[NAGDU] Belto is heading for retirement pretty soon

Wed Aug 29 14:03:25 UTC 2018

Hi Jordan.
I hate it when the dog doesn't do any of his tricks when the trainer is around.
I have done some things to try to fix a dog moving way left in a crossing.  I guess they would work just as well for moving right, but I hardly ever have that happen.  Some times these things have solved the problem, and sometimes not so much, but here they are.
First, I try to make sure I'm staying in the right position, not moving up on the dog, which will push him left, and holding the harness over the middle of his back, not pulling it to the right.  I really have to work not to do both these things, because first I want to get across the darned street, so I might walk fast, and second I don't want to move toward the parallel traffic, where the dog is pulling me, so I want to pull right.  Which of course makes him want to pull more left.  I really have to exercise self-discipline.
I have been advised sometimes by a trainer to stop, let the dog re-align himself, then move on.  This, as you say, is not something I like to do, but I have tried it occasionally when I knew I had plenty of time to get across.
I have also frequently used a leash cue.  When we're getting ready to cross, I check my position and take the leash in my right hand.  Then, if I feel the dog start pulling left while we're crossing, I wave the leash forward and right.  This is NOT a correction.  The collar may tighten slightly, but not much.  It's more a firm but gentle gesture to remind him of the direction we're supposed to go.
HTH.  Be careful out there.
Tracy

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Jordan Gallacher via NAGDU
Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2018 9:59 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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> 
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