[NAGDU] Belto is heading for retirement pretty soon

Wed Aug 29 16:39:47 UTC 2018

Sometimes Alec slows down in the middle of a crossing to drop his nose on the ground. All it takes is a short jerk back on the harness handle with a stiff scolding before we are back on track. Most of the time it doesn't require stopping since I can detect it coming in advance. Sometimes we need to get back to the basics because at some point, all of us has lost sight of it in favor of our custom techniques of handling different situations. Maybe returning to the basics for a while to see how he handles it will help.

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Julie Johnson via NAGDU
Sent: Wednesday, August 29, 2018 11:12 AM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Julie Johnson <julielj at neb.rr.com>
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] Belto is heading for retirement pretty soon

If he was doing these things before the move, then probably time to settle into the new routine isn't going to make much difference.  Still I think it's important to consider all the possibilities.

Stopping in the middle of the street to address dog  behavior issues is not my thing, especially not in a busy street.  I suppose if I could get it down to a pause and immediately get on my way, I'd do it.  A complete stop with several seconds of behavior intervention though, absolutely not happening.

Have you considered heeling him across streets and using your cane?  At least you'd be safe until you can sort out a long term solution.

Julie
On The Go with Guide-and-Service-Dogs.com http://www.guide-and-service-dogs.com
also find my products in the Blind Mice Mega Mall <https://www.blindmicemegamall.com/bmm/shop/Directory_Departments?storeid=1916046>
-----Original Message-----
From: Jordan Gallacher via NAGDU
Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2018 8:59 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Cc: Jordan Gallacher
Subject: Re: [NAGDU] Belto is heading for retirement pretty soon

Field reps drive me bananas.  The one that showed up thinks it is perfectly safe to stop in the middle of a busy street to get the dog re-focused. 
Ridiculous thing to do if you ask me.  Belto decided to behave himself with the field rep here.  Going to be keeping an eye on things to see if he decides to calm down and work properly after today, but with these problems going on before I moved, I don’t think they will be getting any better.
Jordan

Sent from my iPhone

> On Aug 28, 2018, at 11:05 AM, Sandra Johnson via NAGDU 
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> wrote:
>
> 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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