[nagdu] Lack of speed

Tue Nov 19 19:10:15 UTC 2013

Barb,

I've used a similar technique with Mitzi at times, although her usual 
problem is being too much of a speed demon. /smile/ It can be done with 
a guide dog, supposing the blind handler can deal with the ground and 
stay oriented. I also tried doing tight circles with her, like I might 
with a fractious horse, which is also not the best idea for a blind 
woman. So I phased out both techniques, excpet for special occasions 
where the poodle is being super obnoxious and I know the ground and area 
well enough to use them safely.

The trick with her is to bore her, which is what the turning back and 
forth accomplished with her. Once I figured that out, I started just 
stopping her when she would slow down, then standing there in place. 
It's counterintuitive, but does work with her because that is boring. So 
she will give in and graciously take me where I want to go at a decent 
speed.

With her, it's coming home when she still wants to gallivant that slows 
her down. So I can play her little game and jolly her along without 
missing appointments. If schedule were more of a factor, I guess I could 
plan extra travel time... I don't know how practical that would be for 
Jewel's situation. Hm...

I've also used the bending down and patting technique others have 
mentioned, which does work. Didn't know it had a name! /smile/ If the 
poodle is just being stubborn for the heck of it, I can turn that 
bending over into a dominant hold until she admits I am the boss. Or 
until standing there bores her. /lol/

I think understanding what motivates the dog and what un-motivates the 
dog to cause the slow down is the best way to find a useful approach to 
the problem. That can take time and trial and error, which is a bummer 
when you need your guide dog to be taking you through your busy day 
without your having to turn psychotherapist along the way.

Jewel, I will be really interested what you learn and what kind of 
solution works for you. Hope you get it handled soon!

Tami

On 11/19/2013 10:37 AM, barbandzoe at comcast.net wrote:
>
>
> Hi,
>
> I listen to a dog trainer on the local radio station, and she will tell people that when the dog isn't listening to you on a walk, just glad the leash and do a 180, when the dog starts up again, 180, You will look funny going down the sidewalk, but that way the dog is thrown off guard and will have to start paying attention to you because they don't know what the heck you are doing.   Now I don't know if you can do that with guide dogs or not, but I thought I would just say it.
>
>
> Barb
>
> ----- Original Message -----
>
> From: "Cindy Ray" <cindyray at gmail.com>
> To: "NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users" <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2013 11:46:59 AM
> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Lack of speed
>
> Dogs don't like the GL and it does slow them down. I employ much of what Tracy does with the dog. I am glad you are in touch with the school because it is serious enough that it is wreaking havoc with your schedule.
>
> CL
>
> On Nov 19, 2013, at 11:32 AM, Jewel <herekittykat2 at gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Yes, of course I will. I just am not at the proper place to do that right now. I just need to vent my frustration and see you what people say.
>> Jewel, who will call soon.
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>>> On Nov 19, 2013, at 12:26 PM, "Jenine Stanley" <jeninems at wowway.com> wrote:
>>>
>>> Jewel,
>>>
>>> Give us a call and we'll have someone talk this out with you. I know we've
>>> been working with you but this sounds like it's not getting any better.
>>>
>>> Jenine Stanley
>>> jeninems at wowway.com
>>> http://www.twitter.com/jeninems
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Jewel
>>> Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2013 12:18 PM
>>> To: the National Association of Guide Dog Users NAGDU Mailing List
>>> Subject: [nagdu] Lack of speed
>>>
>>> I am getting very frustrated. My guide dog was slowing down to sniff
>>> everything we have been doing the gentle leader for two weeks now, and she
>>> still fights it so much I could walk faster if I stuck my hands in front of
>>> me and walked like a zombie. I have given her several happy walks with it
>>> on, lots of praise and some treats. But when the walk is to get somewhere,
>>> she is constantly making me late. I am sitting at the bus stop, in fact,
>>> because u couldn't get her to walk at a decent speed. I know she can go
>>> faster because I have even power walked with her. I am missing too many
>>> appointments because, though I give her extra time, she won't walk at her
>>> normal speed, instead choosing to crawl along at the speed of a toddler.
>>> What can I do to get her to speed up? I do hup hup. This is getting
>>> ridiculous.
>>> Jewel
>>>
>>>
>>> reply://herekittykat2@gmail.com
>>>
>>>
>>> Sent from my iPhone
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>>
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