a shorter harness handle at my request. I think it works better for me.
Two students are leaving early tomorrow and will receive some continued help from trainers when they return home. Many of us will be leaving this Thursday. A lot has happened in the past two weeks, and it is hard to believe that we have only a few days left. Still it seems as if Christmas was long ago instead of only three short weeks.
This has been a very cold day with temperatures in the teens and a wind chill factor to consider. At our 6:30 park, this morning, it was about 16 degrees with wind making it a near zero experience. Now there should be some warming again if the forecast is correct. How fortunate we have been with the weather.
Huffin' and Puffin
The only activity for Puffin and me was to attend church. In fact, four students chose to worship at the same church.
Lucky for me, Puffin handled it as if she had been attending there every week of her life. Often a new dog will get up every time I do, but Puffin stayed down and was totally calm. She did offer a few comments during the sermon in the form of groans. She is about the most vocal dog I have had.
When we returned to campus, it was time to water and park the dogs. The next scheduled event was lunch. The afternoon was free for me and I spent it in our room, playing with Puffin and making phone calls to friends and relatives. There is little time for this most days because of our busy schedule and the 3-hour time difference.
We also had dinner as scheduled and the last park of the day. In between, I also listened to several audio files provided to us on a thumb drive early in our training process. Much of the information that we receive as lectures is included. Early on, I copied the files to Drop Box making them readily accessible from my iPhone. They are an excellent review for me as I also listened to them when I was here training with Trinity.
Until recently, we were working with used harnesses so that there would be minimal damage to new equipment should any dog see a nearby harness handle as a convenient chew toy. Recently we got our new harnesses and will begin gradually to use them as they are stiff. Yesterday, my trainer gave me a shorter harness handle at my request. I think it works better for me.
Two students are leaving early tomorrow and will receive some continued help from trainers when they return home. Many of us will be leaving this Thursday. A lot has happened in the past two weeks, and it is hard to believe that we have only a few days left. Still it seems as if Christmas was long ago instead of only three short weeks.
This has been a very cold day with temperatures in the teens and a wind chill factor to consider. At our 6:30 park, this morning, it was about 16 degrees with wind making it a near zero experience. Now there should be some warming again if the forecast is correct. How fortunate we have been with the weather.
Huffin' and Puffin
Saturday, January 14, 2012
TRIBUTE TO PUPPY RAISERS
After breakfast, our small class of four students gathered to learn the details about our dogs as written by the puppy raisers. Puffin’s puppy family included two parents, a 14-year-old daughter and a 10-year-old son. The daughter was the official raiser, but as always, it is a family project. All work together to shape the tiny puppies that come to them at about 8 weeks of age into responsible adults with good house manners and good public behavior. I have known many raisers in my past and am convinced that they take their job very seriously. Although there is sadness when they must say “Good by”, there is also pride in knowing that they have helped to shape the lives of the dogs that will be our partners.
Puffin has retained the qualities and behaviors that they describe. She is bright, indeed. She is also vocal with many noises to express what she cannot use words to convey. Her meaning is often clearer than words. She is bouncy and reminds me a bit of my golden when she gets excited and springs off the floor with front feet in her enthusiasm. She is playful. Today we went to a pet store and I purchased a latex ball that squeaks and has a rough surface. Someone has taught her to play interactively. She mouths it for a while and then tosses it to me. She waits until I locate it and toss it for her. Again and again, we play this new game. Now that she can be free in the room, this new game is lots of fun for both of us. Boy is she curious. She wants to be in on everything I am doing and she wants to check things out. She is loving and affectionate and likes to be near me. She showed me within 36 hours of our meeting that she is aware of my mood. I was grieving the loss of Trinity and she rose up from where she was lying to touch me when she realized my sadness.
Things are slowing down a bit. We didn’t go out on a walk this afternoon, but staff did change the seating arrangement for meals after lunch today and each of us in our small group worked individually with our trainer to find our new location in the dining room. We practiced the clicker training we have been learning to teach the dogs to target our new chair.
The trainer then worked with me individually on desensitizing Puffin to the vacuum. She is progressing well with this. Today she was able to work past it while it was on at a distance of ten feet by my estimation. This is a huge relief to me.
A Seeing Eye grad came with her husband and a friend again to visit with some of us this afternoon. After dinner we watched two Seeing Eye videos.
There were snow flurries today and this evening with a dusting when we went out to park.
Tomorrow is a quiet day as my trainer has the day off. I have requested to take Puffin with me to church tomorrow morning. Word is that we will be able to sleep in until 6:30.
Huffin' and Puffin
Puffin has retained the qualities and behaviors that they describe. She is bright, indeed. She is also vocal with many noises to express what she cannot use words to convey. Her meaning is often clearer than words. She is bouncy and reminds me a bit of my golden when she gets excited and springs off the floor with front feet in her enthusiasm. She is playful. Today we went to a pet store and I purchased a latex ball that squeaks and has a rough surface. Someone has taught her to play interactively. She mouths it for a while and then tosses it to me. She waits until I locate it and toss it for her. Again and again, we play this new game. Now that she can be free in the room, this new game is lots of fun for both of us. Boy is she curious. She wants to be in on everything I am doing and she wants to check things out. She is loving and affectionate and likes to be near me. She showed me within 36 hours of our meeting that she is aware of my mood. I was grieving the loss of Trinity and she rose up from where she was lying to touch me when she realized my sadness.
Things are slowing down a bit. We didn’t go out on a walk this afternoon, but staff did change the seating arrangement for meals after lunch today and each of us in our small group worked individually with our trainer to find our new location in the dining room. We practiced the clicker training we have been learning to teach the dogs to target our new chair.
The trainer then worked with me individually on desensitizing Puffin to the vacuum. She is progressing well with this. Today she was able to work past it while it was on at a distance of ten feet by my estimation. This is a huge relief to me.
A Seeing Eye grad came with her husband and a friend again to visit with some of us this afternoon. After dinner we watched two Seeing Eye videos.
There were snow flurries today and this evening with a dusting when we went out to park.
Tomorrow is a quiet day as my trainer has the day off. I have requested to take Puffin with me to church tomorrow morning. Word is that we will be able to sleep in until 6:30.
Huffin' and Puffin
Friday, January 13, 2012
A BIRD'S EYE VIEW OF NYC
Several of us, two trainers, the class manager, and 4 students piled into one van with our 4 dogs while another student and instructor went by separate vehicle to New Your City today. We left campus about 9:15 and returned at about 2:00. We parked at the Port Authority and took escaladers and stairs down to the subway and divided into groups of two or three. I went with another student and our trainer on the subway to Columbus Circle and walked from Central park several blocks back toward Time Square. We then took another subway and met others for lunch in a restaurant at the Port Authority before returning to the campus.
It is always amazing to me that the dogs can guide us through the crowds of people, massive traffic, pigeons, horse-drawn carts, and all that is going on. They tolerate the noisy subway stations and turn styles. For me it is a real lesson in trust of my dog and of my trainer. He says “OK Joleen, you lead this time. The light is in our favor.” Off Puffin and I go with the other student starting soon after and the trainer silently following unless there is something of interest or safety to be said. Sometimes, as in the subway station, there is so much noise and the trains are whizzing past that I do as I am told, give the appropriate commands and trust that Puffin goes as directed. Things happen very fast there.
In my day-to-day life, I have no need to negotiate such an environment, but there are times when I do travel. One of us does negotiate similar situations in her daily commute to work. If I were to do it regularly, I would need to learn the layout of the station, but today it was just a way of learning that my dog is capable of working in very busy and distracting circumstances. It is always a highlight of my training experience.
We rested this afternoon while the trainer went with the two students who stayed behind. They did something in town closer to campus before and after our trip. Next week, things will be reversed and they will be the ones to experience the Big Apple.
Today is the first day that Puffin had freedom in our room without being on leash or tie down. She is wearing her bell so that I can hear where and what is happening with her. From the first day that I got her, we have been going straight to her “place” when returning to the room. I have been using the command “Go to your place.” And today, I was to send her there with the knock on the door and arrival of the food dish. She did go there and she did stay there until I retrieved the food and set it before her. Only when I said “OK” did she begin to eat. Good Girl!!! She is playful and it is easier to play with her now that she can move about a bit more. She has made no move to get on the bed or chew anything inappropriate. There is a big thanks to her puppy raisers for her good manners. She is very affectionate and she seems very bright. She has already learned to reach down to the bell that is hanging from her collar and hold it in her mouth.
There was another lecture at 6:30 until Park Time. Then I learned that I was scheduled to go on a night rout. This rout was the South Maple rout done backwards. There was a strong wind and the temperature was cold. We were bundled up and were comfortable. My little bird seemed to be energized by the cold—true to her name. The other person declined to take this optional trip. It was about 9:30 when we returned to the dorm this evening.
Huffin' and Puffin for sure.
It is always amazing to me that the dogs can guide us through the crowds of people, massive traffic, pigeons, horse-drawn carts, and all that is going on. They tolerate the noisy subway stations and turn styles. For me it is a real lesson in trust of my dog and of my trainer. He says “OK Joleen, you lead this time. The light is in our favor.” Off Puffin and I go with the other student starting soon after and the trainer silently following unless there is something of interest or safety to be said. Sometimes, as in the subway station, there is so much noise and the trains are whizzing past that I do as I am told, give the appropriate commands and trust that Puffin goes as directed. Things happen very fast there.
In my day-to-day life, I have no need to negotiate such an environment, but there are times when I do travel. One of us does negotiate similar situations in her daily commute to work. If I were to do it regularly, I would need to learn the layout of the station, but today it was just a way of learning that my dog is capable of working in very busy and distracting circumstances. It is always a highlight of my training experience.
We rested this afternoon while the trainer went with the two students who stayed behind. They did something in town closer to campus before and after our trip. Next week, things will be reversed and they will be the ones to experience the Big Apple.
Today is the first day that Puffin had freedom in our room without being on leash or tie down. She is wearing her bell so that I can hear where and what is happening with her. From the first day that I got her, we have been going straight to her “place” when returning to the room. I have been using the command “Go to your place.” And today, I was to send her there with the knock on the door and arrival of the food dish. She did go there and she did stay there until I retrieved the food and set it before her. Only when I said “OK” did she begin to eat. Good Girl!!! She is playful and it is easier to play with her now that she can move about a bit more. She has made no move to get on the bed or chew anything inappropriate. There is a big thanks to her puppy raisers for her good manners. She is very affectionate and she seems very bright. She has already learned to reach down to the bell that is hanging from her collar and hold it in her mouth.
There was another lecture at 6:30 until Park Time. Then I learned that I was scheduled to go on a night rout. This rout was the South Maple rout done backwards. There was a strong wind and the temperature was cold. We were bundled up and were comfortable. My little bird seemed to be energized by the cold—true to her name. The other person declined to take this optional trip. It was about 9:30 when we returned to the dorm this evening.
Huffin' and Puffin for sure.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
THIS PUFFIN FAMILY HAS HAD A BUSY DAY TODAY
We woke to rain this morning and it continued intermittently throughout the day. Still, the weather is very mild as compared to what it might be.
It was a long day today beginning as usual at 5:30. I was told to be ready to go out at 9:30 and decided to take advantage of the early morning to do my laundry. As it was washing, I groomed Puffin in the grooming room nearby. I also had some time for some stretching exercises before the clothes were ready for the dryer.
I met with a person on staff and soon it was time to go out. My clothes spent the day waiting for my return. That is something I would rather not do as others may want the machine. There are three washers and dryers for the 20 of us.
We went into town and walked a few blocks to a hotel and practiced negotiating the revolving doors and the various floor surfaces and halls.
We arrived back at the dorm just in time to park the dogs and give them water and then go to a lecture at 11:00 on access laws regarding our dogs. Soon after that there was lunch.
This was the day that we could purchase items from the gift store set up in a room near the dining room. I waited my turn, but my time to go out came sooner than my time to be waited on.
This afternoon, we went to Starbucks and practiced clicker work again. Then we went through the courthouse. It gave us two opportunities to practice going through the metal detectors and negotiate narrow halls with stairs throughout.
On our arrival back at campus, two in our small class were dropped off at the vet’s office to learn about the health histories of their dogs. My turn is still to come.
We got back to the dorm in time for me to retrieve my laundry and begin putting it away before feeding and parking the dogs. Then came dinner and a lecture at 6:30. It was instructions for beginning to leave our dogs in the rooms for brief periods on their tie downs and to gradually extend the time. They need to remain quiet and to not be destructive. We were given a bell that can be clipped to the dog’s collar so that we can hear them moving about as we begin to give them some freedom to be off tie down in the room with us present. We have been working on teaching them to “Go to your place.” I think it is tomorrow evening when they will be expected to go there and stay there as the food is delivered to our rooms by the trainers.
We have been using old harnesses and tonight, we were issued the new ones that we will be taking home. The leather is stiff and we will begin gradually to increase the time that the dogs will be wearing them as the leather softens.
There was a birthday party scheduled for one of the students after the evening park, but Puffin said “No!” She was on her bed and did not budge so I yielded to her fatigue and chose to finish putting my laundry away. I did not insist that we do this one additional thing. I am also very tired and will be glad when sleep comes for me as well.
It was a long day today beginning as usual at 5:30. I was told to be ready to go out at 9:30 and decided to take advantage of the early morning to do my laundry. As it was washing, I groomed Puffin in the grooming room nearby. I also had some time for some stretching exercises before the clothes were ready for the dryer.
I met with a person on staff and soon it was time to go out. My clothes spent the day waiting for my return. That is something I would rather not do as others may want the machine. There are three washers and dryers for the 20 of us.
We went into town and walked a few blocks to a hotel and practiced negotiating the revolving doors and the various floor surfaces and halls.
We arrived back at the dorm just in time to park the dogs and give them water and then go to a lecture at 11:00 on access laws regarding our dogs. Soon after that there was lunch.
This was the day that we could purchase items from the gift store set up in a room near the dining room. I waited my turn, but my time to go out came sooner than my time to be waited on.
This afternoon, we went to Starbucks and practiced clicker work again. Then we went through the courthouse. It gave us two opportunities to practice going through the metal detectors and negotiate narrow halls with stairs throughout.
On our arrival back at campus, two in our small class were dropped off at the vet’s office to learn about the health histories of their dogs. My turn is still to come.
We got back to the dorm in time for me to retrieve my laundry and begin putting it away before feeding and parking the dogs. Then came dinner and a lecture at 6:30. It was instructions for beginning to leave our dogs in the rooms for brief periods on their tie downs and to gradually extend the time. They need to remain quiet and to not be destructive. We were given a bell that can be clipped to the dog’s collar so that we can hear them moving about as we begin to give them some freedom to be off tie down in the room with us present. We have been working on teaching them to “Go to your place.” I think it is tomorrow evening when they will be expected to go there and stay there as the food is delivered to our rooms by the trainers.
We have been using old harnesses and tonight, we were issued the new ones that we will be taking home. The leather is stiff and we will begin gradually to increase the time that the dogs will be wearing them as the leather softens.
There was a birthday party scheduled for one of the students after the evening park, but Puffin said “No!” She was on her bed and did not budge so I yielded to her fatigue and chose to finish putting my laundry away. I did not insist that we do this one additional thing. I am also very tired and will be glad when sleep comes for me as well.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
WE DID IT!
I cannot say that the Elm Street solo came off without a hitch, but the trainer said we did well and we did live. Just to give you an idea of the factors involved:
We walked the rout once Monday morning and twice yesterday with the instructor giving information as we worked on memorizing the details. There were 9 turns, 5 controlled intersections (with signals) and 3 crossings without lights. There was one accessible signal that we crossed coming and going. (Accessible means that it have an audible indication that the walk sign was illuminated. It is a T intersection. They had set up one barricade for the dogs to negotiate by going into the street. There were pedestrians and dogs on leashes. The whole trip was about 1.3 to 1.5 miles in length.
In this walk, I sideswiped a vehicle that was parked and a fence along the way. We reworked these errors. Some cars ran the red light when the walk sign indicated that the walk sign was illuminated. This caused me to second guess my line of direction. I chose (wisely) not to go and waited for the next light. I spent the extra time there deciding that my original line of direction was correct. At the next intersection, I failed to line up correctly after Puffin tried to turn down the side street rather than taking me to the down ramp. The trainer was there to set us straight while we were still in the street. Once, on a curve, Puffin took me to an intersection that we had not stopped at before rather than following the building line. I knew it was not the quiet side street I had expected and the trainer asked if it seemed different. He helped me resolve my question and we continued on our way.
Although it is called a solo, the trainer is never far away. He or she is just silent unless or until there is danger involved and he comes to our rescue as needed. It is not that we should do the rout without errors; it is that we learn to resolve the situations that do come up. We are, after all, much more familiar with our own communities than this one. I personally like the challenge, but some of us really stress over the solo walks.
This afternoon we worked on an area that does not have sidewalks. There were definite curbs that we walked along. At every corner, the dogs are to follow the curb around until we are facing down the side street. Then we check with our right foot for the curb edge and turn to put our back to it. The dog is then to take us across this side street and continue around the corner and on down the street we were on originally. We are to indent corners at every turn so that we know that we are passing a cross street. I find this technique very tedious and try to avoid walking where there is no sidewalk whenever possible.
We ended the afternoon with a stop at Starbucks and had a chance to visit. Then we worked on clicker training targeting the counter. Clicker work is optional, but we all four in our small group chose to participate.
We arrived back at the dorm in time to feed the dogs, take them out, go to dinner, and then attend an evening lecture by one of the veterinarians. Following this, it was almost time for the 8:00 p.m. park time.
It was raining at the last park of the day and I used a towel to dry Puffin. She was very cute. She suddenly got very playful with the towel. For now, it is difficult to play much because she is to be either on leash with me or on tie down in the room. I have not started leaving her alone at any time except to be in the bathroom as to shower. Soon she will earn increased freedom in the room and it will be easier to play with her. She has lots of energy and loves to play. There is still lots of puppy in this little bird of mine.
Another busy day is behind us. Stop back tomorrow to see what it will bring.
Thanks for your continuing interest.
Huffin’ and Puffin
We walked the rout once Monday morning and twice yesterday with the instructor giving information as we worked on memorizing the details. There were 9 turns, 5 controlled intersections (with signals) and 3 crossings without lights. There was one accessible signal that we crossed coming and going. (Accessible means that it have an audible indication that the walk sign was illuminated. It is a T intersection. They had set up one barricade for the dogs to negotiate by going into the street. There were pedestrians and dogs on leashes. The whole trip was about 1.3 to 1.5 miles in length.
In this walk, I sideswiped a vehicle that was parked and a fence along the way. We reworked these errors. Some cars ran the red light when the walk sign indicated that the walk sign was illuminated. This caused me to second guess my line of direction. I chose (wisely) not to go and waited for the next light. I spent the extra time there deciding that my original line of direction was correct. At the next intersection, I failed to line up correctly after Puffin tried to turn down the side street rather than taking me to the down ramp. The trainer was there to set us straight while we were still in the street. Once, on a curve, Puffin took me to an intersection that we had not stopped at before rather than following the building line. I knew it was not the quiet side street I had expected and the trainer asked if it seemed different. He helped me resolve my question and we continued on our way.
Although it is called a solo, the trainer is never far away. He or she is just silent unless or until there is danger involved and he comes to our rescue as needed. It is not that we should do the rout without errors; it is that we learn to resolve the situations that do come up. We are, after all, much more familiar with our own communities than this one. I personally like the challenge, but some of us really stress over the solo walks.
This afternoon we worked on an area that does not have sidewalks. There were definite curbs that we walked along. At every corner, the dogs are to follow the curb around until we are facing down the side street. Then we check with our right foot for the curb edge and turn to put our back to it. The dog is then to take us across this side street and continue around the corner and on down the street we were on originally. We are to indent corners at every turn so that we know that we are passing a cross street. I find this technique very tedious and try to avoid walking where there is no sidewalk whenever possible.
We ended the afternoon with a stop at Starbucks and had a chance to visit. Then we worked on clicker training targeting the counter. Clicker work is optional, but we all four in our small group chose to participate.
We arrived back at the dorm in time to feed the dogs, take them out, go to dinner, and then attend an evening lecture by one of the veterinarians. Following this, it was almost time for the 8:00 p.m. park time.
It was raining at the last park of the day and I used a towel to dry Puffin. She was very cute. She suddenly got very playful with the towel. For now, it is difficult to play much because she is to be either on leash with me or on tie down in the room. I have not started leaving her alone at any time except to be in the bathroom as to shower. Soon she will earn increased freedom in the room and it will be easier to play with her. She has lots of energy and loves to play. There is still lots of puppy in this little bird of mine.
Another busy day is behind us. Stop back tomorrow to see what it will bring.
Thanks for your continuing interest.
Huffin’ and Puffin
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
GLIMPSING THE FUTURE
The schedule remains similar each day with various activities scheduled around the constants of wake-up, feeding dogs and parking them, and meals for us.
Today we walked the Elm Street loop in the morning and again in the afternoon. According to my GPS in virtual mode, it is 1.3 miles, but estimates are that it is about a mile and a half.
We did much better with stopping at down ramps of streets, but today was the day for clearance issues. My nose was the first casualty. The initial pain was considerable, but there are no bruises, only tenderness. The new route affords many more obstacles to be negotiated. It is also a bit longer than the Maple-South Street Loop. I think we will be ready for the solo walk on the Elm Street loop tomorrow as scheduled. The trainer will be following, but will not give the information along the way. We will be on our own unless there is a safety issue.
Besides the work in town, we had instructions and practice in giving our dogs massage. Puffin loved her part in this.
My trainer also worked again with me on her problems with the vacuum cleaner. He is using food to tempt her to get near it. We are to the stage where he is turning it on. Puffin is not impressed, but she does like the treats.
We also worked on clicker training to target our chairs in the dining room. Puffin is already good at locating my chair, but we will be moving again in a few days to sit in different places with others in our class. Then we will work on targeting the new location with the clicker.
Various staff members sit among us during lunch and, at our table today, we heard about a comprehensive renovation project scheduled for the dorm area. It is expected to begin in mid November of 2012. There will be no December class. The classes during the first months of 2013 will be held off campus until the dorm becomes available for occupancy again. It sounds like a very ambitious undertaking--much needed to bring the dorm into the new century. The current building was completed in 1964.
Today we walked the Elm Street loop in the morning and again in the afternoon. According to my GPS in virtual mode, it is 1.3 miles, but estimates are that it is about a mile and a half.
We did much better with stopping at down ramps of streets, but today was the day for clearance issues. My nose was the first casualty. The initial pain was considerable, but there are no bruises, only tenderness. The new route affords many more obstacles to be negotiated. It is also a bit longer than the Maple-South Street Loop. I think we will be ready for the solo walk on the Elm Street loop tomorrow as scheduled. The trainer will be following, but will not give the information along the way. We will be on our own unless there is a safety issue.
Besides the work in town, we had instructions and practice in giving our dogs massage. Puffin loved her part in this.
My trainer also worked again with me on her problems with the vacuum cleaner. He is using food to tempt her to get near it. We are to the stage where he is turning it on. Puffin is not impressed, but she does like the treats.
We also worked on clicker training to target our chairs in the dining room. Puffin is already good at locating my chair, but we will be moving again in a few days to sit in different places with others in our class. Then we will work on targeting the new location with the clicker.
Various staff members sit among us during lunch and, at our table today, we heard about a comprehensive renovation project scheduled for the dorm area. It is expected to begin in mid November of 2012. There will be no December class. The classes during the first months of 2013 will be held off campus until the dorm becomes available for occupancy again. It sounds like a very ambitious undertaking--much needed to bring the dorm into the new century. The current building was completed in 1964.
Monday, January 9, 2012
FLYING LOW
I thought it would be a great idea to use the Puffin sound as a ring tone for my phone until I heard its call:
http://www.junglewalk.com/popup.asp?type=a&AnimalAudioID=12957
(Copy and paste the link)
We flew low this morning during our first Elm Street loop walk. Word is that we will solo on it this Wednesday.
This afternoon, we walked to Century 21 and negotiated escaladers. It seems that Puffin would rather fly than ride such a thing. The trainer assured me that her hesitation was due to my own lack of confidence getting on and off. We will both improve.
There were two lectures today: one on traffic and another on dog food. I learned that my Puffin prefers dog food to flying and diving for fish in the icy, arctic waters of the Atlantic and Pacific.
As always, we had a busy schedule today:
5:30 wake-up call with trainers coming around to each of our rooms with pans of food for each of our dogs. Within minutes they had polished their dishes and we were ready to go out to “Park Time”. After many minutes, we had time to get ready for breakfast.
7:00 Breakfast. (Food is always very good)
8:00 Meet at the lobby to go out on our first trip. Two of us were driven to town and I was first to go with the trainer.
9:30 I returned to the campus with a shuttle driven by staff.
9:45 Groom Puffin
10:00 Joined staff at coffee break
10:30 Park Time
11:00 Traffic Lecture
12:15 Lunch
1:00 Afternoon trip to town with the trip as described.
2:30 Free time in the dorm. I sat by Puffin’s bed and checked my e-mail as she slept beside me. I must admit that I also caught a few winks.
4:00 Worked with the trainer on vacuum cleaner issues for several minutes (Puffin was frightened by one on our first day together)
4:30 Feeding Dogs and Park Time
5:15 dinner
6:30 Lecture on Dog Food
8:00 Park Time
More tomorrow.
Huffin’ and Puffin
http://www.junglewalk.com/popup.asp?type=a&AnimalAudioID=12957
(Copy and paste the link)
We flew low this morning during our first Elm Street loop walk. Word is that we will solo on it this Wednesday.
This afternoon, we walked to Century 21 and negotiated escaladers. It seems that Puffin would rather fly than ride such a thing. The trainer assured me that her hesitation was due to my own lack of confidence getting on and off. We will both improve.
There were two lectures today: one on traffic and another on dog food. I learned that my Puffin prefers dog food to flying and diving for fish in the icy, arctic waters of the Atlantic and Pacific.
As always, we had a busy schedule today:
5:30 wake-up call with trainers coming around to each of our rooms with pans of food for each of our dogs. Within minutes they had polished their dishes and we were ready to go out to “Park Time”. After many minutes, we had time to get ready for breakfast.
7:00 Breakfast. (Food is always very good)
8:00 Meet at the lobby to go out on our first trip. Two of us were driven to town and I was first to go with the trainer.
9:30 I returned to the campus with a shuttle driven by staff.
9:45 Groom Puffin
10:00 Joined staff at coffee break
10:30 Park Time
11:00 Traffic Lecture
12:15 Lunch
1:00 Afternoon trip to town with the trip as described.
2:30 Free time in the dorm. I sat by Puffin’s bed and checked my e-mail as she slept beside me. I must admit that I also caught a few winks.
4:00 Worked with the trainer on vacuum cleaner issues for several minutes (Puffin was frightened by one on our first day together)
4:30 Feeding Dogs and Park Time
5:15 dinner
6:30 Lecture on Dog Food
8:00 Park Time
More tomorrow.
Huffin’ and Puffin
Sunday, January 8, 2012
WE ARE HUFFIN' AND PUFFIN
For now, there is only text. Puffin is a female yellow lab; 23 inches, 54 pounds; and soon to be 2—February 12.
We seem to be well matched in pace and pull. She is fast and eager with signs that she will show good initiative—all qualities that I am looking for in my new partner. She is very affectionate and a bit vocal. I am wakened several times in the night with her looking for a pat or confirmation that all is right.
For now, there are no pictures. I hope to remedy this soon, but I can say that she has a silky coat, lighter on her under side. Her ears are darker and she is slightly darker than Trinity by my trainer’s best guess. She is playful and seems to enjoy her nylabone and Cong. She is also an eager worker.
If you want to know what the training process has been, check out the first nine days of my blog with Trinity and compress things into 7 days and you will have a general idea of what we have been doing. We completed our solo of the South Street loop today.
The delay in beginning this blog was due to considerable fatigue with jet lag and lost sleep. So far, since New Years Eve, I would say that I have had one good night’s sleep.
I am unable to send e-mail messages and that is the way I had hoped to add entries to my blog. Failing that, I needed to have enough free time with enough energy to rediscover how to post entries directly to the blog site. If this works, then I will be blogging more regularly.
We seem to be well matched in pace and pull. She is fast and eager with signs that she will show good initiative—all qualities that I am looking for in my new partner. She is very affectionate and a bit vocal. I am wakened several times in the night with her looking for a pat or confirmation that all is right.
For now, there are no pictures. I hope to remedy this soon, but I can say that she has a silky coat, lighter on her under side. Her ears are darker and she is slightly darker than Trinity by my trainer’s best guess. She is playful and seems to enjoy her nylabone and Cong. She is also an eager worker.
If you want to know what the training process has been, check out the first nine days of my blog with Trinity and compress things into 7 days and you will have a general idea of what we have been doing. We completed our solo of the South Street loop today.
The delay in beginning this blog was due to considerable fatigue with jet lag and lost sleep. So far, since New Years Eve, I would say that I have had one good night’s sleep.
I am unable to send e-mail messages and that is the way I had hoped to add entries to my blog. Failing that, I needed to have enough free time with enough energy to rediscover how to post entries directly to the blog site. If this works, then I will be blogging more regularly.
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