Service Dog Quest: Focus, Fido!
During Week 3, your focus was on learning about the theory behind distraction proofing and changing canine behavior. Now that you've studied the concepts, it's time to put them to work in the week 4 Service Dog Challenge: "Focus, Fido!"
Service Dog Quest: Dig Into Distractions
If you and your Service Dog participated in Week Two of the 2014 Service Dog Challenge, you should have a much clearer understanding of exactly what your canine partner knows and how well she knows it. During Week Three, the focus shifts from your dog to you. Gear up for a fun week of learning and as always, thanks for joining us for the 2014 SD Challenge!
Service Dog Quest: Measure Current Training
Last week, we introduced the 2014 Service Dog Challenge. We had you identify some areas you and your canine partner could both improve in and write them down for safe keeping. This week, it's time to actually get the ball rolling! Welcome to Week Two of the 2014 Service Dog Challenge, and we're glad you've decided to join us.
Service Dog Quest: Intro and Goals
New Year's resolutions are a time-honored tradition but we're all familiar with how difficult it is to keep up with them. If you're like many Service Dog and working K-9 handlers, you may have a couple dog-related items on your list, like "train more" or "socialize" or "learn new things." In order to help you and your Service Dog learning, growing and bonding all year long, we're proud to announce the 2014 Service Dog Challenge!
Service Dog Law Hand-out
In the heat of the moment or when you need clear, concise information the most, it can be difficult to remember the most important details, especially with a topic as full of "legalese" as federal Service Dog law. Keep this handy Service Dog Law Hand-out readily available for those times when you need it the most.
Train a Service Dog to Retrieve: Part Three
Once your partner will take a dumbbell out of your hand and hold it under a variety of circumstances, it's time to teach him to pick it up off the ground and to introduce new objects. By the end of Part Three, your partner will be able to complete a formal Service Dog or obedience retrieve!
Train a Service Dog to Retrieve: Part Two
You know it takes work and practice to train a Service Dog to retrieve. You’ve managed to get your Service Dog to mouth at the dumbbell, but now you’re stuck. No matter what you try, your Service Dog keeps spitting the dumbbell out immediately. In this “Train a Service Dog to Retrieve” installment, learn how to continue to train your partner’s formal retrieve and how to easily and positively obtain the ever-so-elusive “hold” behavior.