[NAGDU] Belto is heading for retirement pretty soon

[Sandra Johnson]

Hello Jordan

I agree with Tracy.  If Belto is not safe then retirement is the best thing. 
Your safety has to be the priority.  I have also retired some very young 
dogs.  Although I loved them I knew I was not safe working them.  Remember 
to stick to what you want not what the trainer wants.  You are the one at 
the end of that harness handle so you need to do what is best for you.  I 
know from your posts to this list that you have tried very hard with Belto. 
It seemed at times he was getting better but then things got worse again. 
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you make this very difficult 
decision.  Stay safe and good luck.

Sandra and Eva
SLJohnson25 at comcast.net

-----Original Message----- 
From: Tracy Carcione via NAGDU
Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2018 10:36 AM
To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Cc: Tracy Carcione
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] Belto is heading for retirement pretty soon

Hi Jordan.
If you feel his work is putting you in danger, then do not hesitate to
retire him, for your own safety.  And his, as well.
I retired my first dog when she started going way left in street
crossings. One day, a bus came too close to us for comfort, and I decided
that was it, and put in my application for class when I got home.
I also retired a dog who was getting so stressed by work he became unsafe.
When the work stress was removed, he became a much happier dog, and I
became a happier person.
I know it's hard to give up on a dog and retire it young, but sometimes
it's really best for both of you.
Good luck.
Tracy

> Well, i am beginning to think about retiring Belto.  His work is much too
> dangerous to continue working him.  He has developed a weird thing of
> pulling much to hard to the left and especially during street crossings,
> we end up in a lane of traffic.  Telling him find the curb is not doing
> much nor is telling him right find the curb.  He just looks around and
> continues straight ahead.  Also, his sniffing and distraction level has
> increased quite a bit.  If that was the only problem, i could work with
> that.  Around other guide dogs at work is a problem as well.  He is quite
> literally chasing them among other things.  Leaving work it was even
> worse.  I told him forward, and all he wanted to do was do a 180 and take
> off after the dog that was behind me more than once.  Not going to even
> mention what he tried to do while I was walking to the table at the
> restaurant, but it involved, him lunging at the waiter.  i ahve a field
> rep coming down tomorrow after work, but unfortunately from talki
>  ng to him on the phone and prior dealings I have had with this particular
> person at another school, tomorrow is not going to get anywhere.  So, I
> am beginning to look at options guide dog school wise unless something
> can be done to get Belto to start acting the way he should again.  I know
> what I need to do, pinch collar will do the trick with him again, but it
> has not made it up to PA from Louisiana yet.
> Jordan
>
> Sent from my iPhone
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