| The Vacuum |
[Aug. 28th, 2007|02:03 pm] |
| [ | Current Location |
| | home | ] |
| [ | mood |
| |  happy | ] |
Clark & The Vacuum
Randy Tedrow
What do you do if you’re a 65 pound black lab and your handler gets out the vacuum? More specifically, what do you do if your handler gets out the vacuum and this is the first time since you earned (you really worked hard … NOT) house liberty?
Previously, as the 65 pound black lab, you were taken from room to room so your handler could vacuum. Then you’d be moved so your human could vacuum where he just placed you. By the way, why do the two legged ones vacuum up all your luxurious black fur? Do they think it grows on trees? After all, you’re giving it to them to help make the place smell more like home!
If you don’t know what you’d do as the 65 pound black lab in this situation, I’ll tell you. It goes something like this. …
Since being home, Clark hasn’t shown any fear when I get out the vacuum (I told my wife I’d vacuum to help keep down the black fur). I’d place him on tie down in the bedroom of our apartment while I vacuumed the main area. Then, I’d put him on tie down in the living room while I vacuumed the bedroom. Works out nice, he’s out of the way, and I’m not worried about sucking up doggie paws and so forth.
This last Saturday (August 25, 2007) was our fourth week home. Clark has been such a well behaved gentleman that I had him off tie down early Saturday. He’s only gone back for a few minutes and not because of behavior. I feel I can trust him.
So, today is the first time I vacuumed after he was off tie down. I was curious what he would do. Our Dalmatian doesn’t like the vacuum and keeps watching to see where it will go next, what would Clark do?
…
Well,
Nothing! That’s right; Clark was not moved by the vacuum in the least.
I vacuumed near, around and by him. He watched but didn’t bother to get up from where he was lying in the middle of the living room. My wife told me what he was doing … nothing. Hmm … I started talking to him over the roar of the vacuum. I told him to move … nothing. I told him to watch out … nothing; well he may have wagged his tail at this point, his thick black beam thumping the carpet.
Then, I began vacuuming toward him … nothing! My goodness, was this dog going to move? Finally, as I began to vacuum his tail, he stirred. He did move when I began to vacuum the fur between his toes.
But, he didn’t move far. He stood up … so, I moved him a couple feet to a spot I’d already vacuumed and knew I wouldn’t need again. He lay down there and watched (he’s a very watchful dog).
Finally I could finish the job. Except for one small problem. The vacuum cord didn’t reach far enough. I know it reached far enough last time I did this chore but not today?
Oh, there was a 65 pound black lab lying on the cord. He seemed reluctant to get up from his comfortable spot It was as if he were saying, “Enough of this cleaning! Time to pet the dog! Petting the dog is much more satisfying, and relaxing then all this hard labor. Oh, and could you vacuum between my toes again? That felt rather nice last time.”
Well I got him off the cord (I bribed with kibble) and continued. Until I found myself running short of cord again! Sigh – maybe Clark likes the feeling of electricity tingling through the cord?
Of course, I/we finished the vacuuming … finally. So, if you happen to find yourself as a 65 pound black lab and your handler begins to vacuum, you now know what to do. … Nothing. |
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| Where do I begin? |
[Aug. 24th, 2007|10:01 pm] |
Well Friend,
It has been some time since I last posted. So, many things have happened with Clark and i. He hasn't been named guide of the year yet but he's only been "working" for a month, well almost. We graduated July 28 and it's August 24. So there's time! LOL
I love working with this boy. He's easy to manage and has lots of personality.
Yesterday I tried a small experiement. Hi relieving area is just over a block away. That's one of the joys of living in an urban area. There is a park just across the street but I find the one in the next block easier to navigate and find the garbage cans. *smile*
We were over there and I had the idea to see if Clark could find home. So I told him to, ""find home." This is not just an easy 1 -2 =-3 process. There's the first curb to curb then a street crossing, then another street crossing, then a left turn just after a certain pole and then about a quarter of the way down the block a right turn to the apartment building.
Clark was fabulous! Other then the "forward" commands and the dwown and up curbs I didn't give him any other commands. I did praise him because it's fun to praise him.
He took us right up to the door like I'd given him the command just ten feet away instead of over 100! LOL What a good boy!
We visited a martial arts supply store earlier today. That was fun. The owner showed me a bo staff I'd like to have. I may need to get back in trim. *grin* Clark was fabulous the whole time in the hsop. The owner was respectful and didn't interact with Clark at all. I forgot to say anything but I do need to tell him thank you.
Many other things have happened. We went to church the other day and talked with one of the pastors. I'd had to ask him not to interact with Clark a couple weeks ago during service. I wanted to take Clark up so they could meet and talk with him (pastor). He was happy we came in and we had a good chat. He's in charge of children's ministries and we're going t visit classes and talk with the kids about guide dogs. Yeah!
I've started giveing Clark some house liberties. He's doing great so far. Nothing to serious, a few minutes in the morning when he and I are the only ones up and so forth. Even when I don't have a hold of his leesh he likes to lie by my chair.
I've also allowed he and Niah a bit of romp time. Probably less then 5 minutes total. They have fun and once they can play a bit more I think they will love it. However, haveing a 65 pound lab and a 40 pound Dalmatian running crazy in a one bedroom apartment may not work ... we'll see! LOL
Well, that's enough for now. Hope all is well with you.
Randy & Clark who's gone to bed |
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| Great Day |
[Aug. 19th, 2007|03:47 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| | and still grinning | ] |
I'm still grinning from our most recent adventure. LOL
Clark and I went for a walk on the trail this afternoon. It has been
overcast and a bit drizzly so I decided to wear my GDB windbreaker I got in
class (for free!). I actually didn't need the windbreaker for most of the
walk. It was nice to have alongside the river. We create a good headwind
when we're "doing our thing." I had worn the windbreaker earlier today while
it was misting heavily. I thought I didn't need it until I came in and water
came sheeting off the jacket. But, this isn't about the great jacket. LOL
While we were cooking along Clark and I decided to go to the library. This
is about a block farther then where we normally take the steps for the
surface streets. Clark likes going to the library because lots of kibble
always shows up there.
We get there no problem. This was a walk of about 15 minutes at a brisk pace
(for me anyways). We turned around and started back.
Houston, we have a problem.
Something didn't go right. Instead of going back under the roadway, we ended
up near the road. I think we missed a left hand veer to go under the bridge.
No problem, we just went back a ways and tried again.
Hmm ... this just wasn't working. Clark took me the ways I directed his
great tail wagging all the while. We ended up by this fenced off area a
couple times. There I decided to take a pause and figure things out. I also
rethreaded the string that goes around the waistband of the jacket (it had
begun to work out).
There were some people in the park by the library having a picnic. We'd
tried a few times with no joy and I went to ask for directions. So, off we
went again. Clark shoed me a metal garage door. Hmm, not the library Batman!
and we kept working towards the group I thought).
Then, Clark took me across a crosswalk in the parking lot of the large park!
I figured I had no idea where I was and to follow my dog. I could find the
way back to the main street by following traffic sound and felt comfortable
with what were doing.
LOL Then, we were on the surface street at an intersection! I don't know how
but there we were. I asked a couple people at the signal what street
(pointing) it was and they didn't know. They crossed and that seemed like a
good idea and we set off.
Wow! it was a long way across that street! Clark was chugging right along. I
think he was enjoying the new experience.
Follow your dog, right? I did! LOL
Clark set off like he knew where he was. We were a bit removed from the
traffic but I could still hear it on my left. I realized we had crossed the
street I wanted to go under back at the light. We were walking along some
type of building but again, I could find home but didn't know my location
exactly. LOL I wasn't worried and Clark was doing great.
Then we came to the end of the sidewalk, literally! Hmm ... what to do? I
told Clark "forward," and he stepped into the street and turned left! He was
going sidewalkless on me! The sounds of traffic got louder as we approached
the main road. Then I began laughing and praising up Clark. LOL
He turned left onto the sidewalk when I asked him to. We went a few feet and
I stopped him.
Then, I threw him a small party! I praised and kibbled him up real good. LOL
You see, he had taken me to the barber's shop from a totally different
direction then he had ever been before! The sidewalkless part was part of
how we leave the barber shop go to Bronson Way and turn left on the sidewalk
and then cross the small street.
LOL
Once we cross the small street, we are at the same spot as if we had walked
under the bridge. Clark knows the area better then I do! LOL
We headed home without further incident. Well one minor bad thing. At the
party I threw I used most of the kibble I had left so we ran out on the way
back home. But you can bet Clark was praised up good the whole way home.
Then when we came home I did give him a special treat. He deserved the
Eukanuba treat for that great work. LOL
Hmm ... I should tell you that Clark also did great on a traffic check too.
On the way to the trail we were crossing a driveway. Clark thought a car was
coming to fast for comfort so he put it into warp drive and we flew across
the driveway.
What a Super Guide!
I'm still grinnin'
Randy & Clark who's taking a well deserved nap |
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| lost, fire alarm, yapper *#*)@##! |
[Aug. 13th, 2007|10:00 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| | thankful | ] |
Today was interesting. We set off to explore the area South of Third Street. We crossed flawlessly. Clark did great as we headed down the blocks. We took a couple turns and had some fun crossing streets. The traffic patterns here are interesting. At one intersection people fly by like there's no speed limit. Other intersections, hardly any traffic passes at all.
Well, I decided to go visit the fire station. This is on Main and Bronson. I found a great way to get there and after passing it once we found the station. But by the time we got there the bay door was up and they were leaving. I had it in mind to introduce Clark to the guys. After all, the EMT's at least will meet him at some point.
So, we left and began making our way back home ... I thought. Not sure where I got turned around but instead of going down Third to Burnett, we ended up along Grady/Bronson/? This is a primary road that funnels traffic to I-405. I thought we were heading down Third until (Third is a one way street) cars began passing in both directions.
I could figure where we were, at least street wise, but I really didn't know where we were location wise. *sigh* And they say this is how Columbus discovered the New World?
I began telling Clark to go right and find "the door. Clark took off and I went right along with him. The walkway began to seem familiar. Then, someone called my name!
It was one of the neighbors here in the apartments. I asked if we were at the library. She confirmed we were! Yeah Clark, he took us somewhere he knew!
We walked a short distance with our neighbor and parted so we could go home and she could continue her walk along the river trail.
We came home no problem. Clark was really panting and we both were looking forward to a cool drink.
At the time I put my hand on our door handle, the fire alarm went off! So mcuh for cool drinkss!
We got Valerie, Niah and of course us out of there as quickly as possible. Niah was paniced by the alarm. Clark waws calm, cool (well almost) and collected. I sent Valerie and Niah ahead and locked up.
Clark and I had used the stairs a few times so he knew the way. He led me with confidence and skill to the stairs. One thing that impressed me was that we normally turn right and go to the elevator. But, he took me straight to the stair door as I requested. On the way down, one of the office staff told us someone had fallen asleep with something on the stove. Talk about crisp dinner!
We all went to the park and sat by the fountain. Valerie had talked with a shop owner who was relieved there wasn't a major fire. After about 20 minutes we got back to the apartment. Clark slurped down some water and took a nap. Yeah Clark, he did so good! He gave me no evidence that the alarm bothered hime. He stay focused and did a good job guiding us out of hte building. Yeah Clark!
While the alarm is painful I'm glad it sounded, now I know what I can expect from my mild mannered boy if a real emergency arises.
This evening, we met a yapper dog. The mutt took it upon itself to attack Clark. Why do the rat dogs feel the need to attack there betters? Clark and I escaped without injury and the family with the ankle biter apologized.
I also spoke with management about the incident. One of the management had witnessed what happened. I explained about dog attacks and gave them an iea on the cost of a guide dog verses a no account dust mop regardless of its "pedigree." They said they will talk with the family.
That was our interesting day. The boy is asleep now but I need to get out his rug so he can sleep comfortable for the evening.
Randy & Clark who even wags at rat dogs |
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| Zig-Zag |
[Aug. 10th, 2007|03:27 pm] |
| [ | Current Location |
| | home | ] |
| [ | mood |
| | peaceful | ] |
Today has been melow so far (3:30 pm). Valerie has been sick all day and that's not fun. I'm afraid I'm not the best of nurses.
We did go grocery shopping last night. Wow! So much for having gas money for the car for the rest of the nomth!
Of course, you don't care how much money we spent on ice cream, pop, and important things like bread and cheese! No, you want to know hos Clark did on our first shopping journey together since we've been home.
Can I say in a word: fabulous? Of course I can, I just did. He was fabulous.
Towards the end he was loosing focus from being tired and I did some obedience by the bakery near the whole wheat bread section. After that he was reenergized and his tail was back to ramming speed. Funny that having a dog do obedience will renergize him! LOL
He was tired though. On the trip home I had him in the front with me. Thankfully the Swiss Harness has the removable handle! He curled up between my legs, laid his head on my lap and snoozed the few blocks home. I really appreciated him doing that and I'm sure he liked the pillow. *grin*
He was out like a light shortly after we came home. His normal bed time is around 10 and he didn't get to bed until about 11.
Then early this morning somewhere between midnight and dawn, he threw up!
I can't begin to describe the sound. A mixture of, "Gak, erack, bark, a cough" and other interesting phonetic sounds. Maybe the sound of wet ripping wood is close. Anyway Clark woke us up out of a sound sleep. Hmm ... not really sound, he actually saved me from some unpleasant dreams but still the poor boy lost it in the wee hours of the morning. We're used to Niah throwing up and thought it was her. But the sound was much louder, stronger and deeper then her sounds.
Fortunately, the rug GDB provides is washable and most if not all landed there. It's much easier to was the rug then the carpet!
So, Valerie and I are up attending to the mess, Clark has never been off tie down through this and we're trying to figure out which end is up! LOL I come back to the bedroom after the wash is started and e's curled up in his spot at the end of the bed, like nothing happened! LOL
This morning he was fine and was happy for breakfast. He ate like normal and his disposition is normal so I think it may have been just sour stomach. There was some food in the vomit but not much. There, aren't you glad you're reading this? *smile*
This afternoon, Clark and I walked to Safeway. Normally it's a 4 block straight shot. We were just going for a short walk but I decided to head there so we had a destination.
We zig zagged our way there! It was fun. we traveled the streets between third and second back and forth. Let's see instead of 4 blocks there we walked ... 8! Clark did great.
You may recall (if I ever mentioned it) this area is a "fun," working area for dogs. Clark handled all the interesting obstacles with ease! (can you tell I'm proud of this boy?). We approached the store from the opposite end today.
This (I think) is the first time we approached the store from the North. Normally we come along Third. I used the clicker once on the sidewalk leading to the store and he loved it! LOL He already picked up the sidewalk when I gave him a moving left turn. The clicker of course makes his tail go even faster then normal.
He took me right to the door of the store and in we went. (yes, I used the clicker on the doorway too).
Inside we met Rick a guy who goes to our church. He works the produce at the store. He introduced himself and said he'd heard of my going away for training. He said I had a handsome boy and he was glad to meet me. Get this! He didn't say anything to Clark, ask to pet him or even acknowledge that Clark was there! (be still my beating heart!) He spoke to me the whole time. Wow, give that guy a raise!
The return trip home (after some coffee and I picked up somethign we forgot last night) we came straight home. That was fun too. I could tell Clark was getting tired. He begins to loose focus andlags on his pace. This is good to know. Yes, I broke him off and gave him opportunity to relieve.
Oh, I should mention this! Clark peed on the sidewalk by hs relieving area this morning! Oops! The park is made of broad walkways (concrete) and raised beds of shrubs and beauty bark. His relieving area is one of these beds. He didn't want to look at that before we went to the store. Instead he let 'er fly between two of these beds. Boy, was I red. I didn't correct him (harness was off and he was trained to pee on pavement) and he delivered more then normal.
I haven't contacted Nick on this but will do so if it occurs again. Perhaps I should correct him out of it. My concern there is he might stop all together and then let fly in an inappropriate place. Stay tuned.
That's about for now. I did have a bit of a low blood sugar by the time we got home but nothing to serious. Any more, it doesn't take a serious low to mess me up for several hours. Oh the joys of getting old! LOL
I love this boy. Even today whan I actually had to correct him for lack of attention while doing obedience, he's a joy to work with.
Randy & Clark who's napping right now but he'll get back to you as soon as he receives your message |
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| Anyone there? |
[Aug. 9th, 2007|01:38 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| | happy | ] |
Hi Friend,
Is anyone still there? LOL No problem if there isn't.
Clark and I have been on the trail lately. We have Clark, now we just need to find Lewis!
Working with Clark has been wonderful. I look forward to ourtimes out and about together. As I told a friend, I anticipate going out with Clark, not dread it.
He's such a responsive, obedient dog. Yes, he does get distracted but a simple "hop up," is normally all that's needed. I love it when we're walking along and I can feel his tail tapping against my leg. Yes, he actually wags his tail when he's working!
LOL
I've heard of dogs who love to work. Now, I have one. Granted, he doesn't push his head into the harness ... yet. We need to give him time. I forget that he's less then 2 years old. He acts mature, confident and polite. Yeah!
Today we walked along the Cedar River Trail. I'm not sure how long (distance) it is but it took us a bit over twenty minutes. I checked the time at an intersection (10:02 am) and when we got back to the intersection it was 10:26 am. We had to do a double cross at that intersection and it took us a couple minutes to get to where we turned right and headed for the trail.
We stopped a couple places to do some clicker work. These are places I want Clark to note an be excited about getting to.
I was incredibly sick yesterday so didn't work him but he rememberd most of the work we'd done. I did reinforce the steps up to street level. I think he rememberd the kibble he got at the library stronger then the ones he got at the steps earlier. LOL
I am thrilled to have a guide I can work with so easily. Yeah Clark!
We may be going shopping with Valerie later. We haven't done a full scale grocery shopping trip yet. This should be fun!
Take care and drop by when you have a chance!
Randy & Clark the napper |
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| ready, set, go! |
[Aug. 4th, 2007|03:24 pm] |
Well, yesterday was our list time with Nick for training purposes. It was a busy, full day and we covered a lot of ground.
In the morning we went back to the barbar shop to see how well Clark remembered from the day before. He did fabulous. There's a section of about 50 feet where we go sidewalkless. Clark is so eager to get to the upcurb and the door of the shop that he angles there from the down curb- LOL- of the intersection. So, I will have to check the edge a couple times before allowing him to go right. The street as I may have mentioned is about driveway width. After stepping into the shop and scaring the kitty that lives there (the barbar said Clark's eyes grew huge when he saw the cat and I could tell his ears were up in interest) we left.
Then we went for a walk along the Cedar River Trail. We took a different access this time and it was a good work out.
Clark hadn't done everything in the morning and we gave him extra time to do his thing before setting off to the shop. Just before heading off toward the trail I gave him another chance and he produced. In large quantities. One of the nice things about having a trainer along is this one offers to pick up. Who am I to say, "No?"
The walk along the trail was fun Clark was alert, interested and enjoying himself. It was cool down by the water and I could tell Clark enjoyed working there instead of the heat of the previous days. POint of fact, he was up in his pace until later in the day when it began to heat up a bit.
No surprise he likes working when it's cooler. He does wear a rather heavy fur coat. All the time, regardless of the occassion Clark is in his formal attire.
Let's see ... trail ... Oh yes, the trail ended up at the library! *grin* Clark remembered the library too! Yeah for clicker training!
We set off again along the same route back towards home as from the barbar shop. Along the way Nick offered to buy me a cup of coffee. I really like Nick. *grin* Then, we talked about food and decided to go to a restaurant down along Rainer and Second. To those that aren't from this area that means nothing, suffice it to say we traveled another third to half a mile to get to Denney's.
They were understaffed and one person was trying to seat people, collect money and deliver orders, drinks and so on. It took a while to be seated and I felt kind of bad for the lady.
We had some breakfast (it was before noon) and talked for a time. Clark lay under the table the whole time. He had a bad dream once but I touched him and he stopped whimpering. The boy was tired!
Clark was slow on the return trip home. I kept hopping him up and encouraging him to go faster. We made it back to the apartment at noon and agreed to meet at one.
We met and worked to McLendon's. The trip there was pretty good. Clark thinks he should have another 10 hours to nap. *grin* That was it, our last route with Nick unless we need him back for something special. Hopefully that call won't come any time soon.
I asked Nick what I needed to do to be a better handler. He siad we looked great together and advised me to make a "hop up," a command and not an option. He siad if Clark doesn't pick up the speed to gently cue him with the leash and give him an excited, "atta boy!!" And, not to make it a correction. He siad Clark is more sensitive and giving him corrections might make him balk and have the opposite effect desired.
I shook hands with Nick and thanked him for the week. I feel so much more confident as a handler then before. In one week, Clark learned how to go to Safeway, McLendon's, Barbar Shop, Library, Trail (2 different ways) and (this wasn't planned) Denney's. What a busy, fulfilling week!
I am very grateful to GDB for giving me the guide and training to use my guide. Thak you for joining on our journey, it's been fun to have you along.
One last thing, I was so tired last night that I was in bed sleeping before 9:30. LOL
Take care and do check back from time to time you never know when Clark will don his super guide harness and have another adventure.
Randy & Clark the mild mannered guide dog |
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| Barbar shop, library, trail, hardware store |
[Aug. 2nd, 2007|03:09 pm] |
Sounds busy, doesn't it? It was! *grin*
/We bagan day four of in home with a visit to my barbar shop. This is the most challenging route by far. It involves a rounded cornere next to a busy throughfare , sidewalkless travel and crossing a bridge with only inches seperating us and the cars whizzing by! Clark of course, was fabulous. But you weren't expecting anything different were you? *grin* Didn't think so!
Clicker training is an amazing way to train a guide! Clark is picking up in minutes what might have taken days in times past. Here's the route we took: Turn left out of the building, go t end of block and cross Second. Turn right and cross the next three blocks. The last crossing, Main is a bit tricky.
The sidewalk makes a sweeping curve to the left. Nick stopped us there and explained the rounded corner (Clark had picked it up and followed it like he knew he was supposed to). Clark worked to the down curb and we listened a bit.
I think Nick was actually concerned by ther volume of traffic on the parallel street on our right. I have to admit to being cautious also. *grin*
Clark handled it like a pro. Not surprising since he had his super hero harness on. *grin* The next "block" was long. It included a trip across the Cedar River. We endoutered a couple Basset Hounds and their owner. Clark stopped since we couldn't go around them. Nick had me put him in a sit and praise and kibble him. He said this will help him get around dog distractions like that.
We did some clicker training to get across Riverside, the street along the Barbar shop. We had to step off the sidewalk and go up Riverside about 50 feet. This is sidewalkless and I'll need to check our postioning. Then we cross the street and end up on the sidewalk passing infront of the shop!
LOL After we did this a couple times Clark siad, "Forget the turn, if I just make a beeline from the corner to the sidewalk I can get my kibble sooner!" LOL Nick said later that sometimes Clark is to smart for his own good. LOL
We took Clark into the shop and siad hi to folk. We worked back to Riverside. and turned left in the street and worked to the sidewalk along Grady Way. We worked in reverse on the sidewalk before repositioning and crossing Riverside back on the bridge. I should mention that Riverside is a two way street but about as wide as a driveway.
Nick stressed a couple times how important it will be for me to listen to traffic. I'm all for that!
There are some stairs along the bridge to the Cedar River Trail. We took these and headed off to the library. We used the clicker to target the library. Whoopee! Clark was ready to speed read through everything they had!
Under the bridge, we encountered a small dog. I put Clark in a sit and he actually wanted to play with the dog! I corrected him back and got him under control. Surprise! He responded quickly and of course I kibbled and praised him up.
Later after we returned home, I relieved Clark. We encoutnered a couple small dogs and agian, he was officially distracted! I didn't think it would happen! The small yipper dogs may be Clark's kryptonite. Fortunately he responds to correction and we can resume travel.
After lunch we worked to McLendon's Hardware store. It's located in a previous K-mart store building. I'd asked for help on this one because I remember it as being difficult. Boy, was I wrong! Using the clicker, we had Clark approaching the store after stopping at some certain places in the sidewalks. We toured the store and Clark did well, behaving and avoiding obstacles. Nick also found some planking items for his deck.
Clark remembered everything perfectly as we worked to Safeway! (a couple blocks away) He turned when he should have and stopped at the place we'd been kibbling him! LOL Then Nick and I had a couple frappacinos (spelling?).
We worked home by a different route. I don't want clark to get too bored. He did fantastic.
Besides his interest in small dogs, I'm having ot hop him up and use the leash to cure him forward a bit. I think this will pass with time But, I want you to be aware he's not perfect, just nearly so. *grin*
Well, more tomorrow, our last day of training.
Randy & Clark |
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| Clicker Wise Clark |
[Jul. 31st, 2007|02:55 pm] |
| [ | Current Location |
| | home | ] |
| [ | mood |
| | happy | ] |
Home training day two: Doesn't that sound official?
Nick was held up in traffic today so we missed out 9 o'clock start time. That's okay, gave me more time for coffee and stuff (you know how important "stuff" is!).
We worked to Safeway again and Clark did marvelous. He took us around some major obstacles with ease. Nick would tap the poles to let me know what he'd done. I could tell by the way Clark moved when we cleared an obstacle. He was over cautious in some areas but that will disappear with time as we work together.
We really are working together! Yeah!
We wanted to see if Clark would pick up the turn onto the sidewalk to Safeway. Nick said he (Clark) looked that way and slowed down a bit like he was considering it.
We stopped and Nick clicked after we'd traveled a few feet down the walk. I kibbled and praised Then we repeated again. By the third time, Clark was flying down the walkway ! We went further and further away from the walk. Almost before I'd pick up the harness handle Clark was in motion. He'd pull us ont the walkway and we'd have a small party at the click. Yeah Clark! When I go there next I'll start using a command for the sidewalk. I don't think he'll have any problem remembering.
The return trip was uneventful. This, is a good thing!We're still fine tuning and learning each other. Clark tends to be over cautious and I tend to respond after a pause to his maneuver. That's okay, these are just notes on things to work on for both of us. I told Nick Clark is so cautious because the trainers told him how clumsy I am. LOL
We worked the morning only today. This allows Nick to have the afternoon to catch up on reports. I guess that is a rare event so I'm happy to have helped. *grin*
We next worked to church. The first order of business was targeting the mid-block crossing for the transit center. I gave Clark direction one time. Then we used the clicker. Wow, this puppy is motivated when kibble is involved! Again, only a few times (hmm ... maybe 5 total?) and Clark was taking me to the crosswalk from a good distance. Yeah Clicker Wise Clark! Again, Nick said I could add commands next time I go toward the crosswalk. We both expect Clark to find the crosswalk no problem.
Then came the bus stop. We targeted the bus stop pole and began clicker work. Both Nick and I were laughing by the time we finished. Clark took to it like nobodies business! We finally worked from the up curb to the bus stop, all without a command from me. I'd pick up the handle and he'd take us right to the pole. He would touch his nose to the pole and we all had a small party. Do you know how much a labby can slober when excited about kibble? My right hand was soaked! LOL
There were onlookers who were very impressed with our young boy. That's neat that Clark responded so well to the clicker training in front of people. Nick commented that the clicker made such speedy work of training.
Then after the bus ride we took off for church. I notice that Clark will consider things when a decision is required. He paused several times on the way to the church and I could tell he was thinking. Thankfully he chose the correct path each time.
We did some clicker work at the church and again Clark, the wise young kibble grabber did great.
I did introduce Clark to the secretary who put the bulletin items about us. She loved him immediately.
Remember yesterday that we targeted the pole with the crossing button? Clark didn't need to be told he just walked right up to the pole like he'd been doing it for ages. Yeah Clark! This was a successful day of training.
Nick will be gone tomorrow. Clark is sleeping just behind my chair. It's good to have my boy home again.
Randy & Clark |
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| Home Training with Clark |
[Jul. 30th, 2007|08:01 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| | happy | ] |
Hello Friend,
Clark and I had our first day of "in home" training today. In home training is a bit misleading. After all, we received no training in our home. In fact, Nick didn't ev4en come inside! But why argue symantics?
It's nice that Clark has kept his same relieving habits in the short two days since we've been home. His primary relieving area is about a block away.
We met Nick about 10 this morning. After relieving Clark, we worked to Safeway, about 4.5 blocks away.
The route we took is the same I worked Clark on when he came to visit back in May. It's challenging enough that the lead trainer who brought him up wants to train dogs up here. We're still in negotiations.
There are many narrow places, jogs and curb cutouts that don't line up with the path of travel. There are also random poles, signs and today, Hoeny Buckets left from the parade last Saturday.
There were lots of sights, sounds , and smells for a young lab to be distracted by. Clark sailed past most of these without a problem.
The closest I came to correcting him was to hop him up. I think he wanted to take his time and enjoy all the new sensations. I did give him a small forward correction to encourage him after several hop ups didn't bring results.
In the short time I've had him here, I've noticed he will go slo until he knows a route. I think this is because he wants to do it right and so may error on the side of caution.
On The way to Safeway, we cleared many obstacles and he showed me several more. They weren't necessarily in the way, he just wanted to make sure I didn't go crashing into them. I think he still remembers the telephone in Gresham (the scab on my forehead is finally gone).
We worked on targeting he sidewalk to Safeway a bit. Tomorrow we'll use the clicker if necessary. After about three times (maybe more) Clark made the turn without a problem. I'm very proud of how hard he works.
Nicke and I had coffee at the Starbuck's. After a few minutes, I spilled my Americano all over the place! It hit Nick, Clark and the floor, not to mention the table! Coffee Abuse!!Fortunately, the coffe didn't burn Clark. Oh, Nick wasn't hurt either. *sigh* It wouldn't be bad if I were clumsy or blind, but to be both!
Going to Safeway wasn't the hard part. The route home (retracing the way there) was the challenge. It was an almost constant struggle to maintain speed and focus on this route previously.So, I was ready to be frustrated, remember that Clark and I have only been together a couple weeks.
We sailed right through! Clark moved like a slalom skier going down hill in the Olympics. There are two particularly difficult crossings on the way home.
The first has a brick wall at the end of the up curb cut out. That is a particularly painful area. I normally requires hop ups and other forms of enticement to get the gide around this planter. I've had bruside and skinned shins from either not listening oroverstepping my guide trying to get them to move. We were part way down the block before I realized we had passed that spot without a pause.
The next challenge is maybe a few feet after the up curb there's a couple poles sort of blocking the main travel path on the sidewalk. You can go left which is about a foot wide gab, or to the right wich is a couple feet wide. To top it off there's an electirical box face high (yes, I've done a face plant on it) to add to the mix. Clark crossed, made a smart move to the right, cleared the obstacle and picked up his line of travel again! Yeah!
At Safewy we talked about the proper timing for letting Niah nd Clark play together. This is difficult because Niah has fallen for Clark (she likes the tall, dark, silent handsome types) and Clark would like to play too. Nick said to wait a couple weeks and then let them play for short intervals (15 minutes max).
This afternoon we worked to the transit center. We patterned a mid block sidewalk. After just a few times, Clark picked up the crossing without much difficulty. Yeah for the power of kibble!
The bus ride was fine. Clark insisted he needed to lay down and take a nap. I persuaded him he didn't and to keep his head up. As some will know tryng to stop a lab from lying down is like trying to stophot fudge from sliding down vanilla ice cream!
The route to church went well. Clark picked up a difficult curb cut and worked very well through some narrow areas with shrubs on one side and cars parked along the curb on the other. A few times he made the conscience decision to walk straight over grates because if he veered he would have pushed me off the sidewalk. Nick told me he could see him considering it and making the decision. That explains why I was being run off the sidewalk in the past! Yeah Clark!
We visited for a time at church. More to catch our breath then anything else! LOL I don't move that fast with a cane. LOL
Here's some exciting news! One of the secretaries put a phot of Clark and I in training in Gresham in the bulletin this last week. She also summarized the etiquette around guide dogs.
One of the worst offenders for petting works there. He's a good friend and I like him. He does like to pet first and ask later. Today, he saw us and asked if he could pet Clark to which I agreed. I took off Clark's harness and gave my friend a few moments to love on Clark. Then I said, "okay," and he stopped! Wow!
I really appreciate this other dear friend for helping me get the word out to the church. We got bulletins with all the goodies in it and set off. (after we caught our breath)
Finding the crosswalk button was next on the agenda. While in training we crossed Powell Blvd only a couple times and then at low traffic vollumes. I didn't ask for more because I knew I'd have this time with Nick.
Sunset Blvd is a busy avenue that is actually a highway. There are free right turns onto the road and the obligatory left turns too. Finding that crosswalk button has long been a bane of mine with or with out a guide.
Break out the clicker! Clark is clicker wise. By the time we finished today he was pulling me hard to the pole! Again, yeah for the ower of kibble. Nick offered to take over clicking for which I'm grateful. AS some may know handling the clicker, harness and leash is complicated (refer to clumsy statement above). Don't worry, I'm clicker training Clark to find the garbage in the park on my own.
We crossed successfully and sat at the bus stop for a long time. I think we missed te previous bus by a few minutes. I felt myself going low so started munching glucose tabs. Glad I had them with me!
We will repeat the Safeway and church tomorrow. Nick will be busy elsewhere Wednesday and we'll pick up a couple other routes on Thrusday and Friday.
This has been a good, full day for both of us. More of our adventures tomorrow.
Randy & Clark |
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