Amanda put a Rally Advanced title on River, finishing his third leg at the Lancaster KC show in Lebanon. A nice show to do so, as they provide a title finishing rosette, so we had a professional photo taken as well.
She was almost embarrassed to raise her hand during awards as having finished - his score was 73 (70 is the minimim) and she certainly did not think they had qualified when they left the ring. I didn't believe it until I checked the posted score myself. He certainly did not act like the dog she had been training. He was distracted from the moment they entered the ring. He left her at least twice - once to visit the stuffed dog distraction and another time to wag his tail at a young child ringside. Amanda worked very hard to get him back - everything but singing and dancing. I was surprised that the judge did not excuse them. And looking back, perhaps Amanda should have asked to be excused. But, she was persistant and the very kind judge rewarded that. She lost points for redoing signs and probably out of position, but he didn't leave the ring, he did do the exercises, although not well, so....
Now, the question is how to handle this going forward. Is he ringwise and won't work because he knows there is no food and no corrections in the ring or was he having a bad day? What kind of training can overcome this?
Attention work was suggested to us, but another trainer thinks he has excellent attention. Still another suggested working with treats not on person - going to get them after an exercise or 2 and gradually working up the length of time, keeping it random, making a big deal of "let's go get treats". I guess this is the "jackpot" method and I think Amanda wants to try this. Plus lots of on leash training. Excellent level is off leash also, plus has restrictions on clapping, slapping your leg and the added challenge of the honor exercise. Amanda wants to avoid the potential distractions of outdoor shows; so the next possibilities are in July. Plenty of time to prepare!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Driving a Power Chair
Pink Girl was test driving a power chair at this past week's visit. First her therapist tried to get her to walk over to the chair. She encouraged her to walk River - one of his leashes draped over her walker while I held the shorter one. Not much cooperation, so she was "helped" to get there.
Power chair driving is way more fun. I think this was only her second time in the chair and as this is not her personal chair, some adjustments had to be made. Finally she was off and moving. Still learning to steer, but clearly enjoying herself, she headed down the hallway. She was able to raise her self up to look in the pool window; later she could lower herself to give River a drink - these are the kinds of things we tend to take for granted.
River was not at all fazed by the chair 's movement or sound, gotta love his adaptability - we did have to keep an eye on his tail - as she moves so much faster, the chance of it getting caught increases. We found it helpful to tell her to aim the joystick at River and his bright yellow vest (yes, he finally has one). This helped to keep her straight and encouraged her to sit upright and minimized bumping the wall as we headed down the hallway.
Power chair driving is way more fun. I think this was only her second time in the chair and as this is not her personal chair, some adjustments had to be made. Finally she was off and moving. Still learning to steer, but clearly enjoying herself, she headed down the hallway. She was able to raise her self up to look in the pool window; later she could lower herself to give River a drink - these are the kinds of things we tend to take for granted.
River was not at all fazed by the chair 's movement or sound, gotta love his adaptability - we did have to keep an eye on his tail - as she moves so much faster, the chance of it getting caught increases. We found it helpful to tell her to aim the joystick at River and his bright yellow vest (yes, he finally has one). This helped to keep her straight and encouraged her to sit upright and minimized bumping the wall as we headed down the hallway.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Pink Girl Makes a Tunnel
Leaning into a large exercise ball, the therapist encouraged her to straighten her arms, making a tunnel for River to go "under" between her and the ball. He was happy to comply and Pink Girl laughed as his tail tickled her when he zipped through. That idea I learned at the last KPETS roundtable was successfully put into action at this session. We also did the usual: having her hold the hula hoop (with Amanda on the other side) for him to jump, a crawling competition, squeezing his water bottle to give him a drink, having River "play/paw" the piano - which always must be followed by Pink Girl's more melodious piano efforts. Walking wasn't as successful - we offered walking him on leash, chasing his tail with the walker wheels, tricks as a rewards for steps, distracting conversation (guess River's age) but there were more tears than steps.
River wore his new KPETS bandana embroidered with his name. She admired that, but did try to use the bandana to pull him which I tried to discourage. She hasn't done that with other bandanas. There were sweet moments, too - she enjoyed a few kisses and she gave him a hug. Overall much of the session was positive; as her therapist said - she really "goes up and down" in mood and degree of cooperation.
River wore his new KPETS bandana embroidered with his name. She admired that, but did try to use the bandana to pull him which I tried to discourage. She hasn't done that with other bandanas. There were sweet moments, too - she enjoyed a few kisses and she gave him a hug. Overall much of the session was positive; as her therapist said - she really "goes up and down" in mood and degree of cooperation.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Rally Novice Title and 2 legs of Advanced
March -Rally Novice title earned in a 3 day show cluster in York!!!! Rah!!! for River and Amanda. Scores of 87,9?, 97 Placements of second, 1 point out of ribbons and first to finish. Now if I could just figure out how to add photos.
April - I started this a while ago - they now have 2 legs towards Advanced, earned with scores of 94 - a first and second place in Harrisburg. Headed to Lancaster KC show in Lebanon May 15 - maybe to finish Advanced.
"Even there, River got to be a therapy dog." wrote this part earlier, Hmm, wish I remember where I was going with this.... maybe that people petted him as opposed to ring- prepped dogs who couldn't be touched. We took him with us when we shopped the vendors so he got lots of attention which he enjoyed.
April - I started this a while ago - they now have 2 legs towards Advanced, earned with scores of 94 - a first and second place in Harrisburg. Headed to Lancaster KC show in Lebanon May 15 - maybe to finish Advanced.
"Even there, River got to be a therapy dog." wrote this part earlier, Hmm, wish I remember where I was going with this.... maybe that people petted him as opposed to ring- prepped dogs who couldn't be touched. We took him with us when we shopped the vendors so he got lots of attention which he enjoyed.
Photos for Ump
I didn't follow through on the lotto game idea, but his therapist Terri brought a camera to a session and took photos of Ump and River doing tricks. She made a great photo album, labeling thesem, with the goal of reinforcing the trick signals, as well as just having the photo "brag" book.
Ump seemed to love it and showed it to me proudly. Next time we saw him we learned that he took it along on his holiday visit to his relatives and gave it to one of them ( mom or sister?). Very generous of him; sadly, it still has not been replaced yet ( in April). We now see him with the original therapist Sheree ( she took maternity leave about 6 months after we started visiting). Seems complicated to get photos printed there. I really should bring a camera sometime and make something. Somehow, most weeks, it seems all I can do to get River and myself to the visit. Maybe I need to learn to be patient with myself - Ump enjoys what we are able to offer by visiting - I'm the one who sets the higher standards for myself. As Amanda pointed out - River could do the same tricks and we could have essentially the same conversations and Ump would enjoy his visits. He is so proud to give River the treats he made. He like to walk us to the door and if anyone asks, he insists that they get to have River do a trick for a treat from them as well. No wonder River is well-padded these days!
Ump seemed to love it and showed it to me proudly. Next time we saw him we learned that he took it along on his holiday visit to his relatives and gave it to one of them ( mom or sister?). Very generous of him; sadly, it still has not been replaced yet ( in April). We now see him with the original therapist Sheree ( she took maternity leave about 6 months after we started visiting). Seems complicated to get photos printed there. I really should bring a camera sometime and make something. Somehow, most weeks, it seems all I can do to get River and myself to the visit. Maybe I need to learn to be patient with myself - Ump enjoys what we are able to offer by visiting - I'm the one who sets the higher standards for myself. As Amanda pointed out - River could do the same tricks and we could have essentially the same conversations and Ump would enjoy his visits. He is so proud to give River the treats he made. He like to walk us to the door and if anyone asks, he insists that they get to have River do a trick for a treat from them as well. No wonder River is well-padded these days!
Reading Program Summary
River and I completed our stint at the Wickersham Elem reading program. It was to go through May, but I begged off at the end of April. Our end of year schedule is pretty busy and I needed to cut back. It was a learning experience for me and I think it was enjoyable to the children involved. I am not convinced that is was the most effective use of our time and River's particular skills. It was not set up along the lines of what has been shown to be effective at helping with improving reading. Specific goals and developing a relationship by working with the same children seem to be hallmarks of those programs.
I enjoyed the children and encouraging their reading, but preferred discussing their pets and demonstrating River's tricks and, if there was interest, telling them about training. River was agreeable to any activity and excited to be there for visits. His young mistress did not find it interesting and declined to participate. She likes working with children but much prefers the visits at Schreiber where we do AAT in PT area and work with one child over a period of time.
I enjoyed the children and encouraging their reading, but preferred discussing their pets and demonstrating River's tricks and, if there was interest, telling them about training. River was agreeable to any activity and excited to be there for visits. His young mistress did not find it interesting and declined to participate. She likes working with children but much prefers the visits at Schreiber where we do AAT in PT area and work with one child over a period of time.
April Schreiber Trial Visit
We did a one time visit with a child described as "very involved" as in no speech, little independent movement. He was,according to his mother,having a bad day, but overall he had more interest in River's ballon than the dog. So we gifted him the balloon and visited with another child who very much enjoyed River's company during his therapy. His mother took a KPETS card and I think would have requested us. In reality, her son was fairly well motivated to cooperate and not in big need of River - my assessment, but we haven't heard anything. And maybe I'm wrong and AAT could be used for other than motivation to participate,maybe would have an effect on rate of progress or attempting new things. My limited experience can't evaluate that.
I'm not sure what kind of a system would work - to inform therapists about AAT and using KPETS teams - to let them know specifics of how and when AAT can be helpful. What criteria determines if AAT would be useful and then, should there be specifics to match a team to the situation? It's an nteresting area that deserves more study.
I wonder if having teams available on a regular basis at Schreiber would provide a chance to demonstrate that - or is that too random and maybe an in-service type program would be more effective?
I'm not sure what kind of a system would work - to inform therapists about AAT and using KPETS teams - to let them know specifics of how and when AAT can be helpful. What criteria determines if AAT would be useful and then, should there be specifics to match a team to the situation? It's an nteresting area that deserves more study.
I wonder if having teams available on a regular basis at Schreiber would provide a chance to demonstrate that - or is that too random and maybe an in-service type program would be more effective?
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