[nagdu] walking in to objects

Julie J. julielj at neb.rr.com
Sat Apr 14 13:14:38 UTC 2012


Hannah,

Is she running you into the same things every couple of weeks?  If she's 
making the same mistake over and over, I'd be more concerned than if it 
is a new mistake.  Is the error a brush into something or a complete 
full on contact with the object?  If she's brushing you into things 
she's probably trying to get it right and just needs more practice.  If 
it's the major full body contact, then there is a very serious issue 
going on.  Perhaps she's distracted, didn't get enough training, is 
experiencing visual problems or doesn't have the cognitive skills to be 
able to judge clearance. It could also be that she is nervous or simply 
isn't cut out to be a guide dog.  If a clearance issue every couple of 
weeks is her sole issue then I'd also agree with your O&M person that it 
will take time.  To me a mistake every couple of weeks in the beginning 
wouldn't be concerning.

I've been working with Monty for over two years and he will still brush 
me into things occasionally.  This time of year it is usually bushes or 
tree branches that are growing or putting out leaves or whatever.  They 
get bigger than they were through the winter.  I'm sure he's giving me 
the same space that he has all winter instead of accounting for the new 
growth.

I'm not big into collar corrections.  I will usually make a big deal out 
of making contact with whatever it was.  If it's a tree branch I will 
grab it and give it a good shake while telling Monty no.   If he's 
having a particularly difficult day I will have him sit while I show him 
the problem.  Then I rework the situation, giving loads of praise as we go.

HTH
Julie


On 4/14/2012 12:48 AM, Hannah Chadwick wrote:
> I highly doubt it. I have a mobility instructor here who used to be a guide
> dog trainer for over 10 years. He's suggested a few things and told me,
> "it'll take time". I feel like running in to things should not be occurring
> every couple of weeks...
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
> Of Larry D. Keeler
> Sent: Friday, April 13, 2012 7:19 PM
> To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] walking in to objects
>
> Can Pilot send a trainer out there?
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Hannah Chadwick"<sparklylicious at gmail.com>
> To: "'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'"
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Friday, April 13, 2012 8:59 PM
> Subject: [nagdu] walking in to objects
>
>
>> Hey all,
>> I know that bonding can take up to a year, but I also know that Princess
>> shouldn't be walking me in to things. I honestly don't know what to do any
>> more because I don't feel like correcting her is enough and that after a
>> while she forgets about it altogether.
>> Today I went to visit the University of Santa Cruz and we went on a tour.
>> Princess for some reason walked me in to a pole and as usually I corrected
>> her. This has occurred a few times since I last posted about it, and it's
>> getting more difficult for me to trust her. I don't feel safe walking at
>> night or in the dark now, and it's a horrible feeling.
>> Any thoughts, suggestions, advice?
>> Best, Hannah
>>
>>
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