Team Training Day 6 ~ Fun in the Sun

We're back up and running! We started the day off by combining two of the elements we've been working on: distractions and agility course work. 

Can I go yet?!

Meanwhile at the end of the tunnel . . .

That's right our committed students had to work their dog through an agility course (many pieces of which were brand new) that was riddled with human food. 

Not only was this difficult for these VERY food motivated pups, but to make matters worse money was on the line. 

Are we done yet?

Any food eaten had to be compensated for by the culprit. (otherwise what would be the incentive right?) Everyone did great! Only one plate of eggs down!

After all that all work we all needed a break!

Zzzzz . . ..

And what better way to cool down than to go down to the river!

Some of the pups gravitated toward the water right away, but others were a little more apprehensive.

Not quite sure about the water

There we go. Yay Churro!

Jim, our recreational sports master, took everyone (including the dogs) out on the kayak.

 

Winning Raffle Ticket Number: 056

Team Training Day 5 ~ The "Magic" Begins

Today was spent honing skills learned. Participants have realized that there is much more to having a service dog than they realized. According to Nicholas, it's a lot of hard work, but he promised to take good care of the dog he goes home with.

Facility Dog team Jim and Eddie attended class today and showed everyone how successful they will become after spending more time together. Jim graduated last year with doodle Eddie. You rocked it Jim & Eddie. What a difference a year makes!

After more obstacle courses and lecture time, everyone was rewarded with being able to take a dog back to stay with them tonight.They even learned their names. Up until now they have all been "puppy" so that the dogs names are not "worn out". 

This years graduating dogs are from the dessert litter and their names are Mousse, Eclair, Dulce, Churro and Pizookie.

The final part of the day was spent learning how to safely load and unload your dog from your vehicle, as well as the basics, like setting up your crate once you get back to where you are staying.

A good day was had by all...


If you haven't gotten your raffle tickets yet, it's not too late. Go to www.canine-angels.org/raffle2015 
The raffle begins tomorrow and ends at Graduation on Saturday, June 27th. For details, click the link above. Together, we are changing lives!

Team Training Day 4 ~ Walking the Line

Well folks, the week is almost over. Most of us are exhausted and can't wait for a day off. Nevertheless, today was jam-packed with fun learning opportunities.

We added some new elements to the obstacle course, including the infamous "Walking the Line." This exercise is intended to promote the proper positioning of your dog while turning towards him/her.

We also began practicing down stays and recall. We balanced our "dog time" with learning about dog health, dog psychology and using calm, assertive energy. 

Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!