[nagdu] new dog, new surroundings, boredom

[Shannon Dyer]

I hate working in the snow, especially in a new area with a new dog. Do you have someone who would be willing to help you relatively soon? If so, it might not be a bad idea to wait for them. However, if you won't get any help for a while, you might want to do a short walk just to see how it goes.

Don't be too hard on yourself. Snow is difficult to work through.

Shannon and Ace
Shannon Dyer
Alumni Council Member,
Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind, Inc
®  and
America's VetDogs®,  The Veteran's K-9 Corps Inc ®
Providing "Second Sight" ® 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: 
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On Jan 2, 2013, at 1:03 PM, "Daniel" <daniel.sweeney1 at comcast.net> wrote:

> Hi guys,
> 
> 
> 
> Just a quick note/question.
> 
> 
> 
> We cam back from GDB on 12/16/12. So far everything has gone very well. The
> weather conditions have not been optimal, but bearable.
> 
> 
> 
> Since I am fairly new to my area, and not real comfortable with working in
> the snow and ice conditions when it comes to identifying my curb locations
> when they are covered up, I have a couple of questions.
> 
> 
> 
> First, do you think I should just wait for a person to work with me as guide
> in order to work Cass perfectly to the curb locations? Or, do you think I
> should heal her with my cane, and muddle through and locate what I believe
> to be the curb location?
> 
> I am having difficulties with my positioning due to the ice build up. If I
> am confused, I know I will transfer my confusion on her.
> 
> 
> 
> If I do not work her, and we just stay in and do play and exercise and
> obedience drills, then I worry about her boredom and building up too much
> pent up energy. A dilemma for sure.
> 
> 
> 
> What do others do in inclement weather? Especially with a new dog?
> 
> 
> 
> I have good o and m skills as a rule, so I don't know why this season is
> such a challenge for me. Maybe it is because I finally have such a good dog,
> I want to train her correctly, and learn the routes, and I am stressing
> because of my disorientation.
> 
> 
> 
> The problem is the bus stop is several blocks away, and these are the
> corners I am having issues with. I am having a hard time finding anyone
> available to travel with me for a day or two due to the holiday
> interruption. Hopefully I will have someone in a few days, so I am just
> trying to make it through a few more days.
> 
> 
> 
> Should I just keep playing, or keep the rules fairly strict? I can do the
> retractable leash in the back for about 15-20 minutes a time at least twice
> a day, and tug and games a couple of times a day, a couple sets of exercise
> drills, but she seems so anxious, which makes me the same.
> 
> 
> 
> Just nervous and preoccupied here, and looking for suggestions. Thanks.
> 
> 
> 
> Daniel and Cass
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Daniel Sweeney
> 
> Lakewood, CO
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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