[nagdu] feedback on Lady

Wed May 13 01:31:53 UTC 2015

Showing Lady that it is a really good idea to stop at the wall by
giving her a lot of praise or treat(s) is probably your best option.
Using your cane to find this obstacle is a good idea because you'll
know exactly where it is and can make sure you don't trip again. If
Lady knows a command that means something to the effect of pay
attention and be extremely careful, it would probably be a good idea
to use it when approaching the wall. For example, I will tell my dog
"watch it" when I know/suspect there is a challenging obstacle ahead.
Make sure you come to a full stop and then give your dog treats and/or
praise. After repeating this several times, she will look forward to
stopping at this location because she knows it means she will receve
something value.

No one can take your dog away for her work alone. Don't let people who
know little to nothing about guide dogs tell you your dog is not a
good worker. People criticize my dog all the time for "misbehaving"
when he is actually doing exactly what he was trained for.

Danielle and Thai

On 5/12/15, Abigail Bolling via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> I definitely agree with Rox. Show the dog what you want, she will catch on
> quickly enough. Also, Animal control can not take your dog if other people
> think she isn’t a good service animal… They can only remove your dog from
> you if you are abusing it, so those people need to read up on the laws a
> little bit before spewing stuff like that to you.
> Hope this helps.
> Happy and safe travels
>
> Abby and Princess Jada
>> On May 12, 2015, at 8:30 PM, The Pawpower Pack via nagdu
>> <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>
>> Hi Rachel,
>> Is there a way to mark the area near the wal? Like a way to know when you
>> are near it? Here's what I'd do.
>> Get a white cane and go out there with her.  Use your cane and either heel
>> her or work her— whatever works.  When you find the wall, have her sit,
>> and praise or click and treat, or do whatever it is you do.  I say sit
>> because you want her to understand that this is a full stop.
>> Then give her the forward cue again and if she tries walking you off the
>> wall, turn and go the other way.  Have her sit at the wall again and again
>> forwward.  If you know the way around the wall, you can aealso suggest it
>> to her  as in forward, left.  Or whatever it is you do.  You may have to
>> show her what you want a few times if she can't solve the problem just by
>> process of elimination— if I can't go over that wall, then I should go
>> this direction, etc.
>> As for your neighbors, they should mind their own business.  Animal
>> control has zero say over your dog's job or your right to have her with
>> you as a service dog.  Every dog struggles from time to time, every dog
>> has their weak areas.  It's our job as handlers to support them in those
>> weak areas with extra training and support.
>> Good luck!
>>
>> Rox and the kitchen Bitches:
>> Mill'E, Laveau, Soleil
>> Pawpower4me at gmail.com <mailto:Pawpower4me at gmail.com>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>>> On May 12, 2015, at 6:59 PM, Rachel Krieg via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org
>>> <mailto:nagdu at nfbnet.org>> wrote:
>>>
>>> Hi, all.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Okay, here's your mind-boggling question for the day/week.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Let me preface this by saying Lady is the first dog I've owner trained.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> I am in no way bashing either method, but I could use some feedback when
>>> it
>>> comes to resolving this problem.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> I moved into my new place on April 1. In order to take Lady to the relief
>>> area, I have to go around a low wall.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> However, Lady doesn't see it as a wall, but rather a low curb. I have
>>> fallen
>>> as a result.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> I want to nip things in the bud.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> I realize I don't work her as often as some of you guys do, and I also
>>> realize that I don't work her in as busy of an area as some of you do.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> However, this has to do with my lifestyle, and also due to my other
>>> disabilities. It's not fear itself that is stopping me from working in
>>> busier environments, but being that I am totally blind, have balance
>>> issues,
>>> and hearing issues, it makes things more challenging.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> I've asked for help from people, and their response has been to "figure
>>> it
>>> out". First and foremost, I am not, nor do I pretend to be a trainer.
>>> Second, I've had neighbors threaten me that they will call animal control
>>> and get Lady removed because her guiding isn't what it should be.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> I'm just discouraged right now. Maybe I'm not meant to have a guide dog,
>>> but
>>> if I'm not, then why have I had so many?
>>>
>>> Rachel and Lady the lovable lab
>>>
>>>
>>>
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>>
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