Day Three - Let the Tracking Begin

Day three started with a review of commands we have worked on already over the last two days and adding some new ones. The goal is that we will be in good enough command of the dogs that we can head out to a local mall for our first "public" appearance on Saturday afternoon. There is so much to learn and master. Mojo has been a willing participant (most of the time). He's just waiting for us to get it right before he'll listen.

The middle part of the day was our first tracking exercise. We were next to last to have our dog track the trainer and Sean (and Dad). Mom and Dad did a lot of running while other dogs tracked. Then it was Mojo's turn. He went directly to the trainer and Sean using air sniffing rather than a scent trail (left by skin cells dropped as we move). It is amazing to see these dogs work. The only bad part about the whole thing was that it poured the entire time.

We had lunch and then started two new commands today. "Come," which, along with track, is one of the ultimate commands that you have to have complete confidence between dog and handler at all times. The dog should drop everything else and follow that command, regardless of circumstances. On lead or off, it has to be obeyed, so the dog has to think it is one of the most fun things in the world to do. The dogs always get their most favorite treat in return for following the command. We also worked on the "under" command that we will give to Mojo when we go out for dinner. It causes him to duck under whatever table we are sitting at and stay there. It keeps him from getting stepped on by passers-by.

Today was a great day, but one that was bittersweet. As a part of our lead-up to training, we have become fast friends with the "Wisest Wonderful Women in the World." In the picture at the beginning of this entry are Lisa Beth ("Tink"), Denise, and Peg ("Lady Neener-Neener"). Today was our last day to see them together. Tink headed home to Arizona, Denise headed home to Kentucky (unless her hubby lets her come back for a day next week), and we lose Peg (back to Alaska) on Saturday. It was a blessing to have their companionship, support, and experience to help us figure all of this out. We also, happily/sadly saw Miss Becky head home. It was time for her to be at home with family, but to have her here to experience this with Sean and be able to carry what she learned back to the classroom with her is priceless. We thank her for her and the school district's willingness to be a part.

As always, a HUGE thank you to each and every one who has supported, cajoled, and otherwise been a part in this journey.

Training Day Two

Today was busy. We reviewed commands that we had learned yesterday and then threw in some new ones. "Sit" and "Down" (which we had to practice at the hotel after training) were reviewed. You have to be able to have the dog sit and then be able to walk around the dog without having it get up. "Down" is the command to get the dog to lay down. Once in the down position, you should be able to walk away from the dog and NOT have it get up until you return - even if you leave eyesight of the dog. Mojo did well, not having to be corrected once. WOW!

If you have noticed that I did not add the command "Stay," there is a reason. These dogs are trained to obey the last command they have been given until they are given the next command. Mojo, while he did change the way he was laying in the down position, did not get up. He is also learning our use of the "Come" command. The dogs know all of this. They just have to get used to us saying it.

Tomorrow, we start tracking. A trainer (along with Mom, Dad, or Miss Becky) will go and hide with Sean. Then whoever is not hiding with Sean will go along with Mojo as he tracks down Sean. Right now, Mojo is trained to the scent of the trainer. They are going to start to get the dog trained to mix that with Sean's scent. They will change trainers but keep Sean with them each time. Slowly, Mojo will learn to lead on Sean's scent. It's amazing. During non-tracking times, we'll be working on more commands.

We'll try to get some more pictures up for tomorrow, but it is supposed to rain during tracking, so it could be difficult. We'll give a rundown of the days events, regardless. It should be interesting!

Day One is OVER!

The whirlwind has hit gale force. We met Mojo and the rest of the dogs in the class today. Sean was a little put-off by the onslaught, but is slowly adjusting to the kisses. It will be an adjustment for him, but he is already much more at ease with having Mojo around. In tomorrow's post, we'll let you know how the first night of having a dog in bed goes.

Becky, Sean's school aide (and second Mommy) arrived to day for a few days with us. Very cool that the school allowed her to make the trip over. There is SO much to learn. Since she'll be Mojo's primary handler at school, it makes sense that she is formally trained. Hopefully, she'll also get to take part in tracking before she leaves. According to Peg (a 4Paws Family member and a primary mentor for Shelby and Steve who flew in FROM ALASKA), that is a real bonding experience with the dog.
Lisa Beth/"Tink" (a 4Paws Family member) flew in FROM ARIZONA to surprise the group. Denise drove up from Kentucky. How cool is that?

As you might have inferred, the dog is back in the room with us tonight. We've done some reinforcement training in the room during the evening, but we have both a pooped boy and puppy. The Spring Loaded group is a great bunch of people who have been very supportive of each other. We're a cohesive group - that is for sure.

More posts to follow. The author is right behind the boy and his dog in terms of weariness.

Hello, Xenia

We have made it to Xenia. It was an exciting day of travel through the midwest. Flat, lifeless land interrupted periodically by a tree or small building. There were loads of tractors (luckily, not on the Interstate). We got lucky and met up with a couple of 4Paws classmates just as we got into Indiana and did the caravan thing the rest of the way with them, including having lunch - okay, on the fly.

It was a great evening, getting to meet many the people who we have been talking to online. (Facebook has its uses.) It is almost like meeting old friends at this point. They are everything that we had come to know and more. We are definitely a class of distinct, cohesive personalities. This should prove to be an interesting and enjoyable week. The "Spring Loaded" class is set to roll.

Homewood Inn and Suites has been very accommodating. They even went so far as to go out and shop specifically for Sean so that they have foods available that he can eat (gluten/casein-free). They have no problem with the fact that all of the 4Paws families staying here are going to be bringing dogs back here tomorrow night. That's cool. The restaurants around here have dealt with this and don't even flinch.

It's late and morning comes early. Tomorrow is Sean's meet and greet with Mojo. Hopefully, he'll be sleeping alongside Sean this time tomorrow. Wow! We're here. This is really happening. It's almost surreal.

Okay, time runs short. There is a huge pile of stuff to take that is stacked on a full-sized bed in the guest room. We're waiting to see how we fit it all in the van. Sean has skills day for baseball tomorrow morning (www.tomjonesleague.org). Then, it is home to complete preparations over the next couple of days (laundry, shopping, packing, etc.) before we leave. We keep showing Sean pictures of Mojo, trying to get him ready to meet his dog.

The stars are falling into place. We have a very active support network at home. His aide from school just got an additional day to spend at training - a great thing since she will be primary handler while he is at school. 4Paws friends are coming in to help. Grandma is coming out to spend time. Mom and Dad should be able to focus on training (with Sean, of course).

Time is tight, but we know that the effort is worth it. These are great days. The end justifies any effort that we are expending - and any short tempers that may result. Sleep will come in its own time.

A Return of News

Okay, WE'RE BACK! After a hiatus (due to technical issues), we have moved the blog to here so that we can keep you updated on what is happening with Sean and the dog. After finishing fundraising, it was sit back and wait time. There really hasn't been anything significant happening until recently. Now, everything is in high gear.

We have received news! Sean will be getting his service dog, a beautiful yellow lab (who we will rename Mojo) on Tuesday, April 28. We will travel to the 4 Paws For Ability facility in Xenia, Ohio on Monday to get ready. Two very busy weeks later, we will return home - with Mojo. As these posts continue, we'll let you know more about Mojo, the training that we go through, and our transition into a new phase in Sean's journey.