[nagdu] new dog, new surroundings, boredom

[Pickrell, Rebecca M (TASC)]

        Do you have some kind of GPS that would tell you the names of buildings you were passing? this could help you stay oriented.
You may want to carry a folding cane that you can pull out when need be.
I wouldn't stay in and not work Cass.
If I can be so bold, why did you get a dog right as winter as beginning? If you aren't comfortable in snow, and you know this, and you know you need to get out and about, why did you get a dog from a school where you can't practice snow conditions?
I'm not asking to pick on you, I'm truly curious. Also, this is something most of us need to think about when we think of when to get a new dog, and which school to get that dog from.


-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Daniel
Sent: Wednesday, January 02, 2013 1:04 PM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Subject: [nagdu] new dog, new surroundings, boredom

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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