Posted on: in [ Service Dogs in Training ]
Sponsor Announcement
I want to give a big thank you to Delilah Kramme for sponsoring my journey through the Retrieving Freedom program! Delilah graciously donated toward a Puppy Head Start Sponsorship, which provided her the opportunity to give me my wonderful name. I want to thank Delilah from the bottom of my heart for their generosity toward my training. I hope to make her proud!!
Alex's Journey
Stage 1 Introduction
Hi there, I'm Alex. I am proud to have been selected to enter into the Retrieving Freedom training program. My parents are "Wally" from RidgeView Labradors and "Britt," of USVSD. During this stage of training I will be spending approximately 8 months with my new volunteer foster, Jessa.
Throughout Stage 1, I will learn the basics obedience, public behavior, and a lot of socialization. I understand that it takes a very special dog to complete the program as there is a high standard to become a Service Dog. I am aware that I may be one of the dogs whose purpose is outside of service work so I will be updating my profile on a monthly basis for all that would like to follow my journey through the program.
September 2020 - 2 months old
I transitioned into my foster home! I will first learn my name, how to walk on a leash, where it's appropriate to go potty, and what toys I'm able to safely chew on. Jessa and I are so excited to learn a lot together over the next several months!
October 2020 - 3 months old
I have begun going to college classes with Jessa! I'm learning to entertain myself over longer periods of time by chewing on bones and taking good snoozes. Between classes, we go on walks and work on my heeling. Jessa fostered another dog named Bailee before I came along. We got to spend a week with Bailee which helped me in my training, too! She showed me how to properly heel and not be afraid of new surfaces when playing safely at the playground!
November 2020 - 4 months old
Jessa and I have been gearing up for the holiday season. I behave well when we run errands and then by the end of the day, I'm ready for a long nap!
December 2020 - 5 months old
I have been spending a few weeks with another volunteer foster home, Megan! We work hard, I come home and take naps with my tongue out to rejuvenate, and then we play some more! We went to puppy class and worked on my excitement around other animals and humans. I'm learning to be greeted appropriately and stay on my "place" board, even when I'm tempted to jump off. Toward the end of the month I was reunited with my foster Jessa. She has since adopted a released dog, who she fostered before me, named Bailee!
January 2021 - 6 months old
Happy New Year! Jessa, Bailee and I all celebrated the holidays together.
February 2021 - 7 months old
Jessa and I have been going to college classes again. I'm working on relaxing throughout the class, holding my "down" command and finding ways to entertain myself without interrupting Jessa's work.
March 2021 - 8 months old
Jessa and I have been working hard on "leave it" where I ignore tempting snacks, loose leash walking, and laying calmly and quietly in class. I have been doing great! My only hiccup this month was learning how fun mud is to play in. Jessa doesn't think it's as much fun to give me a bath every other day, but I sure do have a ball rolling around in the mud!
April 2021 - 9 months old
Jessa and I participated in a public training session with other fosters and service dogs in training at Menards. I was very well-behaved and didn't mind performing the "place" command on new textures such as various outdoor rugs! I walked passed the toy aisle while maintaining eye contact with Jessa.
May 2021 - 10 months old
Jessa and I finished up our semester at college and are ready for summer!
June 2021 - 11 months old
Training at the mall was interesting! I worked on familiarizing myself with mirrors and seeing other service dogs in training while out in public.
Stage 2 Introduction
Wahoo!!! I have officially been entered into stage 2 training, and I am so excited! Over the past 10 months I have had the opportunity to see the RFI mission first hand, and can’t wait to dig deeper in the mission of changing lives through my training for veterans with disabilities and children with autism. This training stage will be another 8 months of working within the Retrieving Freedom Impact programs. During this Stage, I will also work closely with the RFI professional training staff to solidify my understanding of intermediate tasks and the foundation of future commands to help mitigate a disability. Follow me through this stage learning how I continue to make an impact!
July 2021 - 1 year old!
This month I celebrated my first birthday! My friend gave me this cute bow tie to wear in honor of my special day. I was given extra treats and snuggles, and new toys! Unfortunately Jessa, Bailee and my time together has come to an end. Jessa and I had to say a tough "see you later" as I turned in for formal training. I am excited for the next step in training but will miss our time together! Thanks for everything, Jessa!
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