[nagdu] feeling a bit discouraged

Pickrell, Rebecca M (TASC) REBECCA.PICKRELL at tasc.com
Wed Sep 12 13:13:28 UTC 2012


Wow, this is one of the best posts I've seen on this list.
Thank you for writing it.

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Ann Edie
Sent: Saturday, September 08, 2012 12:46 PM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Subject: Re: [nagdu] feeling a bit discouraged

Hi, Shannon,

Trying to look at this situation from the dog's point of view, I'm thinking
that when Ace refuses to move when you ask him to go back inside, that
perhaps it is because his intestines are still feeling a bit unsettled and
he is thinking that maybe he still needs to empty some more.  You might try
giving him another chance to relieve, or going for a short walk and then
giving him another chance to relieve before going back inside.  I'm also
thinking that I would be very appreciative of a dog like Ace who seems to be
doing his best to communicate to you when he needs to relieve and to avoid
having relieving accidents indoors.  The way I would approach this sort of
situation would be to reward the dog highly (with exuberant praise and
treats, if your school and your personal philosophy allow) immediately after
he has successfully relieved himself in an appropriate place.  I would also
praise and treat him upon returning indoors after a successful relieving
break.  That might help him understand that he is doing what you want him to
do and that you understand what he is telling you through his behavior.  In
other words, it makes the communication between the two of you clearer, and
it may make him feel more secure and help both of you relax.

Now I am going to throw something out just for your and other people's
consideration--
I think that there might be a phenomenon occurring here that is similar to
the post-partem depression that affects some new mothers shortly after they
come home with their newborn babies.  What I am saying is that I think that
sometimes we fall into a little feeling of letdown after we get home from
the stimulating environment of the guide dog training program, and the
excitement of meeting the new dog has begun to fade into the daily routine
of life with a young and inexperienced guide dog.  We go from a setting
where we have a circle of instructors and staff to support us and interpret
the dog's behavior for us and a class of fellow handlers to share our
concerns and experiences with, to our home communities where we may be the
only guide dog handler and the only person we meet face-to-face with on a
regular basis who understands what guide dog training is and the
relationship we have with our guides.  It's not surprising that we may feel
that we are alone and that we are not understanding what the new dog is
thinking or why he is doing the things he is doing.  Added to that, there is
the fact that the dog is completely in the dark about the process he is
going through.  He doesn't know why he is with this new person; he doesn't
really know why he was trained to do the things he was trained to do; he
doesn't know why you came into his life or why he was taken from the kennel
and his trainer; he doesn't know how to get your attention or how to
communicate his needs to you; he doesn't really know just what you expect of
him or how to please you, but he knows that his ability to do this is
crucial to his future happiness and even survival.  Both handler and dog are
going through a process of mourning for the loss of the known security of
the past and adjustment to the unfamiliar adventure of the future.  This is
one of the reasons why it takes up to a year to build the bond and
relationship between the handler and the working dog.

If this hypothesis rings true at all for you, then take comfort in the
knowledge that the process you are going through with your new dog and the
feelings and doubts you are experiencing are completely normal and natural,
and that it is a process which, in most instances, proceeds to the happy
conclusion of a smoothly-functioning and joyfully-bonded team.  There is
nothing wrong with having and expressing your doubts and concerns, in fact,
it is definitely right to express them both on lists like this and to the
instructors at your school.  While difficulties such as those you are
describing are usually quickly overcome and are soon put behind us as small
bumps in the road which leads to lasting and wonderful partnerships, we all
know that some issues do not find solutions and that a small percentage of
guide teams end in the dog's early retirement or career change.  We must
acknowledge this possibility, even though it is scary and causes us much
anxiety.  This group is here for the express purpose of listening and
supporting you through the rough spots in your team-building, as well as to
rejoice with you in your moments of triumph and success.  Thank you for
giving us the chance to share our experience with you and to support you.

Best,
Ann

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Shannon Dyer
Sent: Saturday, September 08, 2012 8:10 AM
To: GDF List
Cc: the National Association of Guide Dog Users NAGDU Mailing List
Subject: [nagdu] feeling a bit discouraged

Hi, all.

I've been home with Ace for almost two weeks. He has had an unpredictable
relieving pattern since I got him, but my trainer insists that it will work
itself out as we become more of a team, and Ace gets used to his
surroundings. He hasn't had any accidents in the house, which is good.

While we were on class, Ace would stop walking if he needed to relieve. I
mean he'd just come to a complete stop and refuse to move until he was given
the opportunity to relieve. This happened both inside the building as well
as on route.

Yesterday, he started refusing to take me inside after I took him out to
relieve. He did it twice yesterday and once this morning. I was just
standing there on the sidewalk in front of my house, trying to get him to
move.

I'm just not sure ow this is going to work. I'm feeling really discouraged.
His relieving has become a bit more normal the past few days, but now, he's
refusing to move after he relieves. I really don't know how to handle this.
I know I'll talk to my instructor, but that won't be until at least Monday.
Right now, I just feel like giving up. If I can't get back into my house,
where else is he going to stop working?

I really don't know why I'm writing this. I guess I just needed to get it
off my chest. Thanks for reading, all.

Shannon and Ace
Shannon Dyer
Alumni Council Member,
Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc
R  and
America's VetDogsR,  The Veteran's K-9 Corps Inc R Providing "Second Sight"
R since 1946
371 E. Jericho Turnpike, Smithtown, NY 11787
Office: 631-930-9000, Toll-free: 866-282-8047 solsticesinger at gmail.com To
make a donation that can change a life...contact the Guide Dog Foundation at
www.guidedog.org or America's VetDogs the Veterans K-9 Corps at
www.vetdogs.org Visit us on facebook at:
www.facebook.com/GuideDogFoundation or www.facebook.com/AmericasVetDogs

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