River has been visiting in the OT dept, working with an 11 year old girl, a friend of ours, who is suffering from selective mutism. She talks at home to her family, but not to other people in general, at least adults. She has not spoken to the therapist or student interns at Schreiber. I believe that she sometimes uses sign language with them, but not consistently. Her older sister is friends with Amanda, and she sees Bernie (Occupational Therapist, whom we met at Schreiber, when we were visiting Pink Girl in PT.) She has been to our house and likes the dogs; enjoys having them do tricks for her and she usually talks to Amanda, if I am not present. So we suggested that River and Amanda might be a good addition to her OT therapy.
I wish I could say that the desire to have River do tricks got her to speak to him, but it's not true. She has interacted with River using hand signals - darn dog knows nonverbal signals for all tricks and actually responds better to those most times. I usually stay out of the area and let Amanda handle River. She has said a few words to Amanda when the therapist steps away. She has spoken to Amanda and her sister over Skype. She did speak to me once when here, when she needed a bandaid and Amanda/sister refused to ask for her.
The therapist has been very inventive. She understands working with a dog. They have used obstacle courses, running with a scooter, both put handprint/pawprint on the wall. She has also incorporated her own young daughter over the summer. There has been laughter and participation in the activities, but not speaking. So far.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
New Trial Visit - Fail
Cancellation that we didn't know about, no Pinkie ( Amanda's preferred name for pink Girl), so we asked if anyone else wanted a dog visit. An OT with a young autistic? boy took us up on the offer, so we crammed into a small room, with her, him , both parents and the 3 of us.
We had met dad and son briefly in the waiting area just beforehand and boy had not been willing to approach River and shown only a little interest, being more fascinated by the water fountain. River did very well with the situation, not even fazed when a chair fell over.
However, it soon became obvious, despite our efforts as well as River's, his parents and the OT, that he was not making much of a connection with the dog. Actually, he did pet him once, which his mom felt was significant. However, we bowed out after a bit. We sometimes see him when we are there for other visits, but he is unwilling to look at, touch or come close to River.
We had met dad and son briefly in the waiting area just beforehand and boy had not been willing to approach River and shown only a little interest, being more fascinated by the water fountain. River did very well with the situation, not even fazed when a chair fell over.
However, it soon became obvious, despite our efforts as well as River's, his parents and the OT, that he was not making much of a connection with the dog. Actually, he did pet him once, which his mom felt was significant. However, we bowed out after a bit. We sometimes see him when we are there for other visits, but he is unwilling to look at, touch or come close to River.
Encore the Festival - KPETS Info Booth
KPETS info booth at various events help to raise awareness of KPETS activities - and sometimes even a few funds - there's a donation jar and some items for sale. We've taken a time slot at several of these. Good to bring a chair and water & snacks for people and dogs, along with the ubiquitous poop bags. Usually have River wear his KPETS vest or bandana. Noche sometimes gets to come, depending on the venue, as a therapy-dog-in-training. The socialization opportunity is good for him.
Encore the Festival was very lightly attended, at least during our time slot, and reportedly for most others. However, it was the first year. There certainly was a lot of planning put into it - lots of big tents, organized schedule in multiple venues, performers, artists, food, demos, etc. The big draw was likely to be the evening concert and that may be why the daytime activities feel somewhat flat.
We entertained when we could, having River run through some rally and freestyle exercises could draw a small crowd. We also got to meet the other KPETS Portie and her owner. So not a total waste of time and maybe we spread the word, planted a seed that will flourish later.
Encore the Festival was very lightly attended, at least during our time slot, and reportedly for most others. However, it was the first year. There certainly was a lot of planning put into it - lots of big tents, organized schedule in multiple venues, performers, artists, food, demos, etc. The big draw was likely to be the evening concert and that may be why the daytime activities feel somewhat flat.
We entertained when we could, having River run through some rally and freestyle exercises could draw a small crowd. We also got to meet the other KPETS Portie and her owner. So not a total waste of time and maybe we spread the word, planted a seed that will flourish later.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Rally Excellent!
July 28 -31, Bloomsburg,PA, Mt Laurel Cluster
Our first away-from-home/hotel dog show experience was a success. River now has his Rally Excellent title. And we learned many lessons that weekend, not all pertaining to the ring experience.
Had to travel Thursday evening since the walk-through was at 8:45 and it was a 2 1/2 hr drive; traveling in the wee hours would not have worked. Drove first through thunderstorms and then fog, so that was an adventure itself. Discovered that River does not stay quietly in a crate in a hotel room, so that added stress and made it a challenge to enjoy our meals out. He handled everything else well; cooperative about being exercised, enjoyed joining us on the bed, of course. He was ok in his crate at the show; we did leave him a few times there and he only protested briefly once. The vendors were outside of the buildings, so no AC for them. We let River enjoy the very strong AC in the obedienece building while we shopped, etc. Food vendor and restrooms also outside. Turned out our room had a fridge, so we hit Walmart to get snacks and lunch supplies. Packing your own is the way to go.
So, how did his rally runs go? - well, Amanda had been diligently working on the trouble spots, especially not losing his attention at the beginning and not laying down on the "sit" during honor. And had gotten him to be way more reliable on those. Still, he lost points for laying down on the sit, out of position on first exercise and sniffing those stuffed toy distractions on figure eight. However, 93 the first day was a 3rd place, 97 the last day was first place, merely qualifed second day with 77. This was the time he broke the stay and Amanda did a sign wrong (paused too long on moving down and around, so pretty picky but cost 10 pts and I think he hit the jump that day too.) He really was awesome that last day; they looked so good together and friendly judge said she wished she could have given a 100. Still we were all pretty tired and wanting to go home, so couldn't wait until she was available for a photo. The other thing we learned was that Noche didn't handle the separation well. He gave Cara a rough time searching for Amanda, refusing to settle and sleep,protesting loudly, despite all her efforts. So another lesson learned.
And there is another level of Rally title - it requires qualifying in both Advanced and Excellent at 10 shows!! We decided to pass on that. Amanda is giving a Novice obedience class a try with River and a Performance Foundation class with Noche. And hoping for a return to agility training soon!
Our first away-from-home/hotel dog show experience was a success. River now has his Rally Excellent title. And we learned many lessons that weekend, not all pertaining to the ring experience.
Had to travel Thursday evening since the walk-through was at 8:45 and it was a 2 1/2 hr drive; traveling in the wee hours would not have worked. Drove first through thunderstorms and then fog, so that was an adventure itself. Discovered that River does not stay quietly in a crate in a hotel room, so that added stress and made it a challenge to enjoy our meals out. He handled everything else well; cooperative about being exercised, enjoyed joining us on the bed, of course. He was ok in his crate at the show; we did leave him a few times there and he only protested briefly once. The vendors were outside of the buildings, so no AC for them. We let River enjoy the very strong AC in the obedienece building while we shopped, etc. Food vendor and restrooms also outside. Turned out our room had a fridge, so we hit Walmart to get snacks and lunch supplies. Packing your own is the way to go.
So, how did his rally runs go? - well, Amanda had been diligently working on the trouble spots, especially not losing his attention at the beginning and not laying down on the "sit" during honor. And had gotten him to be way more reliable on those. Still, he lost points for laying down on the sit, out of position on first exercise and sniffing those stuffed toy distractions on figure eight. However, 93 the first day was a 3rd place, 97 the last day was first place, merely qualifed second day with 77. This was the time he broke the stay and Amanda did a sign wrong (paused too long on moving down and around, so pretty picky but cost 10 pts and I think he hit the jump that day too.) He really was awesome that last day; they looked so good together and friendly judge said she wished she could have given a 100. Still we were all pretty tired and wanting to go home, so couldn't wait until she was available for a photo. The other thing we learned was that Noche didn't handle the separation well. He gave Cara a rough time searching for Amanda, refusing to settle and sleep,protesting loudly, despite all her efforts. So another lesson learned.
And there is another level of Rally title - it requires qualifying in both Advanced and Excellent at 10 shows!! We decided to pass on that. Amanda is giving a Novice obedience class a try with River and a Performance Foundation class with Noche. And hoping for a return to agility training soon!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Rally Advanced Title Somehow....
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!
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!
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.
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