Guide Dogs in Training

Toby's memory stone made with love by his raiser

Have you ever seen a guide dog or service dog in action and wondered what it takes to create such an amazing partnership? 

I recently started to follow a fascinating blog called Toby's Life as a Guide Dog in Training. Toby tells us, from his own point of view, what it's like to prepare for a life of service while in the home of his raiser. A raiser is the person who cares for the pup as he grows... providing socialization, training, and plenty of love.

After many months in his raiser's home, Toby recently moved on to Guide Dog school. I must confess to shedding quite a few tears over the poignant posts as his raiser (and his fans) said good-bye. 

The happy news for us is that Toby's raiser will receive a new puppy in May. Currently you can read past posts about sweet Toby, as well as look forward to soon following a new puppy-in-training.

I'd never before given much thought to the job of a raiser in preparing service dogs. Toby's blog will definitely open your eyes, and your heart, to a raiser's role in transforming an animal from puppyhood to a dog who will someday open a world of possibilities for a person in need.

Animal Emergency

First aid kit for pets

Years ago I took a first aid class for pets offered by the Red Cross. We learned simple techniques for emergencies and pet CPR. I remember it being a lively class where we got to try out our technique on patient and willing shelter animals.

If you haven't done a class like this before, you might wish to consider it. In addition to the Red Cross, local humane societies, pet training centers, and other animal related organizations frequently offer pet first aid training for a nominal fee. You never know when you may need to utilize what you've learned.

For myself, with one aging critter and another that is constantly doing things he shouldn't, I'm actually thinking about a refresher course!

Special on Puppy Mills

On Friday, May 8, 2009 at 9:00 p.m. Eastern time, the National Geographic Channel will run a program on puppy mills. Cesar Millan (The Dog Whisperer), goes into one of these "breeding facilities" with a rescue group. Although Millan has worked with dogs who came from puppy mills before, he states that this is the first time he has witnessed the conditions under which the dogs live first hand.

Sounds like it will be a powerful program, with information on how to modify behavior problems often found in puppy mill dogs.

Thanks to my friend, Carol, for giving me a heads up on the program.

Training Tip

There are many theories on dog training from the pack leader-type style of Cesar Millan (the Dog Whisperer, if you're one of the few folks who haven't heard of him) to the advocates of only using reward based training.

However, the training I most often see owners use with their dogs everyday goes something like this:

"Sit, Fido. I said sit. Sit now. Sit! SIT!"

Fido complies or not, depending upon how he feels at the moment, or if he wants the treat held in his owner's hand.

Repeating commands over and over is an easy trap to fall into. I admit to being as guilty as anyone else of it until a trainer told me something that made a lot of sense. The only behavior that repeating commands taught the dog was that he didn't have to obey until he heard it at least 12 times (if then).

I've learned to say the command only once, and then if necessary, gently "assist" the dog to the desired result. After this comes praise/reward.

It really does help! Good dog!